Thailand Upholds UNESCO World Heritage Standards; Temple Nominated

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 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