A brief report issued on Sunday by the Thai delegation at the committee’s meeting in Azerbaijan advised Thailand to prepare more information pertaining to the issue so it can be presented at the next committee meeting in February 2021.

Consideration of Thailand’s proposal was postponed due to differing opinions within the committee.

Indonesia, China, Brazil and Cuba backed the nomination of the Kaeng Krachan forest complex, but Norway, Australia and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) expressed concerns about the violation of Karen people’s rights.

The Karen Network for Culture and Environment also released a statement via the IUCN calling on the World Heritage Committee to ensure their community rights are guaranteed if the forest complex is given the heritage status.

The Thai delegation at the 43rd World Heritage Committee meeting was led by former Thai ambassador to France, Sihasak Puangkatekaeo. The Kaeng Krachan National Park straddles the provinces of Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan.