Khorat’s Triple UNESCO Win: Nakhon Ratchasima’s Glorious Uplift!

June 9, 2023

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In a groundbreaking achievement, Nakhon Ratchasima has become the first province in Thailand to boast three UNESCO sites. The latest addition to this prestigious list is the Khorat national geopark, now known as the Khorat UNESCO Global Geopark, following its declaration on May 24, 2023. This remarkable feat solidifies Nakhon Ratchasima’s standing as a destination of exceptional cultural, biological, and geological significance.

Joining the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, which received the status of Natural World Heritage Site in 2005, and the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, designated in 1976, the Khorat UNESCO Global Geopark encompasses a vast area spanning the middle to lower regions of the Lam Takhong River Basin. This includes the Sikhio, Kham Thale So, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Mueang, and Sung Noen districts of Nakhon Ratchasima.

Renowned for its abundance of fossils dating back anywhere from 16 million to 10,000 years, the Khorat UNESCO Global Geopark boasts a rich paleontological heritage. Mueang District has yielded a treasure trove of dinosaur remains and ancient elephant fossils, cementing its reputation as the “Paleontopolis” or the “City of Ancient Life.” Petrified wood has also been discovered in the sand and gravel deposits of the Chaloem Phra Kiat and Mueang districts, further enhancing the geopark’s geological significance.

Beyond its geological wonders, the Khorat UNESCO Global Geopark showcases the vibrant Thai Khorat Culture, emphasizing the importance of sustaining local communities. This unique cultural heritage encompasses the Khorat language, music, and people. The province’s economy thrives on agriculture, with rice, cassava, and sugar cane cultivation and raising cattle, pigs, and chickens. Furthermore, Nakhon Ratchasima is a vital regional transportation hub, boasting excellent highway and railway connectivity. In the city centre and the surrounding district cities, most of the population is engaged in various industries, commerce, and services.

Mr Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), lauded the inclusion of Khorat Geopark as Thailand’s second UNESCO Global Geopark, with the first being the Satun UNESCO Global Geopark declared in 2018. This remarkable achievement raises the number of UNESCO sites in Nakhon Ratchasima to an impressive three. Mr Yuthasak expressed his appreciation for the province’s commitment to conservation and sustainable development, stating, “UNESCO designation is a great honour, and TAT is committed to reducing the tourism impact on the environment while promoting responsible practices in line with our ongoing meaningful travel direction towards more sustainable, inclusive, and environment-friendly tourism.”

To commemorate this significant UNESCO accolade, the Khorat Geopark Committee has organized the ‘Geopark and Fossil Festival 2023’ from June 8-10. The event will be held at the Central Department Store in Nakhon Ratchasima, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the geopark and learn about its fascinating paleontological heritage.

As Nakhon Ratchasima takes place in history as the first Thai province to achieve three UNESCO sites, this remarkable achievement shines a spotlight on the region’s exceptional natural and cultural treasures. It underscores Thailand’s commitment to conservation, sustainability, and responsible tourism.