Thailand Aims to Elevate Doi Inthanon to Asean Heritage Park Status

Thailand is set on a path to enhance its environmental prestige by nominating Doi Inthanon National Park for inclusion as an Asean Heritage Park (AHP), as announced by Attapol Charoenshunsa, the chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).

The announcement came in the wake of the 12th Asean Heritage Park Committee Meeting (AHPCM) held in Bangkok, where representatives from the Asean Secretariat and Asean Centre for Biodiversity gathered to discuss regional conservation efforts.

Renowned for being home to Thailand's tallest peak, Doi Inthanon National Park is celebrated for its diverse ecosystems and striking landscapes. Attapol emphasised the government’s dedication to promoting and preserving this natural treasure, paving the way for its recognition as a significant environmental and ecological asset within Southeast Asia.

To achieve AHP status, Doi Inthanon must first meet the criteria set by the Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (AWGNCB) and gain approval from Asean Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN). Following these steps, the nomination will then be submitted to the Asean Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME) for final consideration, a process estimated to take two to three years.

Attapol noted collaboration with the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), which will compile the necessary documentation for the nomination. This meticulous preparation is crucial in ensuring the park's successful designation as an AHP.

Should the nomination succeed, Doi Inthanon would join Thailand's esteemed list of 10 AHPs, nine managed under the DNP's auspices. These include notable sites such as Khao Yai National Park and Tarutao National Marine Park, each recognised for their unique biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Securing AHP status for Doi Inthanon not only underscores Thailand's commitment to environmental stewardship but also enhances the region's allure for eco-tourists, researchers, and conservationists, thus promoting a sustainable balance between nature preservation and tourism.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-27