Bangkok: The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has put forward a proposal for Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai Province to be recognized as a new ASEAN Heritage Park. This proposal was made during the 12th ASEAN Heritage Park Committee Meeting, hosted by Thailand in Bangkok.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department, disclosed that the meeting, held on 26-27 May 2025, saw participation from over 100 delegates representing 10 ASEAN member countries, international organizations, and Timor-Leste. Thailand, as the host, was privileged to lead discussions on conservation area management and establish directions for regional conservation cooperation.
Thailand took this opportunity to propose Doi Inthanon National Park for registration as an ASEAN Heritage Park. The proposal is currently navigating through a multi-step consideration process, involving site selection, expert evaluation, and approval from relevant ASEAN working groups, before seeking official recognition from the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment. This process is expected to span 2-3 years.
At present, Thailand boasts 10 areas recognized as ASEAN Heritage Parks. Of these, 9 are managed by the Department of National Parks, including notable sites such as Khao Yai, Tarutao, Kaeng Krachan, Khao Sok, and Phu Kradueng. Additionally, the Bang Pu Army Nature Study Center in Samut Prakan Province is also certified.
The Director-General emphasized that hosting the conference presents a significant chance to promote Thailand's national parks, enhance knowledge exchange, and strengthen regional cooperation networks. Preparations are underway for a study tour at Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park in Rayong Province, alongside an exhibition on 'ASEAN Heritage Parks in Thailand' during the ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity meeting scheduled for 28-30 May.
The ASEAN Heritage Parks registration aims to boost conservation areas by supporting economic, tourism, community involvement, natural resource awareness, human resource development, and regional project support, creating a foundation for sustainable conservation in ASEAN.