BANGKOK, Thailand – Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin met with UNESCO Director-General Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz to enhance cooperation on world heritage, marine science, geoparks, and sustainable tourism. The meeting, which took place during the UNESCO chief’s official visit to Thailand, aims to support Thailand’s efforts to nominate new UNESCO World Heritage sites.
During the meeting, the Minister affirmed Thailand’s readiness to lead regional marine science collaborations focused on biodiversity research, coastal ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation. He highlighted marine conservation projects under the royal guidance of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya that promote youth engagement in ocean stewardship and zero-waste management.
The Minister also requested UNESCO’s support to elevate Khon Kaen Geopark and Ubon Ratchathani Geopark to UNESCO Global Geopark status, building on the success of Satun and Khorat geoparks.
To support the government’s high-value tourism policy, Thailand enforces strict environmental regulations, including seasonal closures of marine national parks in the Andaman Sea to allow ecosystems to recover.
Permanent Secretary Raweewan Bhuridej reported that Thailand hosts eight World Heritage sites. The government is preparing to nominate Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan for World Heritage status at the 48th World Heritage Committee session in the Republic of Korea. Additionally, the monuments and cultural landscape of Chiang Mai, the capital of Lanna, will undergo a technical evaluation for consideration in 2027. The Permanent Secretary noted Thailand’s four previous terms on the World Heritage Committee as evidence of its sustained international commitment.
The Thai delegation emphasized its strict adherence to Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) to ensure balanced development, which includes adjusting plans for the high-speed rail project near the Historic City of Ayutthaya to protect the site’s cultural landscape. (NNT)
