AWC and Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel Support Chiang Mai’s Journey to UNESCO World Heritage Status, Reaffirming a Commitment to Promoting Chiang Mai as a Global Sustainable Tourism Destination

28 May 2025
  • AWC supports Chiang Mai’s ambition to become a global sustainable tourism destination, joining a 14-party collaboration to drive UNESCO World Heritage nomination through the preservation and development of Lanna culture.
  • The 14-party MOU signing ceremony was held at the “Plaii Ballroom” at the Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel – the world’s first immersive ballroom – showcasing iconic stories of Lanna heritage through cutting-edge technology.

28 May 2025, Chiang Mai, Thailand – Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable tourism by joining a landmark MOU signing ceremony with 14 key organizations aimed at enhancing Chiang Mai’s bid for UNESCO World Heritage status. The agreement focuses on the management of Chiang Mai’s cultural heritage sites, landscapes, and monuments across the ancient Lanna capital, marking a pivotal step toward the city's formal nomination. The signing ceremony was hosted in the “Plaii Ballroom” at Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel, part of AWC’s premium hospitality portfolio. As the world’s first immersive ballroom featuring 360-degree LED technology, the venue exemplifies how innovation can bring heritage to life, blending global standards with local identity. Distinguished guests included Mr. Nirat Phongsitthithaworn, Governor of Chiang Mai Province; Mr. Pichai Lertpongadisorn, Chief Executive of the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization; and Mr. Michael Hariz, Chief Commercial Business Officer, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC).

“It is an honor for AWC to contribute to this milestone event uniting all sectors to advance Chiang Mai toward UNESCO World Heritage status. This recognition not only preserves the cultural richness of Lanna but also promotes sustainable tourism, safeguarding the city’s spirit for future generations. We are proud to support the ceremony at the Plaii Ballroom, where heritage meets innovation. Furthermore, through our ongoing projects such as ‘Lannatique’ and the ‘Chiang Mai Tram by Lannatique,’ we are committed to positioning Chiang Mai as a global sustainable tourism destination,” Mr. Michael Hariz, Chief Commercial Business Officer, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) stated.

The collaboration supports the preservation and development of Chiang Mai’s historical and cultural landmarks, including 7 significant temples—Wat Chiang Man, Wat Umong, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Jed Yod—as well as ancient city structures such as the moat, walls, and surrounding landscapes. This ambitious initiative is driven by a coalition of local temples, government agencies, and municipal offices such as Chiang Mai Province, Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization, Chiang Mai Municipality, Chang Phueak Subdistrict Municipality, Suthep Town Municipality, the Fine Arts Department, and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, laying a strong foundation for the city’s World Heritage nomination in the future.

Held in the “Plaii Ballroom,” the MOU signing ceremony offered an immersive storytelling experience that brought the spirit of Lanna to life. Through 360-degree visuals, the rich cultural legacy of Chiang Mai was showcased in a dynamic and memorable way, reinforcing the importance of heritage in shaping the city’s future.

AWC remains committed to driving culture-based sustainable tourism and positioning Thailand as a premier global destination. In Chiang Mai, AWC’s flagship initiative, “Lannatique,” is set to transform the Chang Klan area into a vibrant lifestyle landmark that harmoniously blends Lanna heritage with contemporary art under the concept “The Heart of Lanna Art Movement.” This transformative project celebrates Thai cultural identity, empowers local entrepreneurs, and elevates Northern Thai craftsmanship to the international stage. Enhancing this vision, the “Chiang Mai Tram by Lannatique”—a modern electric rubber-tire tram—will connect key cultural landmarks while fostering inclusive economic growth through reinvestment in local sustainable development.

Guided by its commitment to “Building Better Future for All,” AWC believes that preserving cultural heritage alongside enhancing the potential of tourism cities is fundamental to achieving sustainable growth—economically, socially, and environmentally. This approach not only ensures the lasting value of heritage for future generations but also fosters a deep sense of pride in local cultural roots and promotes Thai culture on the global stage in a truly meaningful way.

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