Thailand Bids for Nakhon Si Thammarat Temple UNESCO Heritage Status
Thailand is pushing to add Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat to UNESCO's World Heritage list during the committee's session in South Korea this month. If approved, it would become Thailand's sixth cultural heritage sit
Thailand is vying to add Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn to UNESCO's World Heritage list at the 48th World Heritage Committee session, combining cultural preservation with sustainable area development. The 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee opened formally on July 19, 2025, in Busan, South Korea, running through July 29, with representatives from 196 member states, UNESCO, advisory bodies, observers, and global stakeholders assembled to review major items under the World Heritage Convention, including new nominations, conservation status reviews, and international cooperation frameworks.
Thailand's delegation, headed by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Choomklin, includes Dr. Ravivarn Phuridet, Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, Bannaruks Soemtong, Secretary-General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, and officials from relevant agencies working to advance Thailand's key agenda item.
Thailand's primary focus is securing World Heritage Cultural status for Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, with the World Heritage Committee scheduled to review the nomination between July 24–26, 2025. If approved, it would become Thailand's sixth cultural heritage site and ninth overall World Heritage property, reflecting international recognition of Thai cultural heritage.
The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, serving as Thailand's focal point for the World Heritage Convention, has coordinated with the Ministry of Culture, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, and other agencies to prepare a comprehensive nomination including academic documentation, protection measures, management plans, and consultation with UNESCO's World Heritage Centre and advisory bodies to meet international standards.
Thailand's participation demonstrates the government's commitment to its World Heritage Convention obligations and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry's role in advancing national heritage conservation policy. The government aims to secure successful registration of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn as a new World Heritage site, advancing cultural preservation alongside balanced, sustainable regional development for present and future generations.
