Applying the UNESCO Competence Framework for Cultural Heritage Management at Chiang Mai, Thailand

Purpose This paper discusses the process of applying the UNESCO Competence Framework for Cultural Heritage Management to develop a management system and capacity-building strategies for living historic cities through the lens of the aspiring World Heritage property of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Design/methodology/approach Researchers and practitioners from Deakin University, Chiang Mai World Heritage Initiative and UNESCO Bangkok collaborated to pilot the UNESCO Competence Framework for Cultural Heritage Management in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The team adopted an action research framework, utilising self-reflective cycles of planning, acting, observing and reflecting to illuminate capacities and gaps in Chiang Mai’s current heritage management system. Findings This paper demonstrates the usefulness of the Competence Framework in formulating effective capacity-building and sustainable heritage management strategies for a living historic city. It also highlights the challenges and opportunities of adapting the Competence Framework to suit diverse socio-political contexts, demonstrating its broad relevance and applicability. Originality/value This paper discusses the innovative exercise of piloting the UNESCO Competence Framework for Cultural Heritage Management (2020) at the aspiring World Heritage property of Chiang Mai. The learnings from this project serve as a model for devising holistic and locally sustainable management approaches for heritage places in Southeast Asia and similar places in other parts of the world.