Phra Nakhon Khiri eyes UNESCO Heritage status

The bid to elevate Phra Nakhon Khiri National Historical Park, also known as Khao Wang, to the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is underway, as confirmed by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol.

In a recent Cabinet meeting held on location in Phetchaburi, she disclosed that the Fine Arts Department is tasked with assessing the 165-year-old historical site’s eligibility for inclusion on UNESCO’s tentative list.

Constructed during King Rama IV’s reign, the Phra Nakhon Khiri complex, perched atop a hill, was once a royal summer retreat. The site presents a harmonious blend of neoclassical and Chinese architectural styles across its palace, temple, and additional structures.

Known as Mueang Sam Wang or the City of the Three Palaces, Phra Nakhon Khiri is part of a trio of palaces within Phetchaburi, alongside Phraram Rajanivet Palace and Mrigadayavan Palace, said Phanombut Chantarachot, the Fine Arts Department’s director-general.

“Khao Wang has great potential and outstanding historical value that meet the criteria of being a world heritage site.”

Phanombut noted the site’s cultural significance, encompassing Eastern and Western influences, and its popularity among tourists, which draws over 200,000 visitors and generates upwards of 15 million baht (US$410,000) each year.

Phanombut anticipates that preliminary findings from the feasibility study will soon reach the Cabinet for further inspection. Meanwhile, Sudawan has been touring other cultural landmarks, such as the Thai Song Dam ethnic community and the Ban Tham Rong community, where she highlighted a newly approved draft act designed to safeguard ethnic customs.

Pointing to the rich cultural fabric of Phetchaburi, Sudawan emphasised the government’s commitment to harnessing Thailand’s soft power. She called for the Fine Arts Department to sustain high conservation standards for the nation’s historical treasures and to devise strategies that can support tourism without compromising their integrity, reported Bangkok Post.

“The ministry will work on preparing other historical sites in other regions for UNESCO’s consideration.”

Sudawan added that Chiang Mai City was also being readied for potential UNESCO recognition. The move underlines Thailand’s dedication to preserving and celebrating its diverse cultural heritage on the global stage.