Tourism
Doi Inthanon National Park Proposed as Thailand's 11th ASEAN Heritage Park
The Thai Cabinet has approved the nomination of Doi Inthanon National Park to become the 11th ASEAN Heritage Park, aiming to boost conservation standards and sustainable tourism.
On September 15, 2026, the Thai Cabinet officially approved the proposal to nominate Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai as an ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP). This decision follows an earlier endorsement by the National Committee on Biological Diversity on May 6, 2026. According to Khaosod Online, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin stated that the initiative aligns with the 2003 ASEAN Declaration on Heritage Parks, intended to elevate Thailand’s role in regional natural resource protection.
For residents and travellers, this designation is significant as it aims to align the park’s management standards with international benchmarks. The government expects that achieving AHP status will facilitate knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and innovative conservation practices among ASEAN member states. Furthermore, the move is designed to enhance the value of eco-tourism, potentially creating more sustainable income opportunities for local communities surrounding the mountain.
While the Cabinet has approved the nomination, the formal international recognition process remains ongoing. It is not yet confirmed when the final assessment by ASEAN authorities will conclude or when the park will officially receive the AHP designation. Visitors should note that while this status aims to improve conservation, it is part of a long-term regional strategy rather than an immediate change to park access or current tourism regulations.