Bangkok: Sabida inspected the readiness of Chiang Mai's "Nakhon Lanna" (Lanna Capital) for World Heritage Site registration before the ICOMOS technical assessment in early August.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sabida Thaiseth, Minister of Culture, visited Chiang Mai Province to follow up on the progress and readiness for the nomination of cultural heritage sites under the theme "Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscape of Chiang Mai, Capital of Lanna," and to inspect areas being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. These included Tha Phae Gate, Chang Phueak Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, Suan Dok Gate, Jaeng Sri Phum, Jaeng Hua Lin, Jaeng Ka Tam, Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan, and Wat Chiang Man. This visit is in preparation for the Technical Evaluation Mission by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) scheduled for August 3-8, 2026.
Those present at the site visit included Mr. Prasop Riangngern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture; Mr. Rattapol Naradisorn, Governor of Chiang Mai Province; Mr. Jetsada Cheewavichvalakul, Inspector General of the Ministry of Culture; and other notable officials. The delegation aimed to ensure all agencies were prepared in terms of conservation, area management, information presentation, and integrated cooperation before the ICOMOS experts arrive for their crucial technical assessment.
Ms. Sabida highlighted that the nomination of the site 'Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscapes of Chiang Mai, Lanna Capital' is progressing steadily following the Cabinet's approval of the nomination document on January 13, 2026, and Thailand's submission of the Nomination Dossier to the World Heritage Centre in Paris, France, on February 1, 2026. The site is currently undergoing evaluation by the World Heritage Committee's advisory body and is expected to be considered by the World Heritage Committee at its 2027 annual session.
This heritage site has been on the UNESCO Tentative List since 2015. Chiang Mai Province, through the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization, prepared the nomination documents and went through the consideration process of the Sub-Committee on Cultural World Heritage, the National Committee on the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Heritage, and the Cabinet. The proposal is based on Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) according to two World Heritage criteria: Criterion (ii) for the development of Chiang Mai's city showing the exchange of Buddhist influence with other kingdoms, and Criterion (iii) for Chiang Mai and its architecture representing Lanna civilization during the 19th-20th Buddhist centuries.
Ms. Sabida stated that the areas proposed for registration comprise three main groups: the city walls and gates; Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep; and the Wat Ched Yot group. These reflect the development of the history, religion, art, urban planning, and cultural landscape of the Lanna Kingdom.
After the field assessment, ICOMOS will hold further discussions and request additional information from Thailand before preparing a report for the World Heritage Committee. Thailand will need to respond to queries and provide additional information within the specified timeframe before the 2027 Annual General Session, expected around June-July 2027.
Ms. Sabida emphasized that the Ministry of Culture, through the Fine Arts Department and the Fine Arts Office Region 7 in Chiang Mai, is ready to support Chiang Mai Province and related entities. The goal is not only to propose it as an ancient monument but to affirm the value of Lanna civilization, fostering sustainable conservation and elevating Thailand on the world cultural stage.