Thailand has maintained UNESCO conservation standards for its World Heritage sites, with no sites in danger. Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan awaits nomination, potentially becoming the country’s sixth cultural site.
Key Points
- Thailand remains compliant with UNESCO standards for its World Heritage properties, with no sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger, as confirmed by the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee.
- The country awaits a decision on the nomination of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, which could become its sixth cultural World Heritage site, enhancing its standing in southern Thailand.
- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment emphasizes ongoing collaboration for site conservation, highlighting the importance of continued management, community engagement, and the potential consequences of losing a site’s Outstanding Universal Value.
Thailand has continued to meet UNESCO standards for the conservation and management of its World Heritage properties, with none placed or proposed for inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger. The outcome, announced during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee on July 21-22, indicates that the country remains in line with its obligations under the World Heritage Convention.
Thailand is also awaiting a decision in three days on the nomination of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat province for inscription on the World Heritage List. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said approval would make the temple Thailand’s sixth cultural World Heritage property, the country’s ninth World Heritage site overall, and the first in southern Thailand. He added that authorities had completed all required documentation through close coordination with UNESCO.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment credited continued cooperation among responsible agencies for maintaining conservation standards across the country’s World Heritage sites. The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning continues to coordinate site monitoring, conservation, threat assessments, management, and regular evaluations to preserve the Outstanding Universal Value of each property.
The ministry stated that inscription on the World Heritage List carries an ongoing responsibility to protect and manage each site through conservation, tourism management, disaster preparedness, community participation, and regular reporting. The agency noted, however, that properties can be placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger or removed from the World Heritage List if their Outstanding Universal Value is permanently lost.
Source : Thailand Continues to Uphold UNESCO World Heritage Standards
