Her Excellency Mrs. Ureerat Chareontoh underscores the importance of the Loy Krathong tradition and the role of Thai communities abroad during the festival at the National University of Singapore.
On 20 October 2024, Her Excellency Mrs. Ureerat Chareontoh, Ambassador of Thailand to Singapore, delivered the opening remarks at the 2024 Loy Krathong Festival, held at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Organised by the Department of Thai Language at NUS, the festival celebrated one of Thailand’s most cherished cultural traditions.
In her speech, Ambassador Ureerat Chareontoh highlighted the deep cultural significance of Loy Krathong, which symbolises gratitude, renewal, and hope. She also emphasised the crucial role that Thai communities abroad play in preserving and passing on this long-standing tradition. “Loy Krathong reflects unity and pride in Thai culture,” the Ambassador remarked, “and it is our collective responsibility to maintain this heritage and ensure it is passed on to future generations.”
Loy Krathong, officially recognised as a “National Cultural Heritage” in Thailand in 2011, is a centuries-old festival where people float decorated baskets, or krathongs, on rivers and lakes to honour the water goddess and seek forgiveness for past misdeeds. The Thai government is currently in the process of nominating the Loy Krathong festival for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, further highlighting its importance on a global scale.
This year’s festival in Singapore brought together Thai nationals, students, and local communities, all participating in the traditional krathong floating ceremony, cultural performances, and other activities celebrating Thai heritage.
Source: Royal Thai Embassy
