Thailand is seeking Asean Heritage Park status for Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon National Park, with an expert assessment beginning on Wednesday.
Government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said the proposal, approved by the National Committee on Conservation and Utilisation of Biodiversity in May, aims to strengthen conservation, biodiversity protection and eco-tourism while supporting local economies.
Experts from the Asean Centre for Biodiversity will assess the park from Sept 16-18 before the proposal proceeds to the Asean Heritage Parks committee and relevant regional environmental bodies.
She said Doi Inthanon covers about 296,922 rai across four Chiang Mai districts, with natural forest accounting for 89.5% of its area. It is an important headwater source for the Ping River and part of the Chao Phraya River basin.
The park contains at least 1,271 plant species and 393 wildlife species, including rare and endangered species such as the serow and white-handed gibbon. It also has 21 newly recorded lichen species, while 40.48% of the area lies within a strictly protected Class 1 watershed.
The park includes Thailand’s highest peak, at 2,565 metres above sea level, and produces more than 540 million cubic metres of water annually, serving more than 74 communities.
Thailand has 10 Asean Heritage Parks. If approved, Doi Inthanon would boost regional cooperation on biodiversity, conservation and research.