WorldHeritageSites:Ayutthaya could lose status

[Ahoerstemeier]

as mentioned on the front page there are two sites in Thailand currently under evaluation as potential future world heritage sites - Phimai together with Phanum Rung, Muang Tam and some minor Khmer ruins along the ancient route from Angkor to Phimai; and the Phu Phra Bat historical and forest park.

However, actually Thailand submitted several more sites, which however haven't even made it on the tentative list - see Office of National Resources and Environment Policy and Planning (http://www.onep.go.th/knowledgebase/news_elec04.htm) or The Nation (http://nationmultimedia.com/search/page.arcview.php?clid=3&id=112421).

Also worth reading is this Bangkok Post article (http://www.bangkokpost.net/240607_Perspective/24Jun2007_pers08.php) on Adul Wichiencharoen, the man behind the Thai world heritage site nominations. And of course there's the Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:World_Heritage_Sites_in_Thailand)...

[GWR]

Ayutthaya feared to be removed from World Heritage list

Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung travels to Ayutthaya province to observe the situation following the government’s concern that the province may be removed from the list of World Heritage.

The minister visits historical sites with his entourage including the governor of Ayutthaya and officials from the Fine Arts Department and relevant units to inspect the revival of Ayutthaya World Heritage. Ayutthaya is feared to be stripped off its title of World Heritage as street vendors trespass on many historical sites in the province, leading to untidiness and a sight unsightly.

Mr Chalerm says he has instructed relevant units to explain the situation to local people and manage the areas surrounding the historical sites appropriately. Street vendors will be strictly prohibited from selling goods in the restricted areas of the historical sites.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255106040005&news_headline=Ayutthaya