Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, located in Udon Thani province, has been designated as Thailand's newest UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the park's exceptional cultural significance, particularly its well-preserved Dvaravati-era stone sanctuaries and the continuous cultural traditions practiced there for over 400 years.
The park's unique landscape, formed by sandstone formations and rock shelters, showcases evidence of human activity dating back 2,500-3,000 years. These include rock paintings and adaptations of natural shelters into religious sites by various cultures, including the Dvaravati, Khmer, Lan Xang, and Rattanakosin.
Phu Phra Bat's inscription as a World Heritage Site marks Thailand's eighth such designation and the fifth for cultural heritage. It follows the inscription of Si Thep Historical Park in 2023 and is the second World Heritage Site in Udon Thani province, after Ban Chiang Archaeological Site.
The park's recognition underscores its importance in understanding the social development of northeastern Thailand. The Thai Fine Arts Department has been instrumental in preserving and developing the site, which officially opened as a historical park in 1992.
The UNESCO designation solidifies Phu Phra Bat's status as a significant cultural landmark and a valuable asset for both tourism and cultural education. To celebrate this achievement, the park will offer free admission to visitors from July 28 to August 12, 2024.
Thailand now boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, comprising five cultural and three natural sites. These include Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Ban Chiang, Si Thep, and Phu Phra Bat for cultural heritage, and Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, and Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex for natural heritage.