The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrates "Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan" in Nakhon Si Thammarat has been named Thailand’s new cultural World Heritage site, launching the "12 Auspicious Mysteries" campaign to attract faith-based tourists worldwide.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has welcomed the decision of the World Heritage Committee to promote "Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat" which was recently officially inscribed as Thailand’s new cultural World Heritage site. They are preparing to stimulate the economy and global cultural tourism to attract spending from faith and spiritual travelers around the world.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibul, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), revealed that the inscription of “Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat” as a cultural World Heritage site marks another important chapter in Thailand’s history. It was registered under the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) criteria based on the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) recommendation at the 48th World Heritage Committee meeting from 19–29 July 2026 in Busan, South Korea. This success begins the preservation of heritage spanning over 1,250 years and invites people worldwide to experience this city of Buddhism, history, and culture.
The World Heritage inscription will drive Nakhon Si Thammarat’s elevation as a global cultural tourism destination and economic booster. TAT plans to promote tourism through the “12 Auspicious Mysteries of the World Heritage City” campaign under the concept “Travel 12 Months, Visit the World Heritage Pagoda: Decode 12 Auspicious Mysteries, Experience a Living World Heritage.” This aims to unlock ancestral wisdom through world-class architecture, spiritual riddles, and faith stories hidden throughout the royal temple in every season and month.
To celebrate this historic occasion, TAT has collaborated with Nakhon Si Thammarat province and related agencies to organize various events to boost local tourism, including:
Photo booth activities (25–30 July 2026) at the Bodhi Tree Zone and Sand Kaew Plaza in front of the souvenir shop, where tourists can register to record this historic moment and receive Polaroid pictures and digital files as keepsakes.
Cultural performances (26–27 July 2026) showcasing local arts such as Nora and Khon dances (also UNESCO-registered), almsgiving, chanting, monk ordination ceremonies, meditation sessions, and educational exhibitions.
All activities communicate the historical, religious, artistic, and cultural significance and wisdom of Wat Phra Mahathat, reflecting its image as a “living World Heritage.” Participation is free, and further information is available at TAT’s Nakhon Si Thammarat office.
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