The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is joining hands with Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and other public and private agencies in celebrating Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee on 25 July 2026 decided to inscribe Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

This temple is the first World Heritage Site in southern Thailand. Its inscription will further strengthen cooperation at both the national and local levels in the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of the World Heritage Site, as well as the safeguarding and continued transmission of the intangible cultural heritage associated with the site.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that Nakhon Si Thammarat would become a global cultural destination attracting tourists from all over the world who would travel to visit Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. TAT is launching a tourism promotion campaign to encourage visitors to experience the “Living World Heritage.”

Activities are being held on 26-27 July in Nakhon Si Thammarat featuring grand cultural performances reflecting Thai identity, such as “Nora, Dance Drama in Southern Thailand” and khon masked dance drama. They also include exhibitions, meditation, and ordination dedicated to the Buddha.

With this inscription, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan marks Thailand’s ninth World Heritage Site. The eight previously inscribed World Heritage Sites of Thailand are (1) Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns, (2) Historic City of Ayutthaya, (3) Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, (4) Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, (5) Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, (6) Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, (7) The Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments, and (8) Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sīma stone tradition of the Dvaravati period.