Bangkok: Thailand has received positive news from the 48th regular session of the World Heritage Committee, as none of its World Heritage sites were nominated for inclusion in the List of World Heritage in Danger. According to Thai News Agency, this achievement highlights Thailand's effective conservation and management of its World Heritage sites, in line with its obligations under the World Heritage Convention. The success can be attributed to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's dedicated efforts.
Under the leadership of Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and Dr. Raveewan Phuridej, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Thailand is focused on elevating the conservation of World Heritage sites in tandem with sustainable development. The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, the central coordinating agency for Thailand under the World Heritage Convention, has worked closely with relevant agencies and stakeholders to monitor, assess, and preserve the conservation status of these sites.
At the 48th regular session of the World Heritage Committee, Agenda Item 7A, which pertains to the State of Conservation of World Heritage Properties Inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger, was a key focus. This agenda item is vital for monitoring the status of World Heritage sites globally that face threats to their outstanding universal value.
The outcome of the meeting confirms that no Thai World Heritage sites are in danger, reflecting Thailand's commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the World Heritage Convention. However, inclusion in the World Heritage list is just the beginning of a long-term responsibility for preservation. State parties and agencies must develop effective management plans that encompass conservation, land use, tourism management, risk management, community involvement, and regular monitoring.
Failure to manage a World Heritage Site properly could lead to its inclusion in the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger, and if the situation doesn't improve, the site could be removed from the list altogether. Historical examples include the Dresden Elbe Valley in Germany, removed in 2009, and Liverpool - Maritime Mercantile City in the United Kingdom, removed in 2021, due to developments that compromised their value.