TAT Celebrates UNESCO Status for Wat Phra Mahathat with Year-Round Campaign
Campaign invites visitors to explore Nakhon Si Thammarat’s living Buddhist heritage as Thailand celebrates the country’s ninth World Heritage property
Bangkok, 27 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is celebrating the inscription of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat on the UNESCO World Heritage List as Thailand’s ninth World Heritage property and sixth cultural property. TAT is carrying this historic recognition forward through the “The Twelve Sacred Discoveries Nakhon Si Thammarat: A Journey to World Heritage” campaign, a year-round programme inviting visitors to discover the site’s living Buddhist heritage across the seasons.
The World Heritage Committee inscribed the property at its 48th session, held from July 19-29, 2026, in Busan, Republic of Korea, following a recommendation by the International Council on Monuments and Sites. Recognised for its Outstanding Universal Value under criteria (ii) and (vi), Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan has served as a major regional Buddhist centre since its foundation in the eighth century.
Religious and architectural traditions from northeastern India, central Java, Sri Lanka and the Mon region of southern Myanmar were integrated into the monastery’s buildings, rituals and cultural practices. Its distinctive artistic and architectural expressions subsequently exerted an enduring influence across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Religious and local traditions have continued at the monastery for more than 1,500 years, including the annual cloth-wrapping ceremony for the Great Reliquary and the Nora dance drama.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said: “TAT will build on this recognition to position Nakhon Si Thammarat as a leading destination for living heritage, where faith, culture and community remain central to the visitor experience. Our focus is to create lasting value through responsible tourism, strengthen local participation and ensure that the significance of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is understood, respected and sustained for generations to come.”
The inscription brings Thailand’s World Heritage portfolio to nine properties, comprising six cultural and three natural properties. The cultural properties are the Historic City of Ayutthaya; Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns; Ban Chiang Archaeological Site; The Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments; Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sīma stone tradition of the Dvaravati period; and Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. The natural properties are Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex and Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex.
The inscription was celebrated across Nakhon Si Thammarat through a two-day programme concluding July 27. Organised by the province with government agencies, private-sector partners and local communities, the programme included Nora and Khon performances, merit-making and alms-giving, Buddhist chanting, ordination ceremonies, meditation sessions and exhibitions. Nora and Khon are both recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Together, the activities presented the historical, religious, artistic and cultural significance of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan while reflecting its continuing role as a centre of worship and community life. They also celebrated the traditions and cultural identity of Nakhon Si Thammarat and southern Thailand.
Running alongside the celebrations, TAT is hosting a commemorative photo booth from July 25-30 near the sacred Bodhi tree and Sai Kaeo courtyard, opposite Phra Wihan Luang and in front of the souvenir centre. Visitors may register to receive an instant photograph and digital image marking Thailand’s newest World Heritage inscription and share the story with wider audiences.
Beyond the commemorative programme, TAT will extend the recognition throughout the year through the “The Twelve Sacred Discoveries Nakhon Si Thammarat: A Journey to World Heritage” campaign. Under the concept “Discover the Past. Share the Faith. Shape the Future.”, the campaign invites visitors on a journey through the province’s Buddhism, ancient civilisation and enduring traditions.
Each month and season will reveal a different dimension of the royal monastery, from its architecture and inherited wisdom to Buddhist teachings and stories of faith. Guided by the local saying “everyone should pay homage to Phra That of Nakhon Si Thammarat at least once in their lifetime”, the campaign will encourage deeper understanding of the property while supporting responsible visitation, heritage conservation, local participation and sustainable economic opportunities.
Participation in the commemorative activities is free of charge. Further information is available from the TAT Nakhon Si Thammarat Office at +66-(0)-7534 6515–6 or through the Facebook page TAT Nakhon Si Thammarat Office.
