Buddhists in Nakhon Si Thammarat gathered in joyous reverence at the Hae Pha Khuen That celebration held on Makha Bucha Day at the illustrious Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. This significant event took place in February 2019 and stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Photo: Nujaree Raekrun
In an exhilarating development, five cultural sites across Thailand have been added to a tentative Unesco list of potential new world heritage sites, a government spokesperson announced on Sunday. The latest addition, the fifth in line, is a historic cluster of towns and adjacent areas all connected to the serene and picturesque Songkhla Lake, situated in the southern province of Songkhla.
The approval for Songkhla town clusters arrived during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi on Saturday. This is the very same day Unesco inscribed Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, located in the northeastern province of Udon Thani, as a new World Heritage Site. Chai Watcharong, the government’s spokesperson, detailed this thrilling news.
Now, what exactly is the “tentative” list you ask? Well, it is essentially an inventory of properties that a country aims to nominate to Unesco’s prestigious World Heritage List. It’s worth noting that inclusion on this tentative list doesn’t guarantee world heritage status, but it certainly gets these sites a well-deserved place under the global spotlight.
In addition to the Songkhla town clusters, four other remarkable sites were already basking in the glow of the tentative list. These sites include Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in the culturally rich southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, listed on August 28, 2012. Next on the list is Chiang Mai’s historical and cultural sites, renowned for their incredible beauty and listed on February 9, 2015. Then, we have Wat Phra Tat Phanom, a spiritual jewel in the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom, making its tentative entry on February 2, 2017. Lastly, Phimai and its “cultural route,” along with the associated temples of Phanomroong and Muangtam, joined the list on April 11, 2019.
In a delightful turn of events, Mr. Chai mentioned that the government has graciously waived admission fees to the Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, starting today and lasting until August 12. This is a jubilant celebration marking the country’s fifth Unesco World Heritage site.
“Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin invites the public to offer their heartfelt congratulations and join in the celebration of Phu Phra Bat’s new designation as a World Heritage site. This accomplishment signifies another monumental success in the pursuit of policies aimed at enhancing the country’s cultural competitive edge, alongside conservation and development efforts,” the spokesperson shared enthusiastically.
Adding these sites to the UNESCO list is a great move! It’s about time Thailand’s rich culture gets the recognition it deserves.
I agree, but will this really help preserve the culture or will it just become a tourist trap?
Good point, but tourism can fund preservation efforts if managed well.
If it brings money and awareness, it’s a win-win situation, right?
Watch out for over-commercialization! That could ruin the authenticity of these sites.
Amazing news! Each site on the list is a treasure trove of history and culture.
Let’s just hope locals benefit, not just big corporations.
While the recognition is nice, it’s not without its complexities. UNESCO designation often comes with strict regulations that can limit local practices.
Finally, some global recognition for Songkhla! This will boost local pride and help preserve our heritage.
Yes, but what about the impact on the environment and the local ecosystem?
Fair point. Eco-friendly tourism practices should be implemented.
This smells like a government PR move to distract from other issues.
Even if it is, the end result is still positive for these cultural sites.
Can’t wait to visit these new World Heritage sites! Always excited to explore more of Thailand.
It’s wonderful to see Thailand’s heritage being celebrated. Hopefully, this will encourage more people to learn about and respect these sites.
Does this mean more funding for conservation? Or just more red tape?
Great, another reason for tourists to invade and litter beautiful places.
With proper management, tourism can be a force for good.
That’s a big ‘if’!
I’m excited about the public interest this will generate, but will it actually help locals?
If UNESCO status brings better infrastructure and global interest, it’s a net positive.
Locals need a say in how these sites are managed or it’s all just a charade.
Absolutely! Community involvement is crucial.
Let’s hope the policymakers don’t overlook this.
Maybe locals can offer new insights on sustainable practices.
UNESCO status could either preserve or obliterate cultural practices. Nuanced approaches are needed.
Fantastic news! Highlighted these locations on my travel list.
This is a great step in the right direction. Thailand’s heritage sites have so much to teach us.
Will this lead to ecotourism initiatives or just commercialization?
Only time will tell. Let’s be hopeful!
UNESCO listings often spike real estate prices and investment. That could fundamentally alter these areas.
Living near one of these sites, I just hope the local way of life isn’t disrupted.
The financial incentives could lead to politicized decision-making. Hope that doesn’t compromise the sites’ integrity.
This could be an educational boon for schools in the region.
Will this cause overcrowding? I love visiting less-crowded heritage sites.