Congratulations Ancient Town of Si Thep : Newest UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On behalf of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Department of Fine Arts for the inscription of the “Ancient Town of Si Thep” on the UNESCO World Heritage List. I commend and applaud all the officials, academics, personnel and especially the workers who have worked tirelessly to help earn this honour for Thai culture and heritage.

The TAT is proud that “Ancient Town of Si Thep” is the 7th World Heritage site in Thailand, the others being (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; and (6) Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex.

I would like to echo the words of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in saying that this inscription brings great pride to the Thai people. It enhances international awareness on the values and significance of the Ancient Town of Si Thep as cultural World Heritage site. The inscription also signifies the beginning of cooperation and collective actions to conserve, restore, and protect this invaluable site to be a learning centre and the treasure not only for people all over the world, but also for the future generations globally.

It is my hope and vision that such cooperation and collective actions for the cause of conservation and preservation will become a nationwide effort adopted by all products and services offered by the Thai Travel & Tourism industry as we strive to implement the Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) in the new era.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool
Governor
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)