Good news! "Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province" has been inscribed as "Thailand's newest UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site," with the launch of the "12 Auspicious Mysteries of the World Heritage City" campaign, inviting everyone to discover the meaning of faith across 12 months.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) joins in celebrating a landmark moment in Thailand's history as "Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province" steps forward as "Thailand's newest UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site," following a resolution of the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held 19–29 July 2026 in Busan, Republic of Korea. TAT will continue to advance tourism promotion, reflecting the value of a "Living Heritage," through the campaign "12 Auspicious Mysteries of the World Heritage City" — conveying stories of faith, arts, culture, and the cherished wisdom of Nakhon Si Thammarat to the world stage, reaffirming the saying, "In one lifetime, one must pay homage to the Phra That of Nakhon," and that every journey will uncover meanings and values that differ with each season throughout the 12 months.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, said that the inscription of "Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province" as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site marks yet another significant chapter in Thailand's history. The site was inscribed under the criteria of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), pursuant to the recommendation of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), at the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee held 19–29 July 2026 in Busan, Republic of Korea. This achievement not only presents the outstanding values of Thailand's cultural heritage on the world stage, but also marks the beginning of collaborative efforts to care for, preserve, and pass on a heritage of faith that has been transmitted for more than 1,250 years, ensuring it endures with lasting significance. It also opens the door for people from around the world to travel and experience Nakhon Si Thammarat as a city of Buddhism, history, and living culture — a foundation that continues to shape the way of life of its people to this day.
The World Heritage inscription will serve as a vital driving force in elevating Nakhon Si Thammarat to a world-class cultural tourism destination, creating added economic value, promoting heritage conservation, and opening opportunities for travellers from around the globe to come and experience this city of faith up close. TAT is set to move forward with tourism promotion through the campaign "12 Auspicious Mysteries of the World Heritage City," inviting journeys of faith to a land of religion and ancient civilisation, under the concept "Travel 12 Months, Visit the World Heritage Phra That: Decode 12 Auspicious Mysteries, Experience a Living World Heritage" — savouring the grandeur of a "Living Heritage." "Unlock the secrets of ancestral wisdom, from the magnificence of world-class architecture to the dharmic riddles and stories of faith concealed throughout the royal monastery. Every visit will lead travellers to discover meanings and values that differ with each season and every month, while opening the experience of feeling the power of faith and pure spiritual energy in Nakhon Si Thammarat" — befitting the saying that the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat hold with pride: "In one lifetime, one must pay homage to the Phra That of Nakhon."
To join in celebrating this historic occasion for Thailand, TAT has collaborated with Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to organise celebratory activities from 26–30 July 2026, from 16:00–21:00, at the Lan Sai Kaew (Crystal Sand Plaza) in front of the Main Vihara of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. TAT will set up activity areas and commemorative photo spots, while also disseminating to the public the story of the celebration of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan's World Heritage inscription. At the same time, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province has integrated cooperation with government agencies, the private sector, and local communities to organise activities from 26–27 July 2026, featuring performances of the nation's precious arts and culture, including Nora — a southern Thai performing art inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity — and Khon, Thailand's classical masked dance drama that reflects the national identity and cultural heritage of the country.
These activities form part of the celebration of the inscription of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, while conveying the values of Phra Mahathat in the dimensions of history, religion, arts, culture, and long-inherited wisdom — reflecting its status as a "Living World Heritage" that continues to hold relevance and meaning for society and its people to this day.
Those interested may attend free of charge, or enquire for further details at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Nakhon Si Thammarat Office, Tel. 075346515-6, or the Facebook Fan Page: TAT Nakhon Si Thammarat Office.
