Quote:CONSERVATION / PROTECTING THE NORTHEAST

Sites to get heritage status

Three ancient Khmer ruins and their surrounding areas and a historic park, all in the Northeast, have been declared World Heritage sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), officials at the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry's National Park Department said. The sanctuaries of Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima, as well as Phanom Rung and Muang Tam in Buri Ram were given World Heritage status. Surrounding historic areas were also annexed to the heritage sites.[/b]

The other heritage site is Phu Phrabat historic park in Udon Thani.

The Unesco World Heritage Centre has agreed to register both the sanctuaries, their surroundings and Phu Phrabat as World Heritage sites, officials said.

The national committee on world heritage protection convention, chaired by Adul Wichaincharoen, is preparing documents to register the sanctuaries.

The National Park Department plans to apply for World Heritage status for three natural sanctuaries.

They are conserved coastal areas along the Andaman coastline, Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi and the mountainous forests in Phetchabun province which cover Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Thung Salaeng Luang, Phu Kradung, Nam Nao, and Phu Luang-Phu Khiew wildlife sanctuary.