Kaeng Krachan falls short in Unesco bid

The World Heritage Committee has decided not to consider Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex as a World Heritage Site, citing outdated information about its boundaries and the lack of participation from local communities, the Foreign Affairs Ministry announced on Sunday night.

The ministry released a statement explaining that the committee has noted that Thailand has reduced the size of the forest complex boundaries in response to concerns from Myanmar, so it asked Thailand to review its proposal.

The committee also requested Thailand ensure the participation of local communities when the committee meets again, the Foreign Ministry said.

However, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thailand's ambassador to France and the head of the Thai delegation at the 43rd World Heritage Committee meeting in Azerbaijan, said that the committee had accepted the Phanom Rung-Muang Tam-Plai Bat temple ruin complex in Buri Ram province and the Sri Thep Historical Park in Phetchabun province for consideration.