THE ROLE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THAI LAWS IN THE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF WORD CULTURAL HERITAGE

Abstract

This dissertation examines the role and effectiveness of Thai laws in the management and conservation of world cultural heritage. The study emphasizes the evaluation of Thailand’s domestic legal framework in relation to its international obligations under the 1972 UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Thailand has made significant efforts in conserving and registering world heritage sites, such as Sukhothai Historical Park and Ayutthaya Historical Park. However, the implementation of these efforts faces several challenges, including overlapping legal provisions, unclear roles and responsibilities among relevant agencies, limitations in personnel, budget allocation, as well as community participation. These issues contribute to a lack of coherence and effectiveness in the management and conservation of Thailand’s world heritage sites. The research finds that although existing legislation, such as the Ancient Monuments, Antiques, and National Museums Act B.E. 2504, the Town Planning Act B.E. 2562, and the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act B.E. 2535, play a crucial role in cultural heritage protection, these laws do not explicitly recognize the legal status of “world heritage sites.” Furthermore, there is an absence of integrated mechanisms for coordinated management among responsible agencies. To address these gaps, the study proposes the following policy recommendations; enactment of specific legislation dedicated to world heritage, establishment of a central coordinating body, capacity-building for relevant personnel, promotion of community participation, and revision of environmental laws to align with the principle of conserving Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). These recommendations aim to enhance the clarity, effectiveness, and sustainability of Thailand’s legal framework for the conservation of world cultural heritage.