Bangkok: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is intensifying efforts for Chiang Mai's nomination as a World Heritage site, highlighting the urgency due to Thailand's limited World Heritage designations. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment engaged in discussions with the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, aiming to accelerate the process to have "Chiang Mai: The Capital of Lanna" recognized as a World Heritage Site. UNESCO experts are slated to visit in early August for an evaluation of the site's readiness.
According to Thai News Agency, the Minister emphasized that Thailand currently has no World Heritage Sites listed as in danger, and a draft preliminary assessment for "Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahaviharn" has been submitted to the World Heritage Centre for consideration. Mr. Suchart Chomklin, the Minister, led the Thai delegation at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea. He was joined by key officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and other relevant departments to meet Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director-General of the World Heritage Centre. The Thai government has tasked the Ministry with managing World Heritage sites to international standards, focusing on conservation, development, and improving local quality of life.
Mr. Suchart expressed gratitude to the World Heritage Centre for its support, which facilitated the registration of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province as a new World Heritage Site. This achievement aims to bolster cultural and religious stability, foster national pride, and boost tourism-driven economic benefits for local communities.
The Thai delegation reiterated its commitment to advancing the nomination of "Chiang Mai: The Capital of Lanna" by adhering strictly to UNESCO's criteria and guidelines. The anticipated UNESCO visit in August will be crucial for assessing the site's readiness and providing feedback for the nomination process.
Regarding the Dong Phaya Yen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, Mr. Suchart informed UNESCO that Thailand is implementing recommendations to maintain its universal value. Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo praised Thailand's understanding of the nomination process and invited the country to share its expertise globally. Mr. Suchart confirmed Thailand's willingness to collaborate internationally to enhance World Heritage conservation efforts.
Mr. Suchart also noted that no Thai World Heritage sites were considered for the List of World Heritage in Danger, reflecting effective conservation and management in line with World Heritage Convention obligations. Thailand's recent submission of the draft Preliminary Assessment for "Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahaviharn" is part of ongoing efforts to prepare a final nomination dossier.
The Minister emphasized that World Heritage inscription marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to preservation. Thailand plans to manage its World Heritage Sites comprehensively, focusing on conservation, land use, tourism, disaster risk management, community involvement, and continuous status monitoring to uphold their universal value for future generations.