Thailand’s Si Thep historical park, in the northern province of Phetchabun, has been recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site at the World Heritage Committee’s 45th extended session in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today (Tuesday).

“The World Heritage Committee’s decision is a major source of pride for Thailand and its people and will serve as an incentive for people to protect and conserve their cultural heritage, as well as other natural resources in Thailand, which will help promote tourism and economic development,” Natural Resources and Environment minister Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan told a news conference at the National Museum this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich said that the recognition of Si Thep will bring the number of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites in Thailand to four. The other three are Ayutthaya, Sukhothai and Ban Chiang in the northeastern province of Udon Thani.

His ministry will now propose the Phu Phra Bat historical park in Udon Thani to the World Heritage Committee for consideration next year.

Si Thep historical park consists of Si Thep ancient city and the Khao Khlang Nok and Khao Thamoorat archaeological sites.

The ancient city is believed to have been built around 1,700 years ago, with cultural influences from India, as manifested in the dredging of the city’s moats and construction of the city walls, as well as the planning of the inner and outer cities.

It is located in Si Thep sub-district, Si Thep district, on an area of over 462 hectares.