Culture
Doi Inthanon Proposed as ASEAN Heritage Park
The Thai government is seeking ASEAN Heritage Park status for Doi Inthanon National Park to highlight its ecological significance.
According to a report by Matichon Online on September 15, 2026, the Thai government has initiated a formal push to designate Doi Inthanon National Park as an ASEAN Heritage Park. This initiative aims to emphasize the park's critical role as a watershed forest and its exceptional biodiversity.
For residents and travellers, this proposal underscores the national importance of the area, which is already a premier destination for those interested in high-altitude ecosystems and unique flora and fauna. If the designation is successful, it could lead to increased international recognition and potentially enhanced conservation efforts, which may influence future management and visitor guidelines within the park.
At this stage, the proposal is in the advocacy phase. It remains to be confirmed whether the ASEAN Secretariat will grant the status, as the process involves rigorous evaluation against regional environmental standards. Visitors should continue to monitor official announcements from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation regarding any potential changes to park access or regulations that might arise from this international recognition process.
