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A centuries-old Buddhist monastery in southern Thailand has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, becoming the country’s ninth World Heritage site and the first in its southern region.
The recognition was granted to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, located in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, during UNESCO’s latest World Heritage Committee session, Thai authorities announced on Sunday.
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the designation would strengthen national and local efforts to preserve, protect and sustainably manage the historic site.
“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,” the ministry said in a statement.
Monks, local residents and officials celebrated the achievement at the monastery on Saturday with traditional Buddhist prayers and ceremonial gong-ringing, according to local media reports.
Also known as Phra Mahathat Monastery, the temple has served as one of Southeast Asia’s most important Buddhist centres since its establishment in the eighth century, according to UNESCO.
The sprawling religious complex features towering grey stupas, a giant reclining Buddha statue, rows of gilded standing and seated Buddha images, and intricately decorated shrines depicting guardian deities.
UNESCO noted that the monastery reflects centuries of cultural and religious exchanges across Asia. Situated on the Thai peninsula between the Pacific and Indian oceans, the site absorbed influences from Brahmanism, Hinduism, Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism, with architectural and cultural traditions originating from India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
“These influences have been integrated into its religious buildings, rituals and cultural traditions,” UNESCO said.
The World Heritage designation is expected to enhance conservation efforts while also boosting tourism, a vital sector of Thailand’s economy that is still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the latest figures from Thailand’s tourism ministry, international tourist arrivals declined by more than three percent during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
Thailand’s other UNESCO World Heritage sites include the Historic City of Ayutthaya, the Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, and the Ancient Town of Si Thep and its associated Dvaravati monuments.