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| For articles on the Historical Park, click here. 2012 |
Culture Ministry worried over impacts of repeated flood on ancient ruins
1 February 2012 - The Ministry of Culture is concerned that the ancient ruins in Ayutthaya Province may be hit by future flooding and has
ordered that the restoration be particularly strong. Culture Minister Sukamol Kunploem, on Tuesday, joined the Fine Arts Department Director
General Soamsuda Leeyawanich on an inspection trip at Wat Mahathat, located within the World Heritage-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Both went to the temple's wall to check on the flood-induced, 10-meter-long collapsed section. The Fine Arts Department Office in Ayutthaya
has installed a number of wooden sticks to prop up the wall to keep it from collapsing further. Mrs. Sukamol said that the restoration of the
damaged ruins must be exceptionally stronger, with all possible risk spots identified and reinforced to prevent future damage. She added that
more attention must be paid to the restoration of all ancient ruins as more flooding is possible in the future. In addition, the Culture Minister said
that Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya Phewpong has agreed with a plan to ban all fireworks, loud sound system, which can cause significant tremor,
and any stage arrangement that can have impact on the structure of the ruins; during the upcoming light and sound event. [Source: NNT]
Floods expose shoddy restoration at Ayutthaya temples
1 February 2012 - Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome led Fine Arts officials yesterday to inspect the 10metrelong collapsed wall section of
Wat Mahathat, located within the World Heritagelisted Ayutthaya Historical Park. Sukumol said the wall damage was similar to that in several
other ancient sites that had been restored 30 years ago. The restoration project then was under budget constraints, leaving the wall hollow and
weak. She said the restoration this time would strengthen the wall with gapless brickwork. Sukumol also instructed the Fine Arts Office 3 in
Ayutthaya to inspect other sites restored 30 years ago in case they too could be prone to collapse. The officials would discuss with the
Ayutthaya governor if the annual Red Cross Fair 2012, featuring a light and sound show, could affect the World Heritage Site. If so, the risky
parts of the show would be cancelled, she said. As Bt600 million was already allocated for the restoration of ancient sites on Ayutthaya City
Island, Sukumol said the Fine Arts Department would rehabilitate the sites and strengthen structures, as well as work on floodprevention
measures including canal dredging. She said they would propose an additional budget for the Wat Mahathat wall restoration later. Fine Arts
Department chief Somsuda Leeyawanich said her office would urgently report the Wat Mahathat wall damage to Unesco as well as the 2012
flood damage at the Ayutthaya Historical Park and the Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Special attention would be given to Ayutthaya, which
suffered severe damage due to the prolonged flooding. The department's public works engineering expert, Kittipan Phansuwan, said the wall had
several other cracks and subsidence because the previous restoration hadn't strengthened the structure. As a result, a greater risk of
watererosion collapse might be found at other ancient sites that underwent the same restoration such as Wat Phra Ram, Wat Mahathat and Wat
Ratburana. Wall restoration should involve strengthening the foundations and use of gapless bricks, he said. The Mahathat wall repair will take
20 days. [Source: The Nation]
Restoration of historic Ayutthaya sites to cope with renewed flood
31 January 2012 - Thailand’s antiquities authorities will speed up restoring the former capital’s historic sites, damaged by last year’s flooding in
the city of Ayutthaya, and reinforce weak structures in preparation for possible repeat flooding in the future. Culture Minister Sukumol
Kunplome and Somsuda Leeyawanich, director-general of the Fine Arts Department on Tuesday inspected the collapsed wall of the Mahathat
Temple. A five-kilometre section of the wall tumbled down during the flood and Ayutthaya’s provincial fines art agency has used wooden staves
to prop the remaining sections of wall to prevent further collapse. The inspection revealed obvious foundation subsidence, restoration of which
will make the wall stronger than they were rebuilt last time, the minister said. More surveying will be done to find any other parts, which could
collapse after the historic site was submerged in months-long flooding last year. It is believed there are many spots that need to be restored and
strengthened in preparation for possible flooding in the future. As a light and sound show is scheduled in February, Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya
Phewpong said that there will be neither a fireworks presentation nor higher than normal level amplifiers which could cause vibration damage.
Performance of any fight scene that could impact the historic site will be cut off. [Source: MCOT online news]
Flood-damaged ancient sites in Ayutthaya being hastily inspected
31 January 2012 - The Governor of Ayutthaya province has ordered related officials to accelerate the inspection of flood-damaged
archaeological sites in the ancient capital of Thailand. Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya Phewpong stated that he has instructed the 3rd Regional
Office of Fine Arts under the Ministry of Culture’s Fine Arts Department to examine all archaeological sites in the province to determine which
of them have sustained damages from the flood last year. According to the Governor, previous inspections have not yet produced any damage
summaries. Therefore, once the current assessment is finalized, a summary report will need to be presented to him in three days in order to be
forwarded to the government accordingly. Mr. Wittaya admitted that the soil under several areas concentrated with archaeological sites has
begun to subside. The sites have already been closed to tourists due to concerns that the ancient structures might collapse. [Source: NNT]
Japanese cultural experts report on status of Ayutthaya World Heritage site
5 January 2012 - In a press conference hosted by the Thai Ministry of Culture’s Fine Arts Department on 22 December 2011, a team of 8
Japanese experts reported on their recent technical mission to Ayutthaya. H.E. Mr. Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak, Thai Vice Minister for Culture,
opened the conference thanking UNESCO and the Japanese Government for their continuous support and cooperation in the salvage of the
Ayutthaya World Heritage site. Ms Somsuda Leyavanija, Director of Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, joined her Vice Minister by
conveying her gratitude to the Japanese Government in “protecting the invaluable heritage of Ayutthaya”. Etienne Clement, Deputy Director,
UNESCO Bangkok, affirmed UNESCO’s continuous commitment and support to protect and safeguard the World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya
after the tremendous flood in 2011.
“UNESCO is concerned about the recovery of Ayutthaya both in the short-term and the long-term. A multi-disciplinary effort will be needed to
ensure that the historic site and its larger urban and natural context will be sustainably managed in the future”, he said. “From UNESCO’s
perspective, it will be important to comprehensively address all the issues necessary for this long-term sustainability of the site. The issues range
from very specific technical concerns, such as mural conservation to very large-scale issues such as disaster response and integrated urban and
environmental planning”, he said. “Like at other sites in Asia and around the world, UNESCO plays a key role to support governments to
mobilize the needed expertise across all these different specializations to react quickly and plan strategically in response to these kinds of
disasters”, Mr. Clement closed. H.E. Seiji Kojima, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand expressed his gratitude to the Thai people in their support
to Japan in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake this year and confirmed the Japanese flood recovery support for Thailand.
In regard to Ayutthaya, Mr. Kojima confirmed “the importance of Ayutthaya not only for Thailand but for the whole world”, which hugely
justifies the intervention of international and Japanese experts in assessing and restoring the site. In relation to the mutual help and support of the
two countries in the aftermath of their respective disaster situations, Mr. Kojima said: “We can understand the feelings of Thai people and Thai
people can understand the feelings of the Japanese”. A first international expert mission had taken place from 30 November to 1 December to
assess the status of key monuments after the flooding in 2011 with temporary water levels up to 3 meters. On 18-21 December another mission
followed by the team of 8 Japanese experts, composed of conservation specialists, architects, painting restoration specialists and photographers
of the National Research Institute for Cultural properties in Tokyo, Japan, and the Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs. The experts undertook
damage analysis, emergency stabilization, restoration and long-term management assessment.
This survey, like the previous one from late November, again focused on key monuments such as Pompetch, Wat Phra Srisanpetch, Wat
Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Chai Wattanaram, Wat Ayothaya, Wat Maheyong, Wat Ku Deedao, Wat Pradoo, Wat Choeng Ta and
Wat Phuttaisawan. The scientists assessed the monuments’ upper and sub-structures, and the murals in Wat Pradoo, Wat Choeng Ta and Wat
Phuttaisawan. For the expert team, Mr. Wataru Kuwanobe, Director of the National Research Institute for Cultural properties in Tokyo, Japan,
debriefed on the status of the inspected monuments, confirming that the flood did not directly produce major damages and that the site’s main
monuments are not at immediate risk. However, the floods have exacerbated underlying vulnerabilities of the site, which show a series of
damages and general deterioration due to past floods and environmental and human influences over time. The site will need a long-term
conservation and management plan and, in reply to a question from the press, the status of the site’s sub-structures and the ground will need
further analysis and measuring. The entire historic island of Ayutthaya and its surrounding area was flooded for more than a month starting in
early October 2011, with a total of 157 historic monuments in and around Ayutthaya World Heritage Site affected. Ayutthaya was inscribed on
the World Heritage List in 1991. Founded c. 1350, the historic city was the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. [Source: UNESCO
Bangkok]
1 February 2012 - The Ministry of Culture is concerned that the ancient ruins in Ayutthaya Province may be hit by future flooding and has
ordered that the restoration be particularly strong. Culture Minister Sukamol Kunploem, on Tuesday, joined the Fine Arts Department Director
General Soamsuda Leeyawanich on an inspection trip at Wat Mahathat, located within the World Heritage-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Both went to the temple's wall to check on the flood-induced, 10-meter-long collapsed section. The Fine Arts Department Office in Ayutthaya
has installed a number of wooden sticks to prop up the wall to keep it from collapsing further. Mrs. Sukamol said that the restoration of the
damaged ruins must be exceptionally stronger, with all possible risk spots identified and reinforced to prevent future damage. She added that
more attention must be paid to the restoration of all ancient ruins as more flooding is possible in the future. In addition, the Culture Minister said
that Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya Phewpong has agreed with a plan to ban all fireworks, loud sound system, which can cause significant tremor,
and any stage arrangement that can have impact on the structure of the ruins; during the upcoming light and sound event. [Source: NNT]
Floods expose shoddy restoration at Ayutthaya temples
1 February 2012 - Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome led Fine Arts officials yesterday to inspect the 10metrelong collapsed wall section of
Wat Mahathat, located within the World Heritagelisted Ayutthaya Historical Park. Sukumol said the wall damage was similar to that in several
other ancient sites that had been restored 30 years ago. The restoration project then was under budget constraints, leaving the wall hollow and
weak. She said the restoration this time would strengthen the wall with gapless brickwork. Sukumol also instructed the Fine Arts Office 3 in
Ayutthaya to inspect other sites restored 30 years ago in case they too could be prone to collapse. The officials would discuss with the
Ayutthaya governor if the annual Red Cross Fair 2012, featuring a light and sound show, could affect the World Heritage Site. If so, the risky
parts of the show would be cancelled, she said. As Bt600 million was already allocated for the restoration of ancient sites on Ayutthaya City
Island, Sukumol said the Fine Arts Department would rehabilitate the sites and strengthen structures, as well as work on floodprevention
measures including canal dredging. She said they would propose an additional budget for the Wat Mahathat wall restoration later. Fine Arts
Department chief Somsuda Leeyawanich said her office would urgently report the Wat Mahathat wall damage to Unesco as well as the 2012
flood damage at the Ayutthaya Historical Park and the Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Special attention would be given to Ayutthaya, which
suffered severe damage due to the prolonged flooding. The department's public works engineering expert, Kittipan Phansuwan, said the wall had
several other cracks and subsidence because the previous restoration hadn't strengthened the structure. As a result, a greater risk of
watererosion collapse might be found at other ancient sites that underwent the same restoration such as Wat Phra Ram, Wat Mahathat and Wat
Ratburana. Wall restoration should involve strengthening the foundations and use of gapless bricks, he said. The Mahathat wall repair will take
20 days. [Source: The Nation]
Restoration of historic Ayutthaya sites to cope with renewed flood
31 January 2012 - Thailand’s antiquities authorities will speed up restoring the former capital’s historic sites, damaged by last year’s flooding in
the city of Ayutthaya, and reinforce weak structures in preparation for possible repeat flooding in the future. Culture Minister Sukumol
Kunplome and Somsuda Leeyawanich, director-general of the Fine Arts Department on Tuesday inspected the collapsed wall of the Mahathat
Temple. A five-kilometre section of the wall tumbled down during the flood and Ayutthaya’s provincial fines art agency has used wooden staves
to prop the remaining sections of wall to prevent further collapse. The inspection revealed obvious foundation subsidence, restoration of which
will make the wall stronger than they were rebuilt last time, the minister said. More surveying will be done to find any other parts, which could
collapse after the historic site was submerged in months-long flooding last year. It is believed there are many spots that need to be restored and
strengthened in preparation for possible flooding in the future. As a light and sound show is scheduled in February, Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya
Phewpong said that there will be neither a fireworks presentation nor higher than normal level amplifiers which could cause vibration damage.
Performance of any fight scene that could impact the historic site will be cut off. [Source: MCOT online news]
Flood-damaged ancient sites in Ayutthaya being hastily inspected
31 January 2012 - The Governor of Ayutthaya province has ordered related officials to accelerate the inspection of flood-damaged
archaeological sites in the ancient capital of Thailand. Ayutthaya Governor Wittaya Phewpong stated that he has instructed the 3rd Regional
Office of Fine Arts under the Ministry of Culture’s Fine Arts Department to examine all archaeological sites in the province to determine which
of them have sustained damages from the flood last year. According to the Governor, previous inspections have not yet produced any damage
summaries. Therefore, once the current assessment is finalized, a summary report will need to be presented to him in three days in order to be
forwarded to the government accordingly. Mr. Wittaya admitted that the soil under several areas concentrated with archaeological sites has
begun to subside. The sites have already been closed to tourists due to concerns that the ancient structures might collapse. [Source: NNT]
Japanese cultural experts report on status of Ayutthaya World Heritage site
5 January 2012 - In a press conference hosted by the Thai Ministry of Culture’s Fine Arts Department on 22 December 2011, a team of 8
Japanese experts reported on their recent technical mission to Ayutthaya. H.E. Mr. Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak, Thai Vice Minister for Culture,
opened the conference thanking UNESCO and the Japanese Government for their continuous support and cooperation in the salvage of the
Ayutthaya World Heritage site. Ms Somsuda Leyavanija, Director of Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, joined her Vice Minister by
conveying her gratitude to the Japanese Government in “protecting the invaluable heritage of Ayutthaya”. Etienne Clement, Deputy Director,
UNESCO Bangkok, affirmed UNESCO’s continuous commitment and support to protect and safeguard the World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya
after the tremendous flood in 2011.
“UNESCO is concerned about the recovery of Ayutthaya both in the short-term and the long-term. A multi-disciplinary effort will be needed to
ensure that the historic site and its larger urban and natural context will be sustainably managed in the future”, he said. “From UNESCO’s
perspective, it will be important to comprehensively address all the issues necessary for this long-term sustainability of the site. The issues range
from very specific technical concerns, such as mural conservation to very large-scale issues such as disaster response and integrated urban and
environmental planning”, he said. “Like at other sites in Asia and around the world, UNESCO plays a key role to support governments to
mobilize the needed expertise across all these different specializations to react quickly and plan strategically in response to these kinds of
disasters”, Mr. Clement closed. H.E. Seiji Kojima, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand expressed his gratitude to the Thai people in their support
to Japan in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake this year and confirmed the Japanese flood recovery support for Thailand.
In regard to Ayutthaya, Mr. Kojima confirmed “the importance of Ayutthaya not only for Thailand but for the whole world”, which hugely
justifies the intervention of international and Japanese experts in assessing and restoring the site. In relation to the mutual help and support of the
two countries in the aftermath of their respective disaster situations, Mr. Kojima said: “We can understand the feelings of Thai people and Thai
people can understand the feelings of the Japanese”. A first international expert mission had taken place from 30 November to 1 December to
assess the status of key monuments after the flooding in 2011 with temporary water levels up to 3 meters. On 18-21 December another mission
followed by the team of 8 Japanese experts, composed of conservation specialists, architects, painting restoration specialists and photographers
of the National Research Institute for Cultural properties in Tokyo, Japan, and the Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs. The experts undertook
damage analysis, emergency stabilization, restoration and long-term management assessment.
This survey, like the previous one from late November, again focused on key monuments such as Pompetch, Wat Phra Srisanpetch, Wat
Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Chai Wattanaram, Wat Ayothaya, Wat Maheyong, Wat Ku Deedao, Wat Pradoo, Wat Choeng Ta and
Wat Phuttaisawan. The scientists assessed the monuments’ upper and sub-structures, and the murals in Wat Pradoo, Wat Choeng Ta and Wat
Phuttaisawan. For the expert team, Mr. Wataru Kuwanobe, Director of the National Research Institute for Cultural properties in Tokyo, Japan,
debriefed on the status of the inspected monuments, confirming that the flood did not directly produce major damages and that the site’s main
monuments are not at immediate risk. However, the floods have exacerbated underlying vulnerabilities of the site, which show a series of
damages and general deterioration due to past floods and environmental and human influences over time. The site will need a long-term
conservation and management plan and, in reply to a question from the press, the status of the site’s sub-structures and the ground will need
further analysis and measuring. The entire historic island of Ayutthaya and its surrounding area was flooded for more than a month starting in
early October 2011, with a total of 157 historic monuments in and around Ayutthaya World Heritage Site affected. Ayutthaya was inscribed on
the World Heritage List in 1991. Founded c. 1350, the historic city was the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. [Source: UNESCO
Bangkok]