Thai park files for World Heritage status

BANGKOK  Thailand’s National Committee on the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage will propose that Phu Phabhat Historical Park be listed as a World Heritage site.
The Culture Minister, Veera Rojpotjanarat, said the committee has agreed that Phu Phabhat Historical Park, located in Udon Thani, should be recognised as a world cultural site.
“The committee will submit its proposal to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) 1 February. The result will be announced June next year.”
Phu Phra Bat is a historical park in Ban Phue district of Udon Thani. The park’s distinguishing feature is its unusual rock formations around which religious shrines have been constructed. Some formations also feature prehistoric rock paintings.
Inside no3Phu Phra Bat is located in the western area of Phu Phan Mountains between Udon Thani and Nong Khai, around 65 km from each city. The park’s area is 1,200 acres (4.9 sq km) and part of the Phu Phra Bat Buabok Forest Park.
The park was established by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand in 1991.
Thailand now has five world heritage sites — three in the cultural category and two in nature. They are:
Culture:
Sukhothai and associated historic towns (1991); Ayutthaya; and Ban Chiang Archaeological site (1992);
Nature:
Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries (1991); and Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex (2005).

sourced:ttrweekly.com