Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has invited both Thai people and international tourists to visit Phu Phrabat in Udon Thani Province to join the celebration of the inscription of Phu Phrabat as a UNESCO’s World Heritage site.

On 27 July 2024, the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held in New Delhi, the Republic of India, inscribed the “Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sima stone tradition of the Dvaravati period” on the World Heritage List under the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of UNESCO.

During the same World Heritage Committee session, “Songkhla and its Associated Lagoon Settlements” was added to the Tentative List of the World Heritage.

The “Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sima stone tradition of the Dvaravati period” becomes the eighth World Heritage site of Thailand. The country’s existing World Heritage sites also include (1) Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns, (2) Historic City of Ayutthaya, (3) Thungyai – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, (4) Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, (5) Dong Phayayen – Khao Yai Forest Complex, (6) Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, and (7) the Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments.

Prime Minister Srettha said that the inscription of Phu Phrabat as a World Heritage site was considered a success of implementing the Government’s policy to enhance the country’s competitiveness in culture, together with cultural preservation and development. The success emphasizes the country’s ability to preserve important historical structures, providing eloquent testimony of distinctive Thai culture and treasures.

In order to encourage Thai people and international tourists to join the celebration of Phu Phrabat, the Ministry of Culture will not charge an admission fee for Phu Phrabat Historical Park and the Sima cultural sites from 28 July to 12 August 2024.

The Fines Arts Department, under the Ministry of Culture, is also working out a plan for Phu Phrabat preservation, as well as tourism management and physical environment development, after Phu Phrabat was announced as a World Heritage site.