TAT launches year-round campaign after UNESCO recognition for Wat Phra Mahathat - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a year-round campaign to celebrate the inscription of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The recognition makes the temple Thailand's ninth World Heritage property and the country's sixth cultural World Heritage site.

Under the campaign "The Twelve Sacred Discoveries Nakhon Si Thammarat: A Journey to World Heritage", visitors are invited to explore the province's Buddhist traditions, historic monuments and living cultural heritage throughout the year.

UNESCO recognises more than 1,500 years of living tradition

The inscription was approved during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, held from 19 to 29 July in Busan, Republic of Korea, following a recommendation by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

UNESCO recognised Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan for its Outstanding Universal Value under criteria (ii) and (vi). Since its foundation in the eighth century, the monastery has served as one of Southeast Asia's most important Buddhist centres.

Its architecture and religious traditions reflect influences from northeastern India, central Java, Sri Lanka and the Mon culture of southern Myanmar. These artistic and religious exchanges later shaped Buddhist architecture and practices across Thailand and neighbouring countries.

Many traditions continue to this day, including the annual cloth-wrapping ceremony for the Great Reliquary and performances of the traditional Nora dance drama.

Campaign promotes heritage throughout the year

TAT's new campaign carries the theme "Discover the Past. Share the Faith. Shape the Future." Each month highlights a different aspect of the monastery, ranging from its architecture and Buddhist teachings to local wisdom and centuries-old traditions.

The initiative is intended to deepen visitors' understanding of the site's cultural and spiritual significance while supporting heritage conservation, community participation and sustainable tourism.

“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,” said TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

Province celebrates new World Heritage status

The UNESCO inscription is being marked with a two-day programme in Nakhon Si Thammarat organised by provincial authorities, government agencies, private-sector partners and local communities.

Celebrations include merit-making ceremonies, Buddhist chanting, meditation sessions, ordinations, exhibitions and performances of Nora and Khon, both recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Together, the events highlight the monastery's continuing role as both a place of worship and a centre of community life.

Visitors can also take part in a commemorative photo experience organised by TAT from 25 to 30 July near the temple complex, receiving both printed and digital photographs to mark Thailand's newest World Heritage inscription.

Thailand now has nine World Heritage sites

With the addition of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Thailand's UNESCO portfolio now comprises nine World Heritage properties, including six cultural and three natural sites.

According to TAT, the new recognition is expected to strengthen Nakhon Si Thammarat's international profile while encouraging responsible tourism and creating long-term economic opportunities for local communities.

Image Credit: © TAT