Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple in Thailand’s Nakhon Si Thammarat has officially been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming Thailand's ninth World Heritage site and the first in southern Thailand.
The listing was approved during the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held today at South Korea’s Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre (BEXCO).
Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin said that “The listing aligns with government policies to preserve and elevate Thailand's natural and cultural heritage to international acclaim.”
The temple was designated under Criteria II and VI, making it Thailand's sixth Cultural World Heritage site, its ninth World Heritage site overall and the very first located in Southern Thailand.
Suchart noted that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, led by Permanent Secretary Raweewan Bhuridej, worked closely with all relevant agencies to support the Thai delegation in presenting technical data to the World Heritage Committee.
“The ancient temple was recognised for its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), reflecting spiritual and religious diversity,” he said.
He also explained that its architectural and artistic elements demonstrate influences that have connected people across maritime Asia for over 1,500 years.
As head of the Thai delegation, Suchart expressed his gratitude to the World Heritage Committee, the World Heritage Centre, advisory bodies and member states.
He restated Thailand’s commitment to conserving cultural heritage for all humanity and offered an assurance that the government will fully implement the committee’s recommendations to maintain the site’s universal value.
He extended his congratulations to the Thai public, particularly the residents of Nakhon Si Thammarat, calling the achievement a source of national pride and a shared responsibility to safeguard for future generations.
Furthermore, Suchart instructed Dr. Raweewan to coordinate with the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), the Ministry of Culture, provincial authorities and international partners to raise site management to UNESCO standards, balance sustainable tourism with community participation and ensure that the temple remains a vibrant living heritage site.
