Songkran is an important Thai cultural heritage that reflects Thai identity, way of life, and social values, particularly gratitude, respect for elders, and intergenerational relationships. The Faculty of Political Science and Law, Burapha University, therefore organized the Thai Cultural Heritage Preservation Project: “Songkran Festival Tradition 2026” to preserve and pass on the traditions of water-pouring ceremonies, Buddha image bathing, and expressions of respect toward university executives, former administrators, senior faculty members, staff, and students. The project aligns with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, particularly Target 11.4, which emphasizes strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard cultural and natural heritage, while promoting the university community as a sustainable cultural learning space.
The aims:
1.To preserve, promote, and pass on Thai arts and culture, particularly Songkran traditions, Buddha image bathing, and the water-pouring ceremony, to younger generations in a concrete manner.
2.To encourage students, staff, and participants to recognize the values of gratitude, respect for elders, and positive relationships within the university community.
3.To support the implementation of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through the protection, safeguarding, and transmission of Thai cultural heritage within a higher education institution.
The project was held on 23 April 2026 at the Multipurpose Room, 1st Floor, Faculty of Political Science and Law Building 1, Burapha University. A total of 114 participants attended the event, including university executives, faculty administrators, former administrators, faculty board members, lecturers, staff, and students. The activities included registration, changing the robe of Phra Phairi Phinat, bathing the faculty’s Buddha image, an opening and welcoming speech by the Dean, the water-pouring ceremony for university executives, former administrators, and senior faculty members, blessing remarks, souvenir presentation, and group photography. The overall implementation emphasized respect, intergenerational bonds, and collective participation in preserving Thai cultural heritage within the university community.
The project created positive impacts on the preservation and transmission of Thai cultural heritage within the university community. Participants took part in cultural activities that reflected gratitude, respect for elders, and intergenerational relationships. The project also strengthened pride in Thai identity and enhanced bonds among university executives, faculty members, staff, students, and former personnel of the faculty. In addition, the project contributed to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, particularly Target 11.4, by reinforcing the role of higher education institutions in protecting, safeguarding, and transmitting cultural heritage for sustainable communities.
Event Date: 23 April 2026
Project Leader: Mr.Touch Khanthaprasit
