Thailand’s Culture Ministry, the Fine Arts Department, and local stakeholders are teaming up to push Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan in Nakhon Phanom, a revered Buddhist site included in Thailand’s Tentative List for UNESCO recognition since 2017, for the World Heritage status.

Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol visited the site to oversee plans that focus on cultural preservation, sustainable tourism, and community engagement. A special committee and expert advisory board are now preparing the nomination.

Located near the Mekong River, Phra That Phanom is the region’s oldest stupa, built in the 7th–8th century AD to enshrine the Buddha’s breastbone relics. Influenced by Lan Chang and Cham art styles, it was restored after a collapse in 1975 and remains a powerful symbol of faith and cultural heritage.