BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister of Culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol has visited Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan in Nakhon Phanom province to advance preparations for the site’s nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Wat Phra That Phanom, one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist sites in northeastern Thailand, was included in Thailand’s Tentative List for UNESCO recognition in 2017.
During her visit, the minister paid homage at the temple, participated in the ceremonial wrapping of the Phra That Phanom stupa with a sacred cloth, and toured exhibitions showcasing the legend of the Urangkhathat Relic, the Boon Duean Sam festival, and the province’s cultural tourism routes. Sudawan also reviewed development plans to promote the temple as a hub for cultural learning and tourism.
Required steps toward the nomination include creating a master plan that covers both the main stupa complex and its surrounding buffer zones to meet UNESCO’s criteria. Discussions were held with local stakeholders to ensure that the master plan supports both preservation efforts and sustainable tourism management.
A committee has been established to promote Wat Phra That Phanom’s UNESCO nomination, with the Fine Arts Department appointing experts to serve on an advisory board. These specialists will assist in preparing the necessary documentation and in aligning the site’s management practices with international heritage standards. (NNT)
