On 22 May 2026, H.E. Mr. Suchart Chomkhai, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, revealed that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has proposed the proposal of Ubon Ratchathani Geopark to be certified as a UNESCO Global Geoparks for the Cabinet Meeting, which will be submitted to UNESCO before 1 July 2026 and submitted the application between 1 October – 30 November 2026..
According to Mr. Suchart Chomkhai, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, there are currently 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 50 countries (as of November 2025). In Southeast Asia, there are 21 UNESCO Global Geoparks in five countries, including two Federated States of Malaysia, four Socialist Republics of Vietnam, 12 Republics of Indonesia, one Republic of the Philippines, and two Kingdoms of Thailand. Current status of geoparks in ThailandThere are two UNESCO Global Geoparks: Satun Global Geopark and Korat Global Geopark..
Ubon Ratchathani Geopark (formerly known as Sam Phan Bok Geopark) was a local geopark on May 4, 2011, and was first certified as a national geopark on August 22, 2019. It covers four districts: Pho Sai District, Si Muang Mai District, Khong Chiem District, and Sirindhorn District. It is distinguished by its international geology, geomorphology, fossil sites, and is a new reference rock stratigraphy of the important Korat rock group.. However, the UN National Committee on Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO), Ministry of Education, will continue to propose Ubon Ratchathani Geopark for UNESCO Global Geopark accreditation to the UNESCO Secretariat in Paris, France.