Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of the Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), revealed that in accordance with the government's policy led by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister, which prioritizes the conservation, protection, and elevation of Thailand’s natural and cultural heritage to international recognition, Thailand has achieved a major milestone on the global stage. The 48th ordinary session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, resolved to approve the inscription of "Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province" as a Cultural World Heritage site under Criteria (ii) and (vi). This marks the 6th Cultural World Heritage site and the 9th World Heritage site overall for Thailand, as well as the very first World Heritage site located in the southern region, bringing immense pride to Thai citizens nationwide.

Mr. Suchart stated that this success stemmed from the dedication and cooperation of all sectors. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has integrated its operations closely with all relevant agencies, with Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, alongside executives, civil servants, and staff, jointly driving the mission and supporting the Thai delegation in presenting academic data to the World Heritage Committee until the official inscription of Thailand's newest World Heritage site was successfully achieved.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment stated that Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan was inscribed due to its Outstanding Universal Value. The site reflects religious diversity and spiritual beliefs, featuring essential components that demonstrate the influence of religion and artistry transferred and connecting people across the maritime Asian region for more than 1,500 years. Furthermore, it serves as the center of traditions and cultural ways of life that continue to be passed down uninterruptedly through a unique blend of traditional beliefs and religious doctrines. It is therefore recognized as possessing Outstanding Universal Value.

As the head of the Thai delegation, Mr. Suchart stated that he delivered a statement expressing gratitude to the World Heritage Committee, the World Heritage Centre, the advisory bodies, and all State Parties for their support to Thailand. He reaffirmed that the Royal Thai Government places the utmost importance on the conservation of cultural heritage as the heritage of all humanity, and stands ready to actively and comprehensively implement the recommendations and resolutions of the World Heritage Committee to safeguard the Outstanding Universal Value of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan for posterity.

"I would like to congratulate all Thai citizens, especially the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. This is not merely a success for Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, but a success for the entire country of Thailand. It is a precious heritage that all Thai people are proud of, and we all share the responsibility to conserve and pass this value on to future generations," Mr. Suchart said.

Mr. Suchart added that he has instructed Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, to integrate operations with the Office of Natural Resources and Environment Policy and Planning (ONEP), the Ministry of Culture, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and all relevant agencies both domestically and internationally. This collaboration aims to elevate the management of the World Heritage site in accordance with UNESCO standards, coupled with the conservation of its Outstanding Universal Value, the promotion of sustainable tourism, and local community participation, ensuring that Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan maintains its identity as a priceless "Living Heritage" of Thailand and of all humanity moving forward.