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Thailand monastery added to Unesco heritage list, boosting tourism hopes

A centuries-old monastery in southern Thailand is the country’s latest cultural landmark to be inscribed on Unesco’s World Heritage List, which will aid in the…

By Samantha Johnson / July 26, 2026

A centuries-old monastery in southern Thailand is the country’s latest cultural landmark to be inscribed on Unesco’s World Heritage List, which will aid in the site’s conservation, the government said on Sunday.

Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat province is Thailand’s ninth World Heritage site, but its first in the nation’s southern region, the Thai foreign ministry said in a statement.

“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.

Officials and monks marked the recognition by the UN’s heritage body at the monastery on Saturday by chanting blessings and banging a gong, local media reported.

Also known as the Phra Mahathat monastery, the site has “served as a major regional Buddhist centre since its founding in the 8th century”, according to Unesco.

A view of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, a 13th century Buddhist temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat city, Thailand, on July 4. Photo: AP
A view of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, a 13th century Buddhist temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat city, Thailand, on July 4. Photo: AP

The temple property includes towering grey stupa, a massive reclining Buddha statue, and rows of standing and seated gilded Buddha monuments, as well as various ornate representations of guardian deities.

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