Thailand’s caretaker prime minister, Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, recently received official documentation certifying Khorat Geopark in Nakhon Ratchasima as the second UNESCO Global Geopark in Thailand. This significant achievement grants the province the esteemed distinction of being recognized as a UNESCO Triple Heritage City.
The UNESCO Executive Board officially approved Khorat Geopark as a Global Geopark on May 17. During a recent ceremony, Libing Wang, a representative from UNESCO, presented the official documents affirming Khorat Geopark’s status to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The Global Geopark designation highlights Nakhon Ratchasima province, widely known as Khorat, as a UNESCO Triple Heritage City. The Sakaerat area of the province was established as a Biosphere Reserve back in 1976, while the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2005. With the certification of Khorat Geopark, Nakhon Ratchasima becomes a Triple Heritage City, celebrating its diverse natural, cultural, and geological significance.
During the ceremony, the prime minister expressed his gratitude to all the relevant agencies involved in the successful certification of Khorat Geopark. This achievement marks Thailand’s second Global Geopark, with the first being the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark located in Satun province.
Gen Prayut highlighted the importance of these geoparks in enhancing Thailand’s reputation within the international community. Given the country’s abundant natural resources and remarkable geological learning sites, the geoparks contribute significantly to national revenue and promote sustainable tourism. The prime minister encouraged relevant agencies to raise awareness about these sites and leverage them for local tourism development.
Furthermore, the prime minister proposed that the geoparks could serve as catalysts for other activities that benefit local communities. He emphasized the responsibility of all Thais to responsibly care for and protect their respective local areas.
In conclusion, the certification of Khorat Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark reinforces Nakhon Ratchasima’s status as a Triple Heritage City and underscores the country’s commitment to preserving its natural treasures for future generations.
