"Sabida" visited Chiang Mai to check the readiness of the "Lanna Capital" as it advances its UNESCO World Heritage registration ahead of the ICOMOS technical evaluation scheduled for early August 2026.
On 18 July 2026, Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture, visited Chiang Mai province to monitor progress and readiness for the nomination of the cultural heritage site "Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscape of Chiang Mai, Capital of Lanna." She inspected areas proposed for UNESCO World Cultural Heritage registration, including Tha Phae Gate, Chang Phueak Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, Suan Dok Gate, and various historic quarters such as Chang Phueak, Suan Dok, and Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan and Wat Chiang Man. This visit was to prepare for the upcoming technical evaluation mission by ICOMOS from 3-8 August 2026.
The visit included Mr. Prasop Riangngern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture; Mr. Ratphon Naradisorn, Governor of Chiang Mai; Ms. Khanittha Chotikavanich; Mr. Chinnawut Wilayalai, Deputy Director-General of the Fine Arts Department; Mr. Pojanart Panyasilp, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs; Mr. Issara Riutrakulpaiboon, Deputy Director of the Office of Contemporary Arts and Culture; along with other Ministry of Culture executives and relevant government officials.
Ms. Sabida said the visit aimed to review the readiness of all agencies regarding conservation, area management, information presentation, and integrated cooperation in all aspects before experts from ICOMOS, the advisory body to the World Heritage Committee, conduct their technical evaluation in early August. This evaluation is a crucial step in the World Heritage registration process.
Ms. Sabida added that the nomination process for the site "Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscape of Chiang Mai, Capital of Lanna" has made continuous progress following the Cabinet's approval of the nomination dossier on 13 January 2026. Thailand officially submitted the nomination dossier to the World Heritage Centre in Paris, France, on 1 February 2026. The dossier is currently under evaluation by the advisory body to the World Heritage Committee, with the expectation of consideration by the World Heritage Committee at its annual session in 2027.
This heritage site has been listed on UNESCO's Tentative List since 2015. Chiang Mai province assigned the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization to prepare the nomination documents, which passed through reviews by the Subcommittee on Cultural World Heritage, the National Committee on World Heritage Conventions, and the Cabinet, leading to the official submission. The nomination highlights two Outstanding Universal Value criteria: (ii) Chiang Mai's political development reflecting Buddhist influences exchanged with other kingdoms, and (iii) Chiang Mai city and its architecture representing the Lanna civilization during the 13th to 16th centuries.
Ms. Sabida further explained that the nominated area includes three main groups: 1. The city walls, moats, and city gates group, consisting of five gates—Chang Phueak Gate, Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, Suan Phrung Gate, and Suan Dok Gate—and four quarters: Sriphum, Ka Tam, Ku Huang, and Hua Lin, along with important ancient sites such as Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Suan Dok; 2. The group including Wat Umong, Suan Phuttha Tham, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep; and 3. The Wat Chedi Luang group. Together, these reflect the historical, religious, artistic, urban planning, and cultural landscape development of the Lanna Kingdom distinctly.
Following the field evaluation, ICOMOS will hold meetings to discuss and inquire further with the Thai authorities, review supporting documents, and prepare a report with recommendations for the World Heritage Committee. Thailand will need to respond to inquiries and submit additional information within set timelines before the Committee's annual session in mid-2027, likely between June and July.
The Ministry of Culture, through the Fine Arts Department and the Fine Arts Office Region 7 in Chiang Mai, is ready to support and advise Chiang Mai province, the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization, as well as government agencies, academia, civil society, and all sectors in managing the site according to World Heritage Convention standards.
"Promoting Chiang Mai, the Lanna Capital, as a World Heritage site is not merely about nominating ancient monuments, but about affirming the significance of the Lanna civilization for humanity. It fosters pride among Thai people, advances sustainable cultural heritage conservation, and elevates Thailand's standing on the global cultural stage." Ms. Sabida concluded.
