Khon Kaen Geopark Passes UNESCO Evaluation for Global Status
Khon Kaen Geopark passed UNESCO council review, advancing to the Executive Board for April
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin revealed the positive news from the 11th UNESCO Global Geoparks Council Meeting, which approved Khon Kaen Geopark for nomination as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The proposal now moves to the UNESCO Executive Board for formal endorsement in April 2027. If approved, Thailand will have three UNESCO Global Geoparks, joining Satun and Korat. Suchat credited the success to multi-sector cooperation, particularly the Khon Kaen PAO's continuous management support and the Department of Mineral Resources' academic, conservation, and international-standard development assistance. UNESCO commended the geopark's independent management structure backed by the PAO. Thailand's Deputy Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Jitruda Chantayam, expressed gratitude to the council. Suchat called it a significant step in elevating Thailand's geological heritage — especially Khon Kaen's dinosaur fossils and valuable geological resources — to the global stage, creating tourism opportunities, community income, and sustainable local economic development.
