Thailand’s Nan aims for Unesco listing

via Bangkok Post, 25 March 2024: The Thai government has green-lighted the Culture Ministry’s proposal to nominate Nan province as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. The initiative encompasses public awareness projects and rigorous academic assessments of Nan’s archaeological sites, highlighting the area’s rich cultural heritage and ethnic diversity. This effort aims not only to preserve Nan’s historical significance but also to boost cultural tourism, linking it with other cultural landmarks like Luang Prabang in Laos.

The cabinet recently approved the Culture Ministry’s plan to nominate Nan as a Unesco Cultural World Heritage Site, consisting of two subprojects that helped raise public awareness, Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich said on Monday.

The Northern province has been put on the nomination list for its cultural prosperity which includes well-preserved pre-historic archaeological discoveries, ethnic diversity and local wisdom, according to Mr Sermsak.

The nomination plan was approved by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin during the government mobile meeting in Phayao last week.

The plan, which is expected to to cost at least seven million baht in total, aims to raise public awareness of Nan’s historical and archaeological values and encourage public participation in the nomination.

Source: Bangkok Post – “Historic” Nan to get Unesco push