On May 26 at the Hilton Bangkok Grande Asoke, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand, through the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), hosted the 12th ASEAN Heritage Park Committee Meeting (12th AHPCM). The event gathered over 100 participants from 10 Southeast Asian nations—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand—as well as observers from the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), international organizations, and Timor-Leste.
Mr. Atthaphon, Director-General of the DNP, stated that the meeting focused on exchanging management experiences, reporting progress on ongoing projects, and shaping future conservation strategies across ASEAN protected areas. Thailand officially proposed "Doi Inthanon National Park" in Chiang Mai as a new ASEAN Heritage Park and is currently preparing necessary documentation in line with committee regulations.
The registration process involves site selection, document submission through the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, expert assessment by ACB, committee review, endorsement by the ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (AWGNCB), approval by the ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN), and final recognition by the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment (AMME)—a procedure typically taking 2–3 years depending on readiness.
Thailand currently has 10 ASEAN Heritage Parks, 9 under DNP supervision including Khao Yai, Tarutao, Phang Nga Bay, Surin Islands, Similan Islands, Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, Hat Chao Mai-Libong Archipelago, Ang Thong, Khao Sok, Phu Khieo-Nam Nao, Phu Kradueng, and the most recent—Bang Pu Nature Education Center (Army), recognized in December 2024.
The Director-General emphasized that hosting this meeting is a prime opportunity to showcase Thai heritage parks and strengthen conservation collaboration across ASEAN. A field trip is scheduled for May 27 to Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park and Rayong Botanical Garden, followed by the AWGNCB policy meeting from May 28–30. An exhibition on “ASEAN Heritage Parks in Thailand” will also be presented at the venue.
He also highlighted the multifaceted benefits of becoming an ASEAN Heritage Park: economic (boosting eco-tourism), participatory (community involvement), environmental (raising awareness and promoting sustainable tourism), alliance-building (regional cooperation), capacity-building (training stakeholders), and funding opportunities. These benefits contribute to stronger and more sustainable protected areas for both Thailand and the ASEAN region.