UNESCO to send team to survey Chiang Mai for world heritage status

2026-02-03 - 10:26

CHIANG MAI — UNESCO is preparing to send an inspection team to Chiang Mai in June as Thailand steps up efforts to have the northern city listed as a World Heritage site. Pichai Lertpongadisorn, president of the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), said on 3 February that UNESCO has agreed to conduct an on-site assessment after Thailand submitted its completed nomination dossier earlier this year. The bid has been in progress since 2015. The inspection will cover eight key cultural landscape sites, with the aim of recognising Chiang Mai, once the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, as a “living heritage” city. The concept refers to heritage areas that remain actively inhabited and where traditions continue to be practised, rather than closed archaeological sites. The eight locations include seven major temples Wat Chiang Man Wat Phra Singh Wat Chedi Luang Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Wat Suan Dok Wat Chet Yot Wat Umong as well as the historic city layout, including the five city gates, four corner bastions and the old moat. Mr Pichai said the initiative has received broad support, including a 5-million-baht budget from the Chiang Mai PAO and contributions from local communities, academics and civil society groups who have jointly carried out research and fundraising. If the June inspection proceeds as planned, an official decision is expected later this year. Local authorities say World Heritage status would strengthen conservation efforts while supporting sustainable economic and tourism development in Chiang Mai.