Politics
Prime Minister Anutin Visits Songkhla Old Town to Support UNESCO Bid
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Songkhla’s historic district to inspect progress on the city's application for UNESCO World Heritage status.
On August 31, 2026, Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul led a cabinet delegation to the historic Songkhla Old Town. According to a report by Thai Post, the primary objective of the visit was to monitor the ongoing efforts and progress regarding the city's formal proposal to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
During the visit, the Prime Minister engaged with the local community and participated in cultural activities, including a brief musical performance where he played the saxophone with a local band. This visit highlights the government's active interest in promoting the preservation of Songkhla’s architectural and cultural heritage.
For residents and travelers, this visit underscores the national government's commitment to the UNESCO bid, which could lead to increased tourism infrastructure and stricter conservation regulations in the area if successful. While the visit signals high-level political support for the initiative, the final decision regarding the World Heritage status remains subject to the formal evaluation process by UNESCO. Further updates on the status of the application and any subsequent development plans for the district are yet to be confirmed.