BANGKOK, 12 June 2012 – The Culture Ministry is set to nominate Phra Borommathat Chedi in Nakhon Si Thammarat province for inclusion on the World Heritage Center’s tentative list at the 36th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Russia.
Fine Arts Department Director-General Soamsuda Leeyavanich revealed that the National Committee on the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Thailand has resolved to propose the inclusion of Phra Borommathat Chedi at Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat province on the UNESCO’s tentative list in order to be considered as a world heritage site in the future.
The committee will submit an application to the World Heritage Center following approval from the cabinet before the end of this month. The process is expected to be finalized in time for the 36th Session of the World Heritage Committee, scheduled to be held during 24 June-6 July in Russia.
The 700-year-old Phra Borommathat Chedi has been selected for its outstanding value in the Southeast Asian region. Apart from its beauty, the ancient spiritual place for Buddhists holds close ties to the local traditions and beliefs. Moreover, the Director-General pointed out that it is an opportune time to propose such an important religious place as a world heritage site as this year marks the 2,600th anniversary of Buddha’s Enlightenment, or Buddha Jayanti.
