On 22 July 2025, Sunee Grand Hotel, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani ProvinceMr. Sitthichai Serisongsaeng, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and EnvironmentChaired the opening of the project "The 4th Thailand Geopark Network Academic Seminar 2025". The topic: The Role of the Thailand Geopark Network and Sustainable Development. The Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Administration, in collaboration with Ubon Ratchathani Province, Department of Mineral Resources, Geological Society of Thailand, Mahasarakham University Paleontological Research Center, and the Office of Mineral Resources, District 2 Khon Kaen. The project was held between 21 – 2 5 July 2025.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment stated that the Ministry is ready to promote the Ubon Ratchathani Geopark, which is located in four districts: The areas of Si Mueang Mai, Khong Chiam District, Sirindhorn District, and Pho Thrai District have been designated as a World Geopark due to their numerous outstanding features, such as the land of the last prehistoric dinosaurs, unique natural formations like Pha Chan (steep cliffs), Sam Phan Bok (three thousand potholes), Saeng Chan Waterfall, Sao Chaliang (stone pillars), and the confluence of the Mun and Mekong rivers.In particular, the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Administration, which has continued to work in various areas under the good cooperation of the network sector, with the request to increase the management of tourist support, will make it more complete.
Mr. Kan Kalptinan, President of Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Administrative OrganizationHe said that the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Administration has recognized the importance of driving geoparks towards sustainable development. All sectors shall jointly conserve the geological, cultural and natural heritage in the Ubon Ratchathani Geopark area to be a geopark that creates economic added value for the people in the geopark area, as well as to publicize the tourist attraction to be evident and thank all sectors, including the public sector, the private sector, the public sector, the local community.which contributed significantly to the concrete effect of this project
This training seminar was honored by expert speakers with experience working with the UNESCO Global Geopark Council, Prof. Dr. Zhang Jianping, China and speakers from the Thailand Geopark Network participated in the knowledge transfer and visited the area in Ubon Ratchathani Geopark. The participants of the project consisted of the network of eleven geoparks in Thailand, Department of Mineral Resources, Office of Mineral Resources, District 2, Khon Kaen, Geological Society of Thailand, Center for Paleontological Research and Education, Mahasarakham University.The National Astronomical Research Institute, heads of government, local government leaders, community leaders, youth, students, and the general public totaled 500 people. The training seminar provided academic education and presentations and field visits to study and explore geological sites in the Ubon Ratchathani Geopark area in Sri Mueang Mai District, Khong Chiam District, and Sirindhorn District.
