Niphon expressed gratitude to the World Heritage Committee for approving the submission of the Preliminary Assessment (PA) document for “Songkhla and the Lakeside Communities,” advancing it toward World Heritage status, emphasizing continuous promotion since 2014.
On 11 September 2026, Niphon Boonyamanee, former Deputy Minister of Interior and former Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization chief, thanked the National Committee on the World Heritage Convention for approving the draft document requesting the Preliminary Assessment (PA) for the cultural heritage site “Songkhla and the communities connected to Songkhla Lake.” He tasked the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning to expedite submission of the document to the World Heritage Center by the 15 September 2026 deadline.
The resolution occurred during the 2/2026 meeting of the National Committee on the World Heritage Convention on 10 September 2026, chaired by Dr. Raweewan Puridej, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, acting on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchat Chomklin. Representatives from related agencies attended at the Government House and via teleconference.
Niphon stated that approval of the PA document is a significant step to bring the historical, cultural, lifestyle, and landscape values of the Songkhla lake area into international consideration. This stage allows advisory organizations of the World Heritage Committee to provide guidance for preparing the complete Nomination Dossier to seek World Heritage listing.
The Songkhla area and the communities linked to Songkhla Lake stand out for the relationship between the city, communities, and lake ecosystem, shaping long-standing lifestyles, traditions, architecture, and cultural landscapes. It also reflects Songkhla’s role as a historic port city and cultural exchange hub along maritime trade routes.
“I must thank the National Committee on the World Heritage Convention, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Culture, and all agencies and sectors that have continuously supported this effort. Submitting the PA document is not only about preserving the old city but is a vital opportunity to add value to the area in tourism, community economy, and passing on Songkhla’s heritage to future generations,” Niphon said.
Niphon added that the push to achieve World Heritage status for Songkhla began in 2014 during his tenure as chief of the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization. The organization allocated budget to study and develop a master plan for Songkhla’s development toward a World Heritage city, coordinating with government agencies, academics, local communities, and residents continuously.
“From the start in 2014 until now, we have come a long way, but the mission is not yet complete. All parties must work together to finalize the data while balancing preservation and development to allow Songkhla and the lakeside communities to achieve World Heritage status with dignity and sustainability,” he concluded.