Culture Minister Sabida Thaised toured key heritage sites in Chiang Mai’s old city on 18th July, inspecting Chang Puak Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, Suan Dok Gate, Si Phum Corner, Hua Lin Corner, Ka Tam Corner, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Chiang Man ahead of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) technical evaluation mission scheduled for 3rd to 8th August.
The minister said the visit was intended to confirm readiness across conservation, area management, information presentation and inter-agency coordination before ICOMOS experts arrive. The council serves as the advisory body to the World Heritage Committee, and its technical evaluation marks a critical stage in the nomination process.
Sabida noted the nomination of “Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscape of Chiang Mai, Capital of Lanna” was endorsed by the Thai Cabinet on 13th January 2026 for submission to UNESCO’s World Heritage List — the culmination of what she described as ten years of effort across government agencies, academic institutions and local communities. The nomination dossier was submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre by the 30th January 2026 deadline. Following the site inspection, ICOMOS will hold further discussions and request additional information from Thai authorities, who must respond within set timeframes before the World Heritage Committee considers the nomination at its annual session, expected around June to July 2027.
The nominated property comprises three main groups: the city wall, moat and corner bastions — including five gates (Chang Puak, Tha Phae, Chiang Mai, Suan Prung and Suan Dok gates) and four corner bastions (Si Phum, Ka Tam, Ku Rueang and Hua Lin), together with Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Suan Dok; the Wat Umong forest monastery and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep group; and the Wat Jet Yod group. Together these reflect the historical, religious, artistic, urban planning and cultural landscape development of the Lanna kingdom.
The minister described the bid as more than a heritage listing exercise, framing it as an affirmation of Lanna civilisation’s value to humanity and a platform to elevate Thailand’s standing on the world cultural stage.
Chiang Mai City Council Secretary-General Supharuek Phavilai said preparation at the inspection sites now exceeds 90%, with remaining work focused on removing wall graffiti and organising utility boxes and advertising signage in the old city — coordinated with the private sector by Chiang Mai Municipality to ensure visual consistency with the historic environment. Public information materials are also being prepared at Chiang Mai International Airport to raise visitor awareness ahead of the assessment.
For a thorough backstory, read this published article: https://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/clg/our-city/journey-becoming-unesco-world-heritage-city/
