World Heritage Status Sparks Debate Over Khao Klang Nok Access

via various sources, 26 September 2023: Following Si Thep‘s recent designation as a World Heritage Site, an unexpected surge of tourists has led to concerns about the climbing of Khao Klang Nok, one of the main monuments within the park. Local residents and authorities are considering a ban on climbing the site, which is viewed as sacred and potentially at risk of damage.

Visitors may soon be prohibited from climbing Khao Klang Nok, pyramidal ruins inside Si Thep Historical Park, amid concerns by local people who see it as inapproriate and view the ruins as sacred.

Unesco’s declaration of Si Thep Historical Park as a World Heritage Site on Sept 19 generated an unexpected influx of tourists to the park, in Si Thep district.

This raised concerns among local residents about the number who were climbing Khao Klang Nok, a historical site inside the park boundary and about 2 kilometres from the ancient town ruins. They felt it was inappropriate and would damage the site.

Source: Visitors may be banned from climbing Khao Klang Nok ruins

See also:

• Historical park grapples with crowds | Bangkok Post, 26 Sep 2023
• Climbing restrictions loom for tourists at sacred Khao Klang Nok | The Thaiger, 26 Sep 2023