Thailand Celebrates Wat Phra Mahathat Worommahaviharn Named UNESCO World Heritage Site
Thailand's historic Wat Phra Mahathat Worommahaviharn temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat became the country's ninth UNESCO World Heritage Site following approval at the committee's session in Busan, South Korea. The 1,500-year-old temple is the
Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin revealed Thailand's historic success on July 25, 2569 (2026) following the UNESCO World Heritage Committee's 48th session in Busan, South Korea, which approved Wat Phra Mahathat Worommahaviharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a cultural world heritage site. The temple is Thailand's ninth world heritage site and the first in the southern region. Chomklin stated that the achievement resulted from coordinated efforts across all sectors, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment working closely with the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning under the oversight of Permanent Secretary Dr. Raviwaan Puridej.
The temple earned world heritage status due to its outstanding universal value as a site reflecting religious and spiritual diversity spanning over 1,500 years, showcasing influences on art and religion that connected people throughout Southeast Asia. The site represents an active center of traditions and cultural practices that uniquely blend indigenous beliefs with religious teachings. Chomklin, heading Thailand's delegation, thanked the World Heritage Committee and all supporting nations, reaffirming Thailand's commitment to conserving this cultural heritage as humanity's shared legacy and implementing recommendations from the committee.
Cholklin congratulated all Thai citizens, especially Nakhon Si Thammarat residents, calling the designation a success for all Thailand and a shared responsibility for present and future generations. He assigned Permanent Secretary Dr. Raviwaan Puridej to coordinate with the Culture Ministry, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, and relevant agencies domestically and internationally to elevate management standards to UNESCO specifications while preserving the site's outstanding universal value.
