Thailand proposes three sites for UNESCO recognition

Thailand’s Cabinet will nominate three national treasures to UNESCO for recognition. The Cabinet proposed Doi Chang in Chiang Mai as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and national parks Khao Sok in Surat Thani and Tham Luang in Chiang Rai as Heritage Parks.

The United Nations Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO) approves a limited number of biosphere and heritage sites each year. The designations bring many advantages. The organization says that biosphere reserves help ensure the region’s environmental, economic, and social sustainability by encouraging wise use of natural and human resources.

They provide practical ways to resolve land-use conflicts and to protect biological diversity. A biosphere reserve area gains access to information, expertise, support and funding through national and international networks.

Doi Chang Mountain and its surrounding area are home to rare plants, endangered animals, and ethnic groups with unique cultures and histories who live together peacefully and in harmony with nature.

Travelers to northern Thailand put Doi Chang high on their list of places to visit because of its natural beauty, enchanting vistas, and the opportunity take in the wildlife and varied cultures.

Thailand already has four UNESCO Biosphere Reserves:

Sakae Rat in Nakhon Ratchasima, Suan Sak-Huai Nak in Lampang, Huai Khok Ma in Chiang Mai, and Ranong Mangrove Forest in Ranong.

The Cabinet also agreed to nominate Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani and Tham Luang national park in Chiang Rai for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Heritage Park status.

Khao Sok National Park contains evergreen forests, limestone caves and peat swamps. An ecologically diverse area it supports many endangered wildlife and plant species.

Similarly, the Tham Luang Khun Nam Nang Non national park in Chiang Rai boasts many rare animals and plant species that call its deciduous forests home.

The Tham Luang Cave is also the site where an international effort rescued 12 young soccer players and their coach after becoming trapped by floodwaters.

Photo courtesy of https://thai.tourismthailand.org/