The Cabinet, during its meeting on 28 March 2023, acknowledged guidelines for preserving Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year festival, and for promoting it internationally.

The guidelines, proposed by the Ministry of Culture, involve public relations campaigns to make the Songkran festival better known, following Thailand’s proposal for this festival to be included on the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will consider the inscription of Songkran and other new elements as Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2023.

Under the guidelines, the public and private sectors, as well as the general public, are encouraged to organize Songkran celebrations, with an emphasis on preserving the value of this cultural event and making it better known among foreigners.

Various provinces are urged to arrange cultural and religious activities in celebrating the Songkran festival, and campaigns should be launched to encourage the people to wear traditional Thai costumes, or Thai fabric, when joining the celebrations. Law enforcement must also be strictly applied to ensure the safety of Songkran celebrants and tourists.

As Thailand has proposed that Songkran be included on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the public and private sectors, as well as the general public, are also urged to exchange knowledge and experience in this festival at local, national, and international levels.

Each year, many foreigners join Thai people in celebrating Songkran, which features colorful cultural programs in various parts of the country. Often referred to as the "Water Festival” among foreigners, Songkran is officially observed as a three-day national holiday from 13 to 15 April, although celebrations may cover a whole week or more in some areas. It is also regarded as the most important festival in the Thai calendar.