Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It’s known for its distinctive Khmer-style prang (tower) decorated with colorful porcelain and seashells. Visitors can climb the steep steps of the central prang for panoramic views of the river and the city.
Prime Minister Phaethon Thar Shinawatra, also Minister of Culture, announced that the Thai delegation has received confirmation from the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, held from July 6–16, 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, that the Phra Prang of Wat Arun Ratchawararam: The Masterpiece of Krung Rattanakosin has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage status.
Prime Minister Phaethon Thar stated that this inclusion of Wat Arun on the Tentative List is a very welcome and significant milestone because it marks the first step in the process to nominate the “Phra Prang of Wat Arun” as a World Heritage site. The next step will be to prepare and submit the Nomination Dossier within the specified timeframe.
The nomination of the Phra Prang of Wat Arun Ratchawararam, an identity symbol of Krung Rattanakosin, meets UNESCO’s criteria for World Heritage designation. It represents an outstanding example of Buddhist prang architecture, uniquely characteristic of Thailand and Southeast Asia. The site fulfills criteria 1 and 2: it is an architectural and artistic masterpiece of the Rattanakosin era influenced by Ayutthaya-style prangs and developed into a unique form distinctive to the Rattanakosin period.
The Ministry of Culture has assigned the Fine Arts Department to coordinate and advise Wat Arun in preparing the complete nomination dossier. Archaeological studies will be conducted at the Phra Prang site to examine construction techniques and structural stability. Conservation efforts will be managed to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the site according to international conservation principles. Landscape improvements and internal site planning will be carried out following Wat Arun’s master plan and management strategy.
Prime Minister Phaethon added that the Fine Arts Department reported that Thailand currently has seven sites on the Tentative List: six cultural sites — including the Phra Prang of Wat Arun — and one natural site, the Andaman Sea Conservation Area.
Thailand currently has eight officially registered UNESCO World Heritage sites: five cultural sites (Sukhothai Historical Park, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, Si Thep Ancient City, and Phu Phra Bat Historical Park) and three natural sites (Thung Yai Naresuan–Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex, and Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex).
Prime Minister Phaethon emphasized that the inclusion of Wat Arun’s Phra Prang on the Tentative List is a major achievement for Thailand with multiple positive impacts, including:
- Raising the historical and cultural value of the nation.
- Enhancing Thailand’s international image as a country with heritage of universal value, attracting scholars, tourists, and cultural institutions worldwide.
- Stimulating cultural tourism, making Wat Arun a key global cultural tourism destination, supporting local economies and sustainable tourism income.
- Driving systematic conservation and management of heritage sites.
