Thailand’s caretaker prime minister has received documents officially certifying Khorat Geopark in Nakhon Ratchasima as the second UNESCO Global Geopark in Thailand. This certification grants the province the distinction of being a UNESCO Triple Heritage City
Khorat Geopark received official approval from the UNESCO Executive Board as a Global Geopark on May 17. Earlier this week, UNESCO representative Libing Wang presented the documents affirming Khorat Geopark’s status as a UNESCO Global Geopark to Caretaker Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The Global Geopark status recognizes Nakhon Ratchasima province, often referred to as Khorat, as a UNESCO Triple Heritage City. The province’s Sakaerat area was deemed a Biosphere Reserve in 1976, and its Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2005. Khorat Geopark’s certification makes Nakhon Ratchasima a Triple Heritage City.
On this occasion, the premier extended his gratitudeto all relevant agencies whose work led to Khorat Geopark’s certification. It is only Thailand’s second Global Geopark, the first being the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark in Satun province.
Gen Prayut highlighted that the two geoparks contribute to Thailand’s reputation in the international community, given the country’s rich natural resources and notable geological learning sites. As geoparks also contribute to national revenue, relevant agencies are encouraged to promote awareness of these sites and utilize them for local tourism development.
Furthermore, the premier suggested that the geoparks could eventually foster other activities that benefit local communities. He also urged all Thais to properly look after their respective local areas.
