Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat is poised to become Thailand's 9th World Heritage Site. The government is advancing cultural capital onto the global stage, creating opportunities for tourism and the southern community economy.
On 22 June 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwivatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, places great importance on conserving, restoring, and building upon the country's natural and cultural capital. This aims to instill pride among Thai people while promoting soft power and quality tourism internationally. Recently, Thailand anticipates positive news from the 48th Ordinary Session of the World Heritage Committee meeting, held from 19–29 July 2026 in Busan, Republic of Korea, where the nomination of "Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat" will be considered for registration as a cultural World Heritage Site between 24–26 July 2026.
The Deputy Spokesperson stated that Mr. Suchat Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, reported progress that the advisory organization of the World Heritage Committee has recommended registering Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan as a World Heritage Site. They recognized its outstanding value as a site reflecting religious diversity, beliefs, and spirituality continuously preserved for over 1,500 years, and as a center for disseminating significant religious and cultural influences across the maritime Asia region.
This progress results from over 10 years of collaborative efforts by all sectors. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, through the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office, the Nakhon Si Thammarat provincial government, and related agencies, have continuously conducted academic work, conservation, and area management following international standards, leading to international-level consideration.
Ms. Lalida said that if Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is registered, it will become Thailand's 9th World Heritage Site, the country's 6th cultural World Heritage Site, and the first cultural World Heritage Site in the southern region. Beyond national pride, this will elevate tourism potential in Nakhon Si Thammarat and the south, generate community income, increase economic opportunities, and promote the conservation of cultural heritage alongside sustainable development.
“The government aims to promote Thailand's cultural capital for global recognition while creating economic value and improving the quality of life for local people, ensuring that the nation's valuable heritage can be sustainably passed on to future generations.”