BANGKOK, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Thursday announced that two marine parks in southern Thailand have been designated as ASEAN heritage parks.
Warawut Silpa-archa, minister of natural resources and environment told the press that ASEAN environment ministers voted unanimously to designate Haad Chao Mai-Koh Libong No-hunting Zone and Ang Thong marine parks as the 45th and 46th ASEAN heritage parks.
Haad Chao Mai-Koh Libong No-hunting Zone is located in Thailand's Southern Province of Trang and Ang Thong marine park in Surat Thani Province.
Warawut said the unanimous vote took place in Cambodia's resort town of Siem Reap where the 15th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment took place since Tuesday.
The two marine parks are Thailand's fifth and sixth to be given the status of ASEAN heritage parks after Khao Yai National Park, Tarutao, Surin-Similan-Similan-Phang-nga Bay marine parks and the Kaeng Krachan forest complex in Kanchanaburi province, the Thai minister said.
Warawut said he is proud that both the newly-designated marine parks have met the required criterion, including ecological richness, natural characteristics, regional representation, proper management, cross-boundary characteristics and connectivity between cultures and the ecological system and natural diversity.
