World Heritage Committee session continues, Thailand to postpone consideration of its proposal
ISTANBUL, 18 July 2016 (NNT) – The World Heritage Committee convenes on the concluding day of the 40th session, while Thailand's proposal to consider the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex as a world heritage site will be postponed for consideration to the next session in Paris.
The 40th session of the World Heritage Committee will continue today at Istanbul, Turkey, at 9 a.m. local time with only intense and limited agendas in the attempt to conclude all discussions within today under heightened security protection provided by the host country.
The session today will include the consideration of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in Phetchaburi Province which has been proposed by Thailand to be listed as a natural world heritage site.
On this matter, Thailand’s Permanent Delegation to the UNESCO Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Thailand has proceeded with the matter through discussion and proper work land allocation, in accordance to the World Heritage Committee’s concerns that the local communities and the livelihood of tribal groups in the forest area may be affected.
He said however that Thailand will have to postpone the consideration of this agenda to the next session to take place in Paris instead, as a discussion between Thailand and Myanmar is still underway without clear conclusion regarding the forest complex, as Myanmar is concerned on the issue of border demarcation.
He stressed Thailand has been communicating with Myanmar that the registration of Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex as a natural world heritage site will not affect border demarcation, but the postponement is to ensure that the issue is not rushed and for the convenience of both sides.
-- NNT 2016-07-18