Chiang Mai, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, is moving closer to UNESCO World Heritage recognition, with Thailand preparing to submit its nomination dossier to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre by January 30, 2026. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment led the process forward, as the National Committee for the World Heritage Convention approved the draft presentation titled “Chiang Mai, the Capital of Lanna,” emphasizing the city’s outstanding universal value (OUV).
The proposed heritage area covers 383 rai (around 151 acres) and encompasses key historical and cultural landmarks, including the ancient city walls, major religious and archaeological sites, and important cultural landscapes that reflect the development of the Lanna civilization. The nomination aims to enhance Chiang Mai’s international standing and promote sustainable tourism development.
This submission marks ten years since Chiang Mai was placed on Thailand’s tentative list. If successful, it would become Thailand’s first UNESCO World Heritage site fully located within living local communities, unlike the country’s existing sites managed by state agencies. The government is working closely with public and private stakeholders to advance this historic nomination, highlighting Chiang Mai’s significance in Lanna art and architecture, its role as a centre of Theravada (เถรวาท) Buddhism, and its rich cultural heritage spanning centuries.
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