BANGKOK, Thailand – Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin described the inscription of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a major cultural achievement for Thailand and a source of pride for people nationwide. The Minister stated that the successful listing resulted from efforts across five government administrations since 2019. The application process required comprehensive documentation, including cataloging and photographing 32,000 artifacts from the 1,500-year-old temple, to meet UNESCO’s evaluation standards.
Minister Suchart and Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised represented Thailand at the World Heritage Committee meeting alongside other officials. He said Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had given priority to the nomination and appointed him to join the Thai delegation. The Minister affirmed that Thailand will next pursue World Heritage status for seven major Thai temples, as well as the moat and city walls of Chiang Mai, totaling eight cultural sites. The Minister noted that this nomination is similar to the heritage area of Luang Prabang in the Lao PDR.
Officials are scheduled to inspect the Chiang Mai sites soon. Preparations will require supporting documentation and collaboration with local communities, following the unified approach demonstrated by residents and leaders in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The Minister emphasized that the World Heritage status will provide long-term benefits by boosting international tourism especially during major religious holidays. (NNT)
