Thailand is set to commemorate the official recognition of Phu Phrabat as its eighth UNESCO World Heritage site with a grand celebration in Udon Thani on February 28. The government is inviting the public to take part in this historic occasion.
UNESCO Recognition for Phu Phrabat
Sasikarn Watthanachan, Deputy Spokeswoman for the Prime Minister’s Office, announced on Saturday that UNESCO has granted Phu Phrabat Historical Park World Heritage status under the title Phu Phrabat: A Testimony to the Sima Stone Tradition of the Dvaravati Period. This marks Thailand’s fifth cultural heritage site and the second UNESCO site in Udon Thani, following the Ban Chiang archaeological site, which received its designation in 1992. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has officially endorsed the declaration.
Celebration Event Details
A special event is scheduled for February 28 at Phu Phrabat Historical Park, beginning at 4 PM. The festivities will include:
- Traditional performances by the Tai Phuan community of Ban Phue district
- The planting of a ruang phueng tree as a tribute to the monarchy
- Unveiling of the World Heritage emblem and new tourism-promotion signage
- A Buddhist blessing ceremony at the historic Nang Usa Tower
- A dramatic retelling of the Phu Phrabat Legend: Usa-Baras, accompanied by a Khon performance
The Cultural and Archaeological Importance of Phu Phrabat
Sasikarn emphasized the significance of this recognition, stating, “Phu Phrabat’s inclusion in the World Heritage list is a proud achievement for Thailand. It highlights our rich cultural heritage and strengthens our position on the global stage. This designation is expected to boost cultural tourism and generate sustainable economic benefits for local communities.”
A Window into Thailand’s Past
Phu Phrabat has a rich history dating back over 2,500 to 3,000 years. The site features more than 54 ancient rock paintings, offering valuable insight into prehistoric life. Natural rock formations have been transformed into sacred sites over the centuries, influenced by civilizations such as the Dvaravati, Khmer, Lan Xang, and Rattanakosin eras. These relics showcase the spiritual and societal evolution of the region’s inhabitants over millennia.
Recognizing its archaeological significance, the Department of Fine Arts secured 3,430 rai (549 hectares) of land from the National Forest Reserve, obtaining approval from the Forest Department to register it as an official archaeological site. Phu Phrabat was formally acknowledged in the Royal Gazette in 1981, with sustained conservation efforts leading to its elevation to a historical park in 1992. The official inauguration ceremony was presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on June 26, 1992.
Preservation and Future Management
Today, Phu Phrabat Historical Park is managed by the Fine Arts Department, Region 8, under the Ministry of Culture. This department oversees conservation efforts, research initiatives, and sustainable development, ensuring the site remains a valuable cultural and educational resource for both scholars and tourists.
The park is home to 78 registered archaeological sites, each offering unique insights into the historical and cultural progress of northeastern Thailand. These sites stand as enduring testaments to the region’s long and rich history, spanning from prehistoric times to modern-day Thailand.
As the country gears up to celebrate this remarkable achievement, the event at Phu Phrabat Historical Park on February 28 is expected to be a memorable occasion, blending history, culture, and national pride in an unforgettable tribute to Thailand’s heritage.
