Photo courtesy of Agoda

 

The Thai government plans to nominate Chiang Mai as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by 2026, marking the northern city’s 730th anniversary. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced the preparation of a nomination dossier, following Chiang Mai's addition to UNESCO's tentative list earlier this year.

 

The dossier highlights seven significant sites, including Wat Chiang Man, Wat Jedi Luang, and the city's historic walls and moat, underscoring Chiang Mai's cultural and historical richness from its days as the Lanna Kingdom's capital. Set for completion by August, it will be submitted to the UNESCO General Conference panel in 2026, coinciding with the city's anniversary celebrations.

 

Meanwhile, the advocacy group Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw) is pushing for Chiang Mai to transition from a province to a metropolis through the Chiang Mai Metropolis Act. By gathering 10,000 signatures, iLaw seeks Cabinet presentation of the act, which aims to decentralise power, allowing local governance independent of the central government.

 

 

 

iLaw's plan would enable the election of a local governor and city council, replacing the current provincial authority. This initiative is aimed at enhancing local control over fiscal matters and governance, reflecting a democratic shift in decision-making within Chiang Mai.

 

The combination of cultural recognition and potential political reform underscores a transformative period for Chiang Mai as it approaches its significant anniversary.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-23

 

 

 

I guess this is a desperate bid to overcome the stigma of being the worst polluted city in the world on occasions.

 

Heaven forbid they made the effort to actually improve AQ, the root cause of the issue putting off tourists from visiting.