Representatives from the Chiang Mai City Council met with Thailand’s Minister of Culture on June 18 to provide an update on the city’s ongoing preparations for UNESCO World Heritage inscription and to introduce a newly established network of Cultural Heritage Ambassadors.
Led by Council President Supharuek Pavilai, the delegation met with Culture Minister Sabida Thaised at the Ministry of Culture in Bangkok. Senior ministry officials, including Permanent Secretary Prasop Riang-ngern, also attended the meeting.
During the discussion, the council reported progress on the nomination of “Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscape of Chiang Mai, Capital of Lanna,” which was endorsed by the Thai Cabinet on January 13, 2026, for submission to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Preparations are currently underway for an evaluation mission by experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), scheduled to visit Chiang Mai from August 3–8, 2026. The assessment will be a key step in determining the site’s suitability for World Heritage inscription.
The Chiang Mai City Council has played a leading role in advancing the nomination over the years, working closely with government agencies, private-sector partners, academic institutions, and local communities. The collaborative effort aims to preserve, restore, and promote Chiang Mai’s rich cultural heritage while strengthening international recognition of the former Lanna capital.
The delegation also introduced the newly formed Chiang Mai Cultural Heritage Ambassadors initiative, created to encourage broader public participation in safeguarding and promoting the province’s cultural heritage. The program seeks to foster awareness, civic pride, and community engagement while supporting Chiang Mai’s journey toward UNESCO World Heritage status.
The meeting reflects growing momentum behind Chiang Mai’s World Heritage campaign as the city prepares for the upcoming international evaluation and continues efforts to showcase the cultural significance of its historic monuments, sites, and living cultural landscape on the global stage.
