Latest news with #LoyKrathong
Time Out
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Thailand puts Loy Krathong up for UNESCO status
Thailand's next cultural moonshot is pushing for the inclusion of the Thai full moon festival, Loy Krathong, on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. With the Thai Cabinet giving the green light this March, official approval from UNESCO is expected to take three to five years. Loy Krathong lands every November with a full moon. People release lotus-shaped banana leaf baskets called krathong, adorned with candles, incense and flowers, before being set afloat in rivers, lakes and canals. But today, krathongs are getting wilder and more varied. Though the vessel is now a personal canvas, the essence of the festival remains sacred. The act honours Buddha and the water goddess Phra Mae Thorani, as well as its core Buddhist message: letting go and starting anew. As the water flows, so do your wishes, carried downstream to new beginnings. Bangkokians usually hit up Asiatique for the full-on firework glow-up or head to Wat Arun and Lumpini Park for something more low-key. Lately though, greener ways to celebrate have popped up. Last year, Chulalongkorn University teamed up with Siam Square for an eco-minded event featuring a 30-metre LED pool mimicking floating krathongs, plus games, food stalls and live acts. This isn't Thailand's first UNESCO rodeo. The country has already secured heritage status for Songkran, traditional Thai massage and the Khon dance drama, among other homegrown cultural delights.
Time Business News
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Cultural Influence on Online Gaming Preferences in Thailand
Culture plays a significant role in shaping the gaming preferences of Thai users. From aesthetics and gameplay to storytelling and character design, Thai gamers gravitate toward content that aligns with their cultural values and tastes. Thai culture places high value on community and social interaction. This is reflected in the popularity of multiplayer games, especially those that promote teamwork and communication. Games like Mobile Legends and Free Fire are widely played not just for competition but for their social experience. Language accessibility is also crucial. Games with Thai language options and culturally relevant dialogue are more likely to succeed. Localization goes beyond simple translation—it includes adapting jokes, symbols, and gameplay mechanics to suit Thai sensibilities. Festivals and local holidays often influence game content. Developers sometimes introduce special in-game events during Songkran or Loy Krathong, offering themed items and challenges. This strengthens the emotional connection between the game and its audience. Top Platforms Platforms like bjwin understand the importance of cultural relevance and offer games that reflect the preferences of Thai users, ensuring both enjoyment and engagement. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Korea Herald
22-04-2025
- Korea Herald
Unlocking Thailand's Festival Potential: Boosting Tourism through Songkran and Loy Krathong
BANGKOK, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thailand's globally renowned festivals, Songkran and Loy Krathong, possess immense cultural and tourism potential—yet remain underleveraged in driving international travel. Despite high levels of global awareness, participation remains low due to concerns over safety, festival management, and infrastructure. A recent study by Sasin Management Consulting (SMC), Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University reveals that only a fraction of international tourists visits Thailand specifically for these celebrations. To transform Songkran and Loy Krathong into world-class attractions, Thailand must enhance safety, improve infrastructure, and integrate deeper cultural storytelling with engaging experiences—positioning its festivals not just as spectacles, but as meaningful, must-see global events. Thailand's world-renowned cultural festivals—Songkran and Loy Krathong—are celebrated for their unique charm, spiritual depth, and vibrant traditions. Whether it's the exhilarating water fights of Songkran or the serene beauty of floating krathongs under the moonlight, these iconic events captivate global attention. Yet, despite their popularity, these festivals remain an underutilized asset in driving international tourism. High Awareness, Low Participation According to recent research conducted by Sasin Management Consulting (SMC), there's a significant gap between awareness and actual visitation. The survey of 2,200 potential international tourists showed that while 75% were aware of Songkran, only 20% had traveled to Thailand to experience it firsthand. A similar trend appeared for Loy Krathong, with over 50% aware of the festival, yet only 16% had visited during the celebration. Tourism data from 2018, 2019, and 2024 (excluding pandemic-impacted years) further supports this trend, showing no significant spike in arrivals during the festival months of April (Songkran) or November (Loy Krathong). Among tourists who did visit during these times, only one-third came specifically for the festivals; the majority were motivated by general interest in Thailand as a destination. What's Holding Tourists Back? The study highlights several key deterrents affecting international participation in Thai cultural events: These issues create a disconnect between what tourists' value—safety, convenience, cultural authenticity—and what Thai festivals currently offer. Bridging the Gap: Culture & Entertainment Thailand's cultural festivals are undeniably entertaining, but their deeper meaning and traditions often remain underrepresented in the global tourism narrative. While Songkran's joyful water fights are widely recognized, its Buddhist origins and cultural symbolism are rarely emphasized abroad. Yet the appetite for cultural experiences is strong. In fact, 70% of respondents praised Thailand's rich cultural value. This suggests an opportunity to reposition Thai festivals by integrating both entertainment and cultural depth, making them more meaningful for a broader spectrum of tourists. Turning Festivals into World-Class Attractions To fully capitalize on the tourism potential of Songkran and Loy Krathong, Thailand must: The Road Ahead Songkran and Loy Krathong have the potential to be more than just beautiful cultural snapshots—they can become flagship events that draw millions of visitors, similar to Brazil's Carnival or Japan's Cherry Blossom season. By addressing current gaps and reimagining the festival experience, Thailand can transform its beloved traditions into world-class tourism magnets. To learn more about this recent study by Sasin Management Consulting (SMC), please visit: About Chulalongkorn University Chulalongkorn University has made the world's top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
Unlocking Thailand's Festival Potential: Boosting Tourism through Songkran and Loy Krathong
BANGKOK, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thailand's globally renowned festivals, Songkran and Loy Krathong, possess immense cultural and tourism potential—yet remain underleveraged in driving international travel. Despite high levels of global awareness, participation remains low due to concerns over safety, festival management, and infrastructure. A recent study by Sasin Management Consulting (SMC), Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University reveals that only a fraction of international tourists visits Thailand specifically for these celebrations. To transform Songkran and Loy Krathong into world-class attractions, Thailand must enhance safety, improve infrastructure, and integrate deeper cultural storytelling with engaging experiences—positioning its festivals not just as spectacles, but as meaningful, must-see global events. Thailand's world-renowned cultural festivals—Songkran and Loy Krathong—are celebrated for their unique charm, spiritual depth, and vibrant traditions. Whether it's the exhilarating water fights of Songkran or the serene beauty of floating krathongs under the moonlight, these iconic events captivate global attention. Yet, despite their popularity, these festivals remain an underutilized asset in driving international tourism. High Awareness, Low Participation According to recent research conducted by Sasin Management Consulting (SMC), there's a significant gap between awareness and actual visitation. The survey of 2,200 potential international tourists showed that while 75% were aware of Songkran, only 20% had traveled to Thailand to experience it firsthand. A similar trend appeared for Loy Krathong, with over 50% aware of the festival, yet only 16% had visited during the celebration. Tourism data from 2018, 2019, and 2024 (excluding pandemic-impacted years) further supports this trend, showing no significant spike in arrivals during the festival months of April (Songkran) or November (Loy Krathong). Among tourists who did visit during these times, only one-third came specifically for the festivals; the majority were motivated by general interest in Thailand as a destination. What's Holding Tourists Back? The study highlights several key deterrents affecting international participation in Thai cultural events: Safety and Security: Cited by 24% of respondents as a concern, particularly regarding large public gatherings. Lack of Festival Awareness: Nearly a quarter of respondents simply didn't know enough about the festivals to prioritize them. Poor Festival Management: Tourists expressed dissatisfaction with the organization, crowd control, and accessibility of festival events. Inadequate Infrastructure: 13% pointed to subpar facilities not meeting international expectations. These issues create a disconnect between what tourists' value—safety, convenience, cultural authenticity—and what Thai festivals currently offer. Bridging the Gap: Culture & Entertainment Thailand's cultural festivals are undeniably entertaining, but their deeper meaning and traditions often remain underrepresented in the global tourism narrative. While Songkran's joyful water fights are widely recognized, its Buddhist origins and cultural symbolism are rarely emphasized abroad. Yet the appetite for cultural experiences is strong. In fact, 70% of respondents praised Thailand's rich cultural value. This suggests an opportunity to reposition Thai festivals by integrating both entertainment and cultural depth, making them more meaningful for a broader spectrum of tourists. Turning Festivals into World-Class Attractions To fully capitalize on the tourism potential of Songkran and Loy Krathong, Thailand must: Improve Festival Infrastructure– Ensure facilities, transportation, and public amenities meet global standards. Enhance Safety and Security – Increase visible safety measures and provide clear guidelines for tourists. Strengthen Festival Management – Develop more organized, accessible, and tourist-friendly festival experiences. Promote Cultural Storytelling – Highlight the historical and spiritual roots of each festival through international campaigns. Blend Culture with Experience – Create immersive cultural programs that enrich the entertainment value of the festivals. The Road Ahead Songkran and Loy Krathong have the potential to be more than just beautiful cultural snapshots—they can become flagship events that draw millions of visitors, similar to Brazil's Carnival or Japan's Cherry Blossom season. By addressing current gaps and reimagining the festival experience, Thailand can transform its beloved traditions into world-class tourism magnets. To learn more about this recent study by Sasin Management Consulting (SMC), please visit: About Chulalongkorn University Chulalongkorn University has made the world's top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year. Social Media: Facebook: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Chulalongkorn University Sign in to access your portfolio
