Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), in his capacity as the head of the Thai delegation to the 48th ordinary session of the World Heritage Committee, led executives of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, comprising Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Prasert Sirinapaporn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Athapol Charoenshunsa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and Mr. Bannaruk Sermthong, Secretary-General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environment Policy and Planning (ONEP), to hold a discussion with Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre, during the 48th World Heritage Committee meeting at the BEXCO Convention and Exhibition Center, Busan, Republic of Korea.

Mr. Suchart stated that the government under the leadership of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister, attaches great importance to the conservation of national natural resources and cultural heritage, alongside elevating Thailand’s role on the international stage. The government has assigned the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to move forward in driving the management of World Heritage sites in accordance with international standards, while balancing conservation, development, and the quality of life of local citizens, leading to genuine sustainability.

The discussion took place in an atmosphere of friendship and excellent cooperation, where both sides exchanged viewpoints regarding the conservation and management of World Heritage sites at the international level, while further strengthening the close relationship between Thailand and the World Heritage Centre. Mr. Suchart expressed gratitude to the World Heritage Centre, as well as experts from the advisory bodies of the World Heritage Centre, for providing Thailand with academic, technological, and cooperative coordination support following the inscription of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, as a World Heritage site. This inscription has brought great joy to the Thai people, as it yields benefits for cultural and religious security, fosters unity within the nation, and contributes to increasing the income of citizens—allowing local farmers to earn supplementary income from tourism.

Furthermore, Mr. Suchart addressed the nomination of "Chiang Mai: Capital of Lanna" as a World Heritage site for the upcoming year, whereby the Thai side reaffirmed that it will strictly comply with the criteria and recommendations of UNESCO. Regarding the issue of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex World Heritage site, Mr. Suchart informed the Director of the World Heritage Centre that actions have already been implemented in accordance with the World Heritage Centre’s recommendations.

On this occasion, the Director of the World Heritage Centre praised Thailand for its many years of participation as a State Party to the World Heritage Convention and for its thorough understanding of the World Heritage nomination process. He therefore requested Thailand to transfer its experience in this matter to countries that have not yet had sites inscribed on the World Heritage List. In response, Mr. Suchart affirmed Thailand's readiness to support those countries in the next phase. This discussion reflects Thailand's proactive role in driving World Heritage conservation missions on the international stage, reiterating the close relationship between Thailand and the World Heritage Centre, and marking another significant step in building cooperation for World Heritage conservation to sustainably pass down this invaluable worth to future generations.