Phra Prang of Wat Arun to Be Nominated for World Heritage Status

The Cabinet, during its meeting on 8 April 2025, approved documents for the nomination of Phra Prang of Wat Arun Ratchawararam to be included on the UNESCO’s tentative list of cultural heritage sites.

The decision was made following a proposal by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which will nominate this temple under the name “Phra Prang of Wat Arun Ratchawararam: The Masterpiece of Krung Rattanakosin.”

The documents will be submitted to the World Heritage Center in Paris by April 2025, so that it can be put on the agenda for the next session of the World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place from 6 to 16 July 2025.

Minister of Culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol stated that Phra Prang of Wat Arun represents the most outstanding Buddhist architecture of corn-shaped stupas. It is also regarded as a cultural identity of both Thailand and the Asian region and meets UNESCO World Heritage criteria, being a masterpiece of the Rattanakosin period. Phra Prang of Wat Arun was influenced by the art of prangs in the Ayutthaya period, and the features were developed in the unique Rattanakosin style.

According to Ms. Sudawan, the Ministry of Culture had assigned the Fine Arts Department to give advice to Wat Arun Ratchawararam on preparations for the inclusion of Phra Prang of Wat Arun on UNESCO’s tentative list. Archaeological studies have been conducted to inspect construction techniques and supervise the preservation of various historical structures within the temple. The landscape of the temple has also been improved, in accordance with a systematic management plan.

In the next step, the Ministry of Culture will focus on data collection through the participation of all sectors of Thai society, and information gained from the data collection will be used to prepare a nomination dossier.

Ms. Sudawan said that after a year on the Tentative List, Wat Arun Ratchawararam is required to submit preliminary assessment documents to the World Heritage Center by 15 September 2026. A complete nomination dossier for World Heritage inscription must be sent to the center within five years of receiving the initial assessment results.

Wat Arun, known among foreigners as the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks and tourist attractions. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the temple is best known for its colossal prang, recognized as the masterpiece of Rattanakosin City.