BANGKOK, Sept 19 (TNA) – UNESCO has announced Si Thep historical park in Phetchabun province has been registered as a new world heritage site.
The 45th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia announced the list of new sites including the ancient town of Si Thep and its associated Dvaravati monuments to be inscribed as world heritage.
The UNESCO listing of Si Thep marks the fourth cultural World Heritage Site in Thailand within the past 30 years, following the UNESCO’s listing of Sukhothai Historical Park and Ayutthaya Historical Park in 1991, and the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in 1992.
The Department of Fine Arts has also declared a waiver of entrance fees for visitors to the Si Thep Historical Park in Phetchabun Province from September 20 to 24, 2023.
Si Thep is considered one of Thailand’s most significant civilization origin, offering evidence of human settlement from prehistoric times. This city flourished for over 800 years before succumbing to epidemics during the late 18th – the early 19th Buddhist century.
Si Thep Historical Park consists of two main areas: the inner city of ancient Si Thep, covering approximately 2,889 rai (about 1,155 acres) and featuring a total of 40 excavated and restored sites, including Khao Klang Nai archaeological site– the mountain-like structure is thought to have stored weapons and valuable items, as well as two Khmer-style stupas called Prang Si Thep and Prang Song Phi Nong.
The second area located outside the ancient city includes Khao Klang Nok, the largest known stupa in Thai art of the Dvaravati period, 50 unexcavated sites and Khao Thamorat Cave – a limestone cave adorned with bas-relief sculptures depicting Buddha images dating back to the 14th Buddhist century.
During this evaluation, the committee considered a list of various international nominations submitted in the years 2022 and 2023, encompassing both natural and cultural world heritage sites, totaling 50 in number.
Registered world heritage sites receive financial assistance as well as guidance from UNESCO experts for future conservation efforts. Currently, there are approximately 1,186 world heritage site worldwide. (TNA)
