E-book Hala-Bala wildlife to word heritage

In Thai
Rittaphirom, B. 2014. Southern Ngor of Thailand Were Semang Tribe, Not
Sakai,” Satun: Satun Community College.
Chumpengphan, P. 2002. History of Southern Civilization: Source of Important
History and Archeology in the Thailand, Bangkok: Suveeriyasan.
Pranchalee (pseudonym), 2020. Tha Sap: Home of Love and Relationship
History,
Narathiwat: Tha- Sap Sub-District Municipality
Wallipodom, S. 2007. History of Southern Thai, Bangkok: Lek-Prapai Wiriyaphan
Foundation
Wongthet, S. 2004. The State of Pattani in Srivijaya Is Older than the State of
Sukhothai, Bangkok: Matichon Publishing House
Printed Media
In Thai
“Bang Lang Dam for Sustainability in the Southernmost of Thailand,” Advanced
Thailand Geographic, Year 21, Issue No.150, 2016
“Bird Watching along the Road at Hala-Bala,” Advanced Thailand Geographic
Year 8, Issue No. 56, 2002
“Upper Pattani River Basin: Grand Reservoir in the Southernmost of Thailand,”
Advanced Thailand Geographic, Year 21, Issue No.150, 2016
Online Media
In Thai
Bang Lang Dam, https://www.egat.co.th/index.php (Retrieved on 10
December 2020)
Sharing Information about What a “World Heritage” Is, http://www.culture.
go.th/
culture_th (Retrieved on 28 December 2010)

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It is quite common now to hear people mentioned a term “World
Heritage”, especially in tourist attractions, both in Thailand and abroad.
Yet, presumably, this very familiar term may not be fully understood. So,
it would be a great opportunity to discuss the subject of World Heritage
with simple explanation.
“World Heritage” or “World Heritage Site” is an area that can
be a forest, mountain, lake and various structures, as well as the city
that has been selected by UNESCO as a place of significance or values
culturally, historically, scientifically, or other equally important fields,
either man-made or natural creation. The selected place deserves to
be protected by law, in accordance with the Convention of “World Her-
itage” of UNESCO, as this place, despite being geographically a property
of a particular country, is precious and beneficial for all humanity. Such
a place is worth-appreciating, should be conserved by all, and should
be perpetuated for future generations.
It is believed that the concept of “world heritage” arose after
the Second World War, during which period many countries were badly
affected by the consequences of the war. Those countries all agreed
that war not only destroyed life and property, but, sadly, the important
historic sites with historical and natural values also. Without proper pro-
tection and preservation of these valuable historic sites, people in the
future generation will never have the opportunity to learn or appreciate
the beauty created and cherished by the older generations. UNESCO
has, therefore, been a core player in drafting the Convention on “World
Heritage,” with the objective of building a partnership among the country
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members. Appropriate measures in terms of policy, technical admin-
istration, and finance were set up to preserve, protect and promote
cultural and natural heritage vital for mankind. The announcement of
the registration of the world heritage site has been made since 1972.
World Heritage is divided into two categories: Cultural World Heritage and
Natural World Heritage. In 2019, there were 1,121 world heritage sites
scattered in 167 countries around the world; 869 were cultural world
heritage, 213 natural world heritage whereas 39 sites are combinative.
China and Italy are now the countries that are holding 55 World Heritage
Sites, followed by Spain (48 sites), Germany (46 sites) and France (45
sites).

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In Thailand, there are 5 World Heritage Sites, 3 of which are
Cultural World Heritage, namely, the historical city of Sukhothai and the
satellite cities, the historical city of Ayutthaya and the satellite cities,
and Ban Chiang Archaeological Site. There are 2 Natural World Heritage
Sites, namely, Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and the Dong
Phaya Yen - Khao Yai Forest.
To become a World Heritage Site, the prerequisite is that the
host country be a member of UNESCO, the acronym for United Nations
Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Then, an assessment will
be conducted to verify whether the nominated site is qualified by the
criteria or not. For that, there will be a committee to examine and make
decision before the announcement is made, the detail of which will be
discussed on a different occasion. But one thing for certain, it’s not an
easy process for a site to be listed as a “World Heritage”
And what are the advantages of being a World Heritage Site? At the very
least, the hosting country of a World Heritage Site will have pride and
dignity in the world’s valuable and significant site, which brings about
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the realization and efforts to conserve and perpetuate the place,
which will be passed on to the future generations. Currently, a
World Heritage Site can be a source of tourism which constantly
brings income to local communities and the country.
Besides “World Heritage”, there is now another term that many
people confusedly refer to as World Heritage. That term is “Cultural
Wisdom Heritage,” with which UNESCO has a separate Convention
to address, called the Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage
(ICH). An interesting question would be: Are the World Heritage
and the Cultural Wisdom Heritage similar to or different from
each other, and in what ways? Why the two terms are often used
interchangeably and confusedly? This must be discussed at an-
other time. But just remember that a World Heritage Site, whether
cultural or natural site, is immobile. If the site can be moved or
transferred, that will not be called a World Heritage.

Thatsachon Thepkampanat
Advisor to Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture

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