Phanomphut Chantrachot, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, revealed on 24 July that during the 48th ordinary session of the World Heritage Committee in the afternoon of 25 July in Busan, South Korea, there will be a consideration agenda to nominate Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat for World Heritage status. The Fine Arts Department, together with Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and its residents, is preparing to celebrate the successful registration as Thailand's 9th World Heritage Site. This will be the 6th cultural heritage site recognized for its historical significance and as a spiritual center of Buddhist faith in the region, and the first World Heritage Site located in the southern part of the country.
"Within the temple grounds, a large projector screen will be installed for the public to closely watch the live broadcast of the announcement. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is expected to represent the government as the honorary chairman of the grand celebration alongside all sectors of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The temple will host activities including almsgiving to monks, chanting ceremonies, a collective Nora dance worshipping the relic, and a light and sound show in front of the Phra Viharn Luang," said the Director-General of the Fine Arts Department.
Phanomphut added that the Fine Arts Department will inaugurate a permanent exhibition titled 'The Great Relic of Nakhon Si Thammarat' at the National Museum of Nakhon Si Thammarat to formally celebrate the World Heritage registration and honor the 100th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on 5 December 2027. The opening day is 26 July.
"The exhibition aims to educate the public and interested visitors about all aspects of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, presenting stories about this important Buddhist site in Nakhon Si Thammarat through artifacts, art objects, ancient documents, and contemporary learning media. It features over 100 valuable items, including archaeological finds from major excavations in 2009 and 2016, loaned for display using advanced technology that connects and highlights the historical significance. Topics include the Buddha’s relics in Thailand, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, legends of the construction of the great stupa in Nakhon Si Thammarat, the site's location and planning hypotheses, land and building donations to the temple, and archaeological operations. Visitors are invited to attend this free celebratory exhibition," said Phanomphut.