BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Culture is moving forward with efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Songkhla and its associated lagoon settlements. Minister Sudawan Wangsupakijkosol confirmed that the nomination dossier is being finalized, focusing on historical research, site management, and public participation. The proposal will undergo national review before submission to the UNESCO World Heritage Center.
The nomination includes four key settlement areas around Songkhla Lake: the ancient cities of Pang Yang, Pha Kho, and Siyang; the town of Sathing Phra; the fortified city of Singora at Khao Daeng and Laem Son; and Songkhla Old Town. UNESCO added the site to its Tentative List in April 2024, with its significance reaffirmed at the 46th World Heritage Committee session in New Delhi in July 2024.
The nomination is based on Songkhla’s Outstanding Universal Value, reflecting centuries of interaction between human settlements and the lagoon environment. The region has long supported maritime trade, cultural exchanges, and urban development. Its traditional water management systems, fortifications, and religious influences highlight its role as a strategic coastal settlement.
Songkhla has historically served as a center for cultural exchange along maritime trade routes, incorporating architectural and urban influences from various civilizations. It also represents the evolution of regional navigation and commerce. Additionally, its cultural landscape demonstrates sustainable adaptation to a lagoon-based environment through traditional water conservation and urban planning methods.
The Ministry of Culture is finalizing the nomination dossier for submission to UNESCO following national review. If approved, the designation is expected to enhance heritage preservation, boost sustainable tourism, and support economic growth, reinforcing Thailand’s cultural legacy on the global stage. (NNT)
