Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Prakan : A Hidden Gem in Thailand’s Unseen New Chapters

Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand – On May 16, 2023, the people of Prachuap Khiri Khan were invited by Mr. Achawan Kongkanan, Director of TAT Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, to participate in an important vote. The purpose was to select a remarkable tourist attraction that would become part of the prestigious “Unseen New Chapters” list, featuring the top 25 tourist attractions in Thailand. This selection process involved 77 tourist attractions across the country, with each province nominating a single attraction.

At the helm of this endeavor was Mr. Sathien Charoen Rian, Governor of Prachuap Province, who chaired the evaluation committee alongside the Provincial Tourism and Sports Office, Provincial Tourism Industry Council, Hua Hin/Cha Am Tourism Business Association, Prachuap Province Tourism Business Association, Provincial Community-Based Tourism Association, and TAT Prachuap Khiri Khan Office. Collectively, they agreed upon the proposal to include the “Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Prakan,” also known as the Phra Maha Chedi Kao Yot. This three-tiered tetrahedral prang, situated atop Khao Thong Chai in the Tang Sai Temple, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Province, had garnered admiration for its stunning beauty and magnificence.

The selection of the “Unseen New Chapters” tourist attractions was a combination of public voting and expert opinion. Twenty attractions were determined through public votes, while an expert panel carefully handpicked the remaining five. Each person had the opportunity to vote for up to five attractions per week, adhering to the rule that one vote must be allocated to an attraction from each of the five regions. The voting period ran weekly, concluding every Sunday at midnight, with the tally commencing every Monday at 10:00 a.m.

Engagement in the voting process came with exciting incentives, as participants stood a chance to win prizes worth over 1,000,000 baht. These prizes included domestic round-trip plane tickets, hotel vouchers, dining experiences at Michelin Guide restaurants, fuel cards, and more. The lucky winners were announced on a weekly basis through the project website.

The first round of voting for the “Unseen New Chapters” initiative is set to begin on May 22, 2023. To stay informed about the project and cast their votes, individuals are encouraged to visit the official website at www.tourismthailand.org/unseennewchapters.

This initiative aims to shed light on the hidden gems of Thailand’s tourism landscape, showcasing the diverse and captivating attractions the country has to offer. By involving the public and utilizing expert knowledge, the “Unseen New Chapters” list promises to captivate both domestic and international travelers, further enhancing Thailand’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.

Author: Noah Gallix