Udon Thani: Join in celebrating UNESCO's registration of 'Phu Phra Bat' as a World Cultural Heritage Site. The government invites Thai people to join in celebrating UNESCO honoring "Phu Phra Bat" as a new cultural world heritage site in Udon Thani on 28 Feb.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, deputy government spokeswoman, revealed that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared Phu Phrabat Historical Park, Udon Thani Province, a World Cultural Heritage Site under the name 'Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sima stone tradition of the Dvaravati period'. This designation makes it the 8th World Heritage Site and the 5th Cultural World Heritage Site in Thailand. It is the 2nd World Heritage Site in Udon Thani Province, following the Ban Chiang archaeological site, which was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.
The announcement has been signed and approved by Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO. A grand celebration and installation of the World Heritage logo will take place on February 28, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. onwards at Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, Udon Thani Province. The event will include activities and performances, such as folk art performances by the Tai Phuan community in Ban Phue District, a ceremony to plant honey trees in honor of Her Majesty the Queen, a ceremony to install the World Heritage logo and tourism promotion signs, a Buddhist chanting ceremony at the Nang Usa Historical Park, a performance of the Phu Phra Bat legend play "Usa - Baras", and a Ramakien khon episode "Sukreep Uproots the Rang Tree".
Ms. Sasikarn stated, 'The registration of Phu Phra Bat Historical Park as a World Heritage Site is a source of pride for Thailand and all of its people, reflecting the value and importance of Thai cultural heritage on an international level. The government believes that this will be an important driving force in promoting cultural tourism, enhancing the country's potential, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.'