| PRESS FOCUS - HISTORICAL PARK |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
UNESCO denies involvement in Ayutthaya threat study
5 May 2012 - A report listing Ayutthaya among 10 historic sites in Asia under threat due to over development and mismanagement was not
prepared by UNESCO, a spokesman from the Fine Arts Department says. UNESCO contacted the department to clarify the origins of the
report. The list was prepared by the NGO-owned Global Heritage Fund, which is a different entity than UNESCO's World Heritage Fund.
Staff at UNESCO's Bangkok headquarters clarified the matter with the Fine Arts Department, fearing that the bodies' similar names could
create confusion. UNESCO has listed the palace and temple ruins of the former capital as a world heritage site. ''The names of the two
funds can cause confusion when they are translated into Thai because of their similar meanings,'' Fine Arts Department chief Somsuda
Leyavanija said yesterday. UNESCO's World Heritage Committee is scheduled to meet in St Petersburg in Russia between June 25 and
July 5, but it is not clear whether the group will discuss world heritage sites which are under threat and require restoration. ''There is
currently no such item on the agenda,'' Ms Somsuda said. Global Heritage Fund executive director Jeff Morgan earlier listed Ayutthaya as
among historic sites in Asia under threat due to a variety of factors from unsustainable tourism development, poor management and wars.
Ayutthaya was severely hit by flooding late last year which damaged 158 historic monuments, the fund's report noted. The report added
that the government has not provided an adequate budget to restore flood-damaged sites. The Fine Arts Department, while admitting the
Ayutthaya historic zone is facing encroachment from vendors and urban development, denied that the core of the city's ancient beauty is
under threat. Culture Minister Sukumol Khunploem also insisted the government granted adequate funding to restore 311 historic sites
in Ayutthaya after the flood. [Source: Bangkok Post]
Ayutthaya tops endangered sites list
4 May 2012 - Ayutthaya tops the list of the 10 most endangered Heritage sites in Asia, according to the Global Heritage Fund. Asia's
architectural treasures, from a Buddhist monastery in Afghanistan to an ancient city in China, are in danger of vanishing under a tide of
economic expansion, war and tourism, according to experts. The Global Heritage Fund (GHF) named 10 sites facing "irreparable loss and
destruction." The top 10 endangered sites in Asia, according to the Global Heritage Fund, are:
1. Ayutthaya ruins in Thailand, the former Siamese capital that was sacked by Burmese invaders in 1767, prompting the move to Bangkok.
2. Fort Santiago in the Philippines.
3. Kashgar, one of the last preserved Silk Road cities in China.
4. Mahasthangarh, one of South Asia's earliest archeological sites in Bangladesh.
5. Mes Aynak, an Afghan Buddhist monastery complex on the Silk Road.
6. Myauk-U, capital of the first Arakenese kingdom in Myanmar.
7. Plain of Jars, a mysterious megalithic site in Laos.
8. Preah Vihear, a Khmer architectural masterpiece in Cambodia.
9. Rakhigari, one of the biggest, ancient Indus sites in India.
10. Taxila, an ancient economic crossroads in Pakistan.
Based on the GHF's report, the ruins of Ayutthaya were declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO) as a world heritage in 1991. It suffered greatly during last year's great flood, which damaged 158 historic monuments. The
government's budget for the management and preservation of the site has also not met the amount requested by conservationists. Fine Arts
Department deputy director Anek Sihamat accepted that the Historic City of Ayutthaya has been under threat of encroachment from
vendors and urban development. This had led to worries the site might be removed from the UNESCO world heritage list. "It is a
prolonged problem and we well realise it. So the department and local authorities have been working together on the site’s conservation,
tourism, urban development and city planning aspects," Mr Anek said. "To be frank, the site is moderately at risk from rapid development
in order to accommodate tourists. But to be at risk does not mean that it is really ruined or destroyed," he said. "If the site is really listed as
an endangered site, UNESCO will give a warning of the need to improve and solve the problems before removing from the list." [Source:
Bangkok Post]
Culture Minister led international diplomats to visit World Heritage Sites in Ayutthaya
24 March 2012 - The Culture Ministry has led a group of international diplomats to inspect World Heritage sites in Ayutthaya Province.
Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome said that last year's severe flooding has apparently affected and caused serious damages to World
Heritage sites and various ancient ruins in Ayutthaya Province. Mrs. Sukumol stated that UNESCO and several governments have
expressed their concern and offered support for the restoration of all damaged historical sites, in the forms of grant, specialists and public
donation. In order to convince tourists about the ongoing restoration work, the Culture Ministry has led an international delegation,
comprising ambassadors and their spouses from 23 countries as well as local and international media, on an inspection trip to all major sites
in Ayutthaya. The 2-day trip, which began on Friday, was also intended to strengthen diplomatic ties and boost confidence among foreign
tourists. Regarding the progress in the restoration of damaged ancient sites, Fine Arts Department Deputy Director-General Anek
Seehamart said that the department is now in the process of finding contractors to restore more than 10 major historical attractions,
including Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. Mr. Anek expects the actual work to commence at the beginning of April.
Caution ordered for fair in Historical Park
07 February 2012 - AYUTTHAYA -The Red Cross Fair's light and sound show, to be held from February 10 - 19 in the Ayutthaya
historical park, will be sited 10 metres away from the world heritage site and there would be no firework lighting, Culture Minister Sukumol
Kunplome said Tuesday. A 10-metre section of Wat Mahathat's ancient wall collapsed after the devastating flood last year. Sukumol said
the authority was finding Bt4 million to fix the wall, and is awaiting a full report from the Fine Arts Department. She has instructed the
department to closely monitor the situation and find innovative construction and restoration methods to fix and strengthen the ancient sites.
As for the upcoming fair, Sukumol had discussed with the province ways to prevent further damage. They agreed to have the stage moved
10 metres away from the site while the speakers were also moved and turned outwards, she said. [Source: The Nation]
Japanese cultural experts report on status of Ayutthaya World Heritage site
05 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]
Pols, business leaders raise 850,000 baht for Ayutthaya ruins restoration
30 December 2011 - Politicians and local business leaders raised 850,000 baht to help restore ancient ruins damaged by floods in
Ayutthaya. The Dec. 21 charity dinner at the Zign Hotel was organized by the Banglamung and Pattaya governments, Eastern Thai Hotel
Association, Pattaya Business & Tourism Association, Union of Pattaya Entrepreneurs, Pattaya Expats Club, Lions Clubs, and Rotary
Clubs. Each table cost 15,000 baht. Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome says it’s the responsibility of all Thais to cooperate in restoring
remains of the historic city of Ayutthaya. Organizers said it was the responsibility of all Thais to cooperate in restoring remains of the
historic city, as they are key symbols of Siamese history, art and culture, as well as a key source of tourism revenue. Among the guests at
the Sidella Balloon were Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome, Banglamung District Chief Chawalit Saeng-Uthai, Pattaya Deputy Mayor
Ronakit Ekasingh, PBTA President Wiwat Pattanasin and Pattaya Business Confederation President Sa-nga Kijsamret. [Source: Pattaya
Mail]
Flood Damages Ayutthaya Historical Park
22 December 2011 - The director of the Fine Arts Division 3 Office in Ayutthaya Province is concerned about the damage on a pagoda at
Phra Ram Temple, while engineers found that many historical sites are eroding due to land subsidence. Officials at the Ayutthaya Historical
Park found a crack at the base of one of the pagodas on the southwestern site of Phra Ram Temple. 13 areas of glass walls inside the
pagoda have also been found damaged. Tourists were warned to avoid entering these areas. Supod Prommanoch, the Director of the Fine
Arts Division 3 Office said that besides crack lines at the base of a pagoda and damaged glass-walls at Phra Ram Temple, many areas of
historical site are also damaged, including the old city wall behind Phra Sri Sanpet Temple, next to Thor Canal. He said these areas have
been previously restored before the disastrous flooding. However, due to excessive volumes of floodwater pooled up in the historical site
for a period of time, many historical areas in Koh Muang have been damaged. Officials were ordered to deploy warning signs to warn
tourists of the dangerous zones near the historical sites. Supod accepted that the major concern is that many historical sites in Ayutthaya
Province, including at the East and West of Koh Muang, have been badly damaged and began to subside for an average of five
centimeters. Engineers have already assessed the damage in order to report this matter to the director-general of the Fine Arts Department.
Supod further said the root-cause of land subsidence was that large volumes of floodwater pooled up in the historical site for a period of
time. This will take time to restore the areas since some areas, such as Chai Wattanaram Temple are still submerged with 30 centimeters of
floodwater. It is necessary to wait for the water to ease in order to drain out the water into Chao Phraya River. This is because draining out
the water now will lead to an immediate land subsidence. The budget for restoration of Chai Wattanaram Temple is at approximately 30
million baht. [Source: Thailandoutlook.tv]
Fine Arts officials decline evacuation to safeguard Ayutthaya treasures
11 Oct 2011 - Some of approximately 100 officials from the Region 3 Fine Arts Office who were marooned with a group of local residents
in flooded Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park yesterday said they would stay to watch over the park's ancient artefacts. Fine Arts
Department chief Somsuda Leyavanija said the stranded officials guarding the park, along with the Chawsamphraya National Museum and
Chantharakasem National Museum, had insisted on staying because they were worried artefacts might be lost. The department had
provided some supplies, but Somsuda urged the provincial governor to assist by sending them more drinking water and food. ... [Source:
The Nation]
What on earth are they doing in Ayutthaya?
17 January 2011 - Should Ayutthaya be the city for everything? That's not a good idea at all. The old capital is back in the limelight again.
This time authorities from the provincial level down to tambon organisation administrations hope their city will get a shot at being the site of
World Expo 2020. Last Wednesday they convinced Vincente Gonzalez Loscertales, secretary-general of the Bureau International des
Expositions, that their place could be a perfect site for the world-class, cash-generating event. The visitor was greeted by local residents
with banners hailing Ayutthaya as the best choice for the event. He was escorted around to get a glimpse of key historical sites around the
city. Ayutthaya plans to use 1,440 rai of land in Bang Sai district near the Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre under the patronage of Her
Majesty the Queen to hold the World Expo if it is selected as the host. "We have a lot of strong points including transport, culture and
agriculture," Ayutthaya governor Withaya Pewpong boasted about his city. The campaign to be the World Expo host is just the beginning.
Ayutthaya has to fight Chon Buri and Chiang Mai, the two other Thai candidates vying to clinch the lucrative chance to represent the
kingdom. Then there are other outside competitors including Sao Paulo, Guangdong, Copenhagen, Ankara, Dubai and Cape Town.
It will be good news if Ayutthaya loses this opportunity. The sooner the city is out, the better it is for the old capital. Ayutthaya should have
not been listed as a potential host from the beginning. Now it is. So let's hope for a quick out so that the authorities there will stop this burst
of enthusiasm and get back to the job of tackling the problems at hand. The province should be reserved only as a World Heritage site
under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. This position alone lures tourists there with billions of baht
generated from their visits. Ayutthaya is so popular and well-known that many foreigners go there directly after their plane lands at
Suvarnabhumi Airport, intentionally bypassing Bangkok. But this position alone is difficult for authorities to maintain. Don't forget that
Ayutthaya is plagued with lots of problems, which could possibly make it lose its World Heritage status if the mess is not resolved. That
status for Ayutthaya will be reviewed at the World Heritage Committee's meeting this year in Bahrain, as the reviews of Asian sites come
about every six years. The city was awarded the title in 1991 and this year Thailand has to show the committee members that it is taking
good care of all historical places there. Failing to win the nod from the panel will mean a warning. That will be bad enough. If nobody in the
province and central government heeds that warning, the World Heritage status can be stripped. It is not difficult to imagine the doom if that
actually happens. What taints the old capital is poor management of the landscape of historic sites. Illegal souvenir vendors are rampant and
many new structures have been built to unintentionally spoil the century-old atmosphere. These are some of the problems which Fine Arts
and local officials have to resolve.
In addition to that, many old sites outside the World Heritage compound also have problems too. One case last year which showed the
ignorance of officials looking after them was that famous toilet. It was installed in the open air at Prasat Nakhon Luang in Nakhon Luang
district built during King Songtham's reign between 1611 and 1628. The sanitaryware stirred an outcry from tourists as they wondered why
it was there creating such an eyesore and showing no respect for a national asset. In fact the toilet had been there since 2004, six years
before it was in the news. It was for old monks who were too frail to come down from Prasat to the toilets at the temple ground.
Fortunately, that toilet is now history and everyone wants to forget about it. After his Ayutthaya visit, let's hope Mr Loscertales thinks
World Heritage status is enough for the province with no need to add the expo status as well. [Source: Bangkok Post - by Saritdet
Marukatat]
Panel will manage ancient ruins
23 July 2010 - A committee will take over the Fine Arts Department's job in caring for ancient ruins in the old capital to defuse disputes
between the department and residents. Apirak Kosayodhin, an adviser to the prime minister, has agreed to set up a multi-party committee
to take over the department's job in the old capital, the Provincial Administration Organisation Council said. Council secretary-general
Chatri Yudhprasert raised the proposal with Mr Apirak, who agreed in principle to form the Ayutthaya World Heritage committee made up
of local bodies, scholars, members of the public and departmental officials. It will serve as a model for other provinces with archaeological
sites, Mr Chatri said. Residents are unhappy with many projects launched by the Fine Arts Department in the Ayutthaya historical park.
They say they are not consulted and have suggested a committee step in instead. One controversy concerns the department's plan to build a
tram stop in front of the old provincial hall. Residents complained when the erection of 32 piles during construction caused an eyesore. The
hall serves as an art museum. Ayutthaya governor Witthaya Piewdhpong has asked the department to remove the piles, but it has pulled
down only 14. The constitution gives people the right to manage and take care of their own neighbourhood, Mr Chatri said. [Source:
Bangkok Post]
Fine Arts looks at banning cars from listed site. Ayutthaya stalls imperil World Heritage status.
17 June 2010 - The Fine Arts Department is considering banning vehicles from an area inside the historical park in the former capital to
help prevent the site from being stripped of its World Heritage list. The Ayutthaya Historical Park, which was declared a world heritage site
by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 1991, faces problems with illegal vendors setting up stalls too
close to the site. Many use their cars as makeshift stalls. This has raised concerns at the department and among provincial authorities. They
say the park could be delisted due to the failure of Thailand to properly manage the area. The main problem is at Wat Mongkol Borpitr, the
park's main tourist attraction. The department has set aside space behind the main hall of the temple for authorised vendors. But about 400
illegal souvenir sellers have set up businesses in front of the temple. Department director-general Kriengkrai Sampatchalit said the problem
could be solved through the introduction of a blanket ban on vehicles entering the park. The plan needs the approval of other agencies
including the Culture Ministry. It could be launched in October if all parties are agreed, he said. The department has set up an alternative
space for vendors to operate farther from the temple. Shuttle buses will provide a free service for tourists to visit the authorised vendor
area. Mr Kriengkrai hoped the plan will encourage vendors to move from the historical park to the new parking area. Culture Minister
Nipit Intarasombut, who yesterday took senior officials from the ministry on an inspection of the historical site, said some vendors were
happy to move to the new venue. Tongbron Homtong, who says he represents vendors at Wat Mongkol Borpitr inside the historical park,
said he and about other 144 vendors had already moved. "We all were willing to move because we were afraid the site would be removed
from the world heritage" Mr Tongbron said. "But after we moved out, hundreds of new vendors occupied our former place". Mr Tongbron
also complained that only a few visitors were shopping at the new space provided. [Source: Bangkok Post - Writer: Lamphai Intathep]
Prison, univ make way for preservation
15 February 2010 - The Culture Ministry is moving to relocate a prison and two university campuses from the historic compound in
Ayutthaya for fear they could affect the former capital's World Heritage listing. The plan unveiled by Culture Minister Teera Slukpetch calls
for the removal of the Ayutthaya Special Rehabilitation Prison, Ayutthaya Rajabhat University and Rajamangala University of Technology
Suvarnabhumi's Huntra campus from the old capital zone. The ministry has proposed spending 1.6 billion baht to preserve and revitalise the
historic city. The budget pending cabinet approval covers preservation projects proposed by the Fine Arts Department, relocation of the
prison and the two university campuses and promotion plans by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Ayutthaya provincial
municipality. The historic site of Ayutthaya was listed as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation in 1992. Mr Teera said the core zone was under threat of rapid urbanisation. "From now on, construction work will not be
permitted in the core zone", he said. The 1979 Building Control Act and the 1975 Town and Country Planning Act would be better
enforced to protect places with historical value. Fine Arts Department director-general Kriengkrai Sampatchalit said no one would be
forced to leave, but they would be told the city should not be extended to ensure the site continued to meet UNESCO criteria. [Source:
Bangkok Post - Writer: Lamphai Intathep]
Historic park plan hopes to lure tourists
05 February 2010 - Provincial governor Wittaya Piewphong is upbeat about a plan to improve the city's historical park to attract more
tourists to the former capital. "The campaign is expected to convince more visitors to visit Ayutthaya", Mr Wittaya said yesterday. The city
will spend 68 million baht in a campaign to improve and preserve the park, launched by the Fine Arts Department and energy giant PTT
Exploration Production (PTTEP). Models of the historical park will be created and information boards put up to give tourists a better
understanding of the park's sites and the history of the area. The models and information boards will be placed around the park compound,
including at the Sanphet Prasat Pavilion, the Suriyas Amarindra Pavilion, the Banyong Rattanart Pavilion, the Viharn Somdej Pavilion and
the fortresses. The campaign will cover six temples: Wat Mahathat, Wat Rat Burana, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Yai Chai
Mongkhon and Wat Mae Nang Pluem. The information boards will be based on the present ruins with other information aimed at providing
a clear picture to tourists of what they looked like in the past", said department director-general Kriangkrai Sampatchalit after a religious
ceremony at the park. Books and brochures about the sites will be distributed to 30,000 schools as part of the scheme to promote the
value of the country's heritage and the importance of preservation among young people. The campaign comes under a memorandum of
understanding signed in 2007 by the department and PTTEP to preserve historical sites listed as World Heritage Sites by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). PTTEP chief executive Anon Sirisaengtaksin said Her Royal
Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn had accepted the role of honorary adviser to the campaign because the Ayutthaya park was the
model used to build the Grand Palace in Bangkok. "The project is expected to take 600 days to complete all the improvements and
preserve the site in time to celebrate His Majesty the King's 84th birthday [on Dec 5, 2011]", Mr Anon said. The Ayutthaya Historical
Park has been included on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites since 1991. About 4 million people visit the park every year, most of
them Europeans. The visits bring in at least 500 million baht a year, the governor said. [Source: Bangkok Post - Writer: Lamphai Intathep]
Ayutthaya Historical Park taking shape
05 February 2010 - Vigorous efforts are now up and running to recreate the core zone of the once-splendid capital of Ayutthaya in 3D
models and animation. "We have already recreated six temples in pictures", Fine Arts Department director-general Grienggrai Sampatchalit
said yesterday. He was speaking after attending a ceremony to worship late Thai kings at the Ayutthaya Historical Park. The ancient
complex at Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. PTT Exploration and Production has provided more than Bt68 million for the
project to conserve the complex in honour of His Majesty the King. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has been the chief adviser to
this project. Grienggrai said officials would develop the pictures and models for the reconstruction, based on the ancient remains. "Once the
project is completed, visitors will be able to see the models that will depict clearly where each structure was located in the old days", he
said. Grienggrai added that animation would also be produced and kept for study purposes at learning centres. Methadon Wijakkhana,
who heads the Ayutthaya Historical Park, said the models would be very close to what stood in Ayutthaya centuries ago. "This is because
we have developed the models not just from historical remains but also from old documents", he said. Methadon pointed out that photos
taken in the reign of King Rama V could be used to develop the model for Wat Mahathat. He added that there was also an old map
prepared by Dutchmen. "This is the first time innovative technology has been used at the Ayutthaya Historical Park", he said. He believed
the project would boost the number of visitors to the park. Once completed, the pictures and models will be put right next to the historical
remains so that visitors have a clearer idea of what Ayutthaya looked like in the past. Currently, the Ayutthaya Historical Park attracts 1.2
million tourists from about 90 countries annually. Of them, about 60 per cent are from Europe. [Source: The Nation - Writer: Pakamard
Jaichalard]
Ayutthaya feared to be removed from World Heritage list
04 June 2008 - Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung travels to Ayutthaya province to observe the situation following the government’s
concern that the province may be removed from the list of World Heritage. The minister visits historical sites with his entourage including the
governor of Ayutthaya and officials from the Fine Arts Department and relevant units to inspect the revival of Ayutthaya World Heritage.
Ayutthaya is feared to be stripped off its title of World Heritage as street vendors trespass on many historical sites in the province, leading
to untidiness and a sight unsightly. Mr Chalerm says he has instructed relevant units to explain the situation to local people and manage the
areas surrounding the historical sites appropriately. Street vendors will be strictly prohibited from selling goods in the restricted areas of the
historical sites. [Source: NNT]
Ayutthaya might be removed from UNESCO's World Heritage list
12 Nov 2007 - Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sriaroon said Wednesday it would be "unfortunate and embarrassing" if UNESCO
removes the Historic City of Ayutthaya and Associated Historic Towns from the World Heritage list after the site was under threat of land
encroachments from rapid development. Khaisri had received an initial report from the Fine Arts Department claiming the site, inscribed on
Unesco's World Heritage List in December 1991, had problems with city planning that might lead to the site being removed from the list,
the minister said. Ayutthaya was also deemed a world heritage with the most problems with land encroachments, which was now beyond
Fine Arts Department officials' control, Khaisri said. The ministry will now ask for cooperation from the Ayutthaya Governor to ensure the
site was maintained according to the Unesco criteria, she added. If the site was not taken care of or kept in good condition and was
removed from the list, it would be unfortunate and embarrassing, she said. It would show that the Thais did not see the importance of their
cultural heritage, while other countries were striving hard to have their cultural sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage list,
according to Khaisri. The best group to take care of the Historic City of Ayutthaya and Associated Historic Towns was the local
communities who could keep a close watch on anything suspicious, she urged.
Fine Arts Department Director General Kriengkrai Sampatchalit said that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee would inspect the
ancient sites on the list to see how they were being maintained. He said that he had learned that the committee was considering grading the
heritage site according to a colour code. The colour code comprised red, meaning the site was at risk of being removed from the list;
yellow, meaning the site needs improvements, while green meant the site is in good condition, he said. He urged that the existing problems
could still be solved and he would soon discuss with all sides to end the problems.
Fine Arts Office 3 director Anek Sihamat said the site's inner area covering 1,800 rai - out of the total 6,000 rai where many of important
historical places such as Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch and Wat Ratcha Burana were situated - now had people building structures over these
ancient sites. He cited as an example a lawsuit between his office and the local administration body and residents over an over eight metre
tall building that resulted in construction's cancellation. However, such problems only affected around 10 per cent of the site's area. If they
accounted for 40 to 50 per cent, then it would be worrying and might lead to it being removed from the list, he said. Citing the time before
the site's inclusion to the UNESCO list when there were many land encroachments, Anek said the authorities solved the problems and had
managed the area according to the Unesco criteria, including moving an 11metre building to outside the urban area and having state
agencies' offices located to a new city area.
Earlier, Chao Sam Phraya Museum Director Subongkot Thongthongtip, said the site's problems resulted from no proper control over the
city planning, which recently allowed high buildings to be built near the world heritage site, and urged that planning laws be strictly
reinforced. Subongkot said that she personally disbelieved a rumour that the site would be removed from the list because the UNESCO
World Heritage regularly assess the site and would warn the authority to improve matters before it would remove the site from the list.
[Source: The Nation]
5 May 2012 - A report listing Ayutthaya among 10 historic sites in Asia under threat due to over development and mismanagement was not
prepared by UNESCO, a spokesman from the Fine Arts Department says. UNESCO contacted the department to clarify the origins of the
report. The list was prepared by the NGO-owned Global Heritage Fund, which is a different entity than UNESCO's World Heritage Fund.
Staff at UNESCO's Bangkok headquarters clarified the matter with the Fine Arts Department, fearing that the bodies' similar names could
create confusion. UNESCO has listed the palace and temple ruins of the former capital as a world heritage site. ''The names of the two
funds can cause confusion when they are translated into Thai because of their similar meanings,'' Fine Arts Department chief Somsuda
Leyavanija said yesterday. UNESCO's World Heritage Committee is scheduled to meet in St Petersburg in Russia between June 25 and
July 5, but it is not clear whether the group will discuss world heritage sites which are under threat and require restoration. ''There is
currently no such item on the agenda,'' Ms Somsuda said. Global Heritage Fund executive director Jeff Morgan earlier listed Ayutthaya as
among historic sites in Asia under threat due to a variety of factors from unsustainable tourism development, poor management and wars.
Ayutthaya was severely hit by flooding late last year which damaged 158 historic monuments, the fund's report noted. The report added
that the government has not provided an adequate budget to restore flood-damaged sites. The Fine Arts Department, while admitting the
Ayutthaya historic zone is facing encroachment from vendors and urban development, denied that the core of the city's ancient beauty is
under threat. Culture Minister Sukumol Khunploem also insisted the government granted adequate funding to restore 311 historic sites
in Ayutthaya after the flood. [Source: Bangkok Post]
Ayutthaya tops endangered sites list
4 May 2012 - Ayutthaya tops the list of the 10 most endangered Heritage sites in Asia, according to the Global Heritage Fund. Asia's
architectural treasures, from a Buddhist monastery in Afghanistan to an ancient city in China, are in danger of vanishing under a tide of
economic expansion, war and tourism, according to experts. The Global Heritage Fund (GHF) named 10 sites facing "irreparable loss and
destruction." The top 10 endangered sites in Asia, according to the Global Heritage Fund, are:
1. Ayutthaya ruins in Thailand, the former Siamese capital that was sacked by Burmese invaders in 1767, prompting the move to Bangkok.
2. Fort Santiago in the Philippines.
3. Kashgar, one of the last preserved Silk Road cities in China.
4. Mahasthangarh, one of South Asia's earliest archeological sites in Bangladesh.
5. Mes Aynak, an Afghan Buddhist monastery complex on the Silk Road.
6. Myauk-U, capital of the first Arakenese kingdom in Myanmar.
7. Plain of Jars, a mysterious megalithic site in Laos.
8. Preah Vihear, a Khmer architectural masterpiece in Cambodia.
9. Rakhigari, one of the biggest, ancient Indus sites in India.
10. Taxila, an ancient economic crossroads in Pakistan.
Based on the GHF's report, the ruins of Ayutthaya were declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO) as a world heritage in 1991. It suffered greatly during last year's great flood, which damaged 158 historic monuments. The
government's budget for the management and preservation of the site has also not met the amount requested by conservationists. Fine Arts
Department deputy director Anek Sihamat accepted that the Historic City of Ayutthaya has been under threat of encroachment from
vendors and urban development. This had led to worries the site might be removed from the UNESCO world heritage list. "It is a
prolonged problem and we well realise it. So the department and local authorities have been working together on the site’s conservation,
tourism, urban development and city planning aspects," Mr Anek said. "To be frank, the site is moderately at risk from rapid development
in order to accommodate tourists. But to be at risk does not mean that it is really ruined or destroyed," he said. "If the site is really listed as
an endangered site, UNESCO will give a warning of the need to improve and solve the problems before removing from the list." [Source:
Bangkok Post]
Culture Minister led international diplomats to visit World Heritage Sites in Ayutthaya
24 March 2012 - The Culture Ministry has led a group of international diplomats to inspect World Heritage sites in Ayutthaya Province.
Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome said that last year's severe flooding has apparently affected and caused serious damages to World
Heritage sites and various ancient ruins in Ayutthaya Province. Mrs. Sukumol stated that UNESCO and several governments have
expressed their concern and offered support for the restoration of all damaged historical sites, in the forms of grant, specialists and public
donation. In order to convince tourists about the ongoing restoration work, the Culture Ministry has led an international delegation,
comprising ambassadors and their spouses from 23 countries as well as local and international media, on an inspection trip to all major sites
in Ayutthaya. The 2-day trip, which began on Friday, was also intended to strengthen diplomatic ties and boost confidence among foreign
tourists. Regarding the progress in the restoration of damaged ancient sites, Fine Arts Department Deputy Director-General Anek
Seehamart said that the department is now in the process of finding contractors to restore more than 10 major historical attractions,
including Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. Mr. Anek expects the actual work to commence at the beginning of April.
Caution ordered for fair in Historical Park
07 February 2012 - AYUTTHAYA -The Red Cross Fair's light and sound show, to be held from February 10 - 19 in the Ayutthaya
historical park, will be sited 10 metres away from the world heritage site and there would be no firework lighting, Culture Minister Sukumol
Kunplome said Tuesday. A 10-metre section of Wat Mahathat's ancient wall collapsed after the devastating flood last year. Sukumol said
the authority was finding Bt4 million to fix the wall, and is awaiting a full report from the Fine Arts Department. She has instructed the
department to closely monitor the situation and find innovative construction and restoration methods to fix and strengthen the ancient sites.
As for the upcoming fair, Sukumol had discussed with the province ways to prevent further damage. They agreed to have the stage moved
10 metres away from the site while the speakers were also moved and turned outwards, she said. [Source: The Nation]
Japanese cultural experts report on status of Ayutthaya World Heritage site
05 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]
Pols, business leaders raise 850,000 baht for Ayutthaya ruins restoration
30 December 2011 - Politicians and local business leaders raised 850,000 baht to help restore ancient ruins damaged by floods in
Ayutthaya. The Dec. 21 charity dinner at the Zign Hotel was organized by the Banglamung and Pattaya governments, Eastern Thai Hotel
Association, Pattaya Business & Tourism Association, Union of Pattaya Entrepreneurs, Pattaya Expats Club, Lions Clubs, and Rotary
Clubs. Each table cost 15,000 baht. Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome says it’s the responsibility of all Thais to cooperate in restoring
remains of the historic city of Ayutthaya. Organizers said it was the responsibility of all Thais to cooperate in restoring remains of the
historic city, as they are key symbols of Siamese history, art and culture, as well as a key source of tourism revenue. Among the guests at
the Sidella Balloon were Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome, Banglamung District Chief Chawalit Saeng-Uthai, Pattaya Deputy Mayor
Ronakit Ekasingh, PBTA President Wiwat Pattanasin and Pattaya Business Confederation President Sa-nga Kijsamret. [Source: Pattaya
Mail]
Flood Damages Ayutthaya Historical Park
22 December 2011 - The director of the Fine Arts Division 3 Office in Ayutthaya Province is concerned about the damage on a pagoda at
Phra Ram Temple, while engineers found that many historical sites are eroding due to land subsidence. Officials at the Ayutthaya Historical
Park found a crack at the base of one of the pagodas on the southwestern site of Phra Ram Temple. 13 areas of glass walls inside the
pagoda have also been found damaged. Tourists were warned to avoid entering these areas. Supod Prommanoch, the Director of the Fine
Arts Division 3 Office said that besides crack lines at the base of a pagoda and damaged glass-walls at Phra Ram Temple, many areas of
historical site are also damaged, including the old city wall behind Phra Sri Sanpet Temple, next to Thor Canal. He said these areas have
been previously restored before the disastrous flooding. However, due to excessive volumes of floodwater pooled up in the historical site
for a period of time, many historical areas in Koh Muang have been damaged. Officials were ordered to deploy warning signs to warn
tourists of the dangerous zones near the historical sites. Supod accepted that the major concern is that many historical sites in Ayutthaya
Province, including at the East and West of Koh Muang, have been badly damaged and began to subside for an average of five
centimeters. Engineers have already assessed the damage in order to report this matter to the director-general of the Fine Arts Department.
Supod further said the root-cause of land subsidence was that large volumes of floodwater pooled up in the historical site for a period of
time. This will take time to restore the areas since some areas, such as Chai Wattanaram Temple are still submerged with 30 centimeters of
floodwater. It is necessary to wait for the water to ease in order to drain out the water into Chao Phraya River. This is because draining out
the water now will lead to an immediate land subsidence. The budget for restoration of Chai Wattanaram Temple is at approximately 30
million baht. [Source: Thailandoutlook.tv]
Fine Arts officials decline evacuation to safeguard Ayutthaya treasures
11 Oct 2011 - Some of approximately 100 officials from the Region 3 Fine Arts Office who were marooned with a group of local residents
in flooded Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park yesterday said they would stay to watch over the park's ancient artefacts. Fine Arts
Department chief Somsuda Leyavanija said the stranded officials guarding the park, along with the Chawsamphraya National Museum and
Chantharakasem National Museum, had insisted on staying because they were worried artefacts might be lost. The department had
provided some supplies, but Somsuda urged the provincial governor to assist by sending them more drinking water and food. ... [Source:
The Nation]
What on earth are they doing in Ayutthaya?
17 January 2011 - Should Ayutthaya be the city for everything? That's not a good idea at all. The old capital is back in the limelight again.
This time authorities from the provincial level down to tambon organisation administrations hope their city will get a shot at being the site of
World Expo 2020. Last Wednesday they convinced Vincente Gonzalez Loscertales, secretary-general of the Bureau International des
Expositions, that their place could be a perfect site for the world-class, cash-generating event. The visitor was greeted by local residents
with banners hailing Ayutthaya as the best choice for the event. He was escorted around to get a glimpse of key historical sites around the
city. Ayutthaya plans to use 1,440 rai of land in Bang Sai district near the Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre under the patronage of Her
Majesty the Queen to hold the World Expo if it is selected as the host. "We have a lot of strong points including transport, culture and
agriculture," Ayutthaya governor Withaya Pewpong boasted about his city. The campaign to be the World Expo host is just the beginning.
Ayutthaya has to fight Chon Buri and Chiang Mai, the two other Thai candidates vying to clinch the lucrative chance to represent the
kingdom. Then there are other outside competitors including Sao Paulo, Guangdong, Copenhagen, Ankara, Dubai and Cape Town.
It will be good news if Ayutthaya loses this opportunity. The sooner the city is out, the better it is for the old capital. Ayutthaya should have
not been listed as a potential host from the beginning. Now it is. So let's hope for a quick out so that the authorities there will stop this burst
of enthusiasm and get back to the job of tackling the problems at hand. The province should be reserved only as a World Heritage site
under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. This position alone lures tourists there with billions of baht
generated from their visits. Ayutthaya is so popular and well-known that many foreigners go there directly after their plane lands at
Suvarnabhumi Airport, intentionally bypassing Bangkok. But this position alone is difficult for authorities to maintain. Don't forget that
Ayutthaya is plagued with lots of problems, which could possibly make it lose its World Heritage status if the mess is not resolved. That
status for Ayutthaya will be reviewed at the World Heritage Committee's meeting this year in Bahrain, as the reviews of Asian sites come
about every six years. The city was awarded the title in 1991 and this year Thailand has to show the committee members that it is taking
good care of all historical places there. Failing to win the nod from the panel will mean a warning. That will be bad enough. If nobody in the
province and central government heeds that warning, the World Heritage status can be stripped. It is not difficult to imagine the doom if that
actually happens. What taints the old capital is poor management of the landscape of historic sites. Illegal souvenir vendors are rampant and
many new structures have been built to unintentionally spoil the century-old atmosphere. These are some of the problems which Fine Arts
and local officials have to resolve.
In addition to that, many old sites outside the World Heritage compound also have problems too. One case last year which showed the
ignorance of officials looking after them was that famous toilet. It was installed in the open air at Prasat Nakhon Luang in Nakhon Luang
district built during King Songtham's reign between 1611 and 1628. The sanitaryware stirred an outcry from tourists as they wondered why
it was there creating such an eyesore and showing no respect for a national asset. In fact the toilet had been there since 2004, six years
before it was in the news. It was for old monks who were too frail to come down from Prasat to the toilets at the temple ground.
Fortunately, that toilet is now history and everyone wants to forget about it. After his Ayutthaya visit, let's hope Mr Loscertales thinks
World Heritage status is enough for the province with no need to add the expo status as well. [Source: Bangkok Post - by Saritdet
Marukatat]
Panel will manage ancient ruins
23 July 2010 - A committee will take over the Fine Arts Department's job in caring for ancient ruins in the old capital to defuse disputes
between the department and residents. Apirak Kosayodhin, an adviser to the prime minister, has agreed to set up a multi-party committee
to take over the department's job in the old capital, the Provincial Administration Organisation Council said. Council secretary-general
Chatri Yudhprasert raised the proposal with Mr Apirak, who agreed in principle to form the Ayutthaya World Heritage committee made up
of local bodies, scholars, members of the public and departmental officials. It will serve as a model for other provinces with archaeological
sites, Mr Chatri said. Residents are unhappy with many projects launched by the Fine Arts Department in the Ayutthaya historical park.
They say they are not consulted and have suggested a committee step in instead. One controversy concerns the department's plan to build a
tram stop in front of the old provincial hall. Residents complained when the erection of 32 piles during construction caused an eyesore. The
hall serves as an art museum. Ayutthaya governor Witthaya Piewdhpong has asked the department to remove the piles, but it has pulled
down only 14. The constitution gives people the right to manage and take care of their own neighbourhood, Mr Chatri said. [Source:
Bangkok Post]
Fine Arts looks at banning cars from listed site. Ayutthaya stalls imperil World Heritage status.
17 June 2010 - The Fine Arts Department is considering banning vehicles from an area inside the historical park in the former capital to
help prevent the site from being stripped of its World Heritage list. The Ayutthaya Historical Park, which was declared a world heritage site
by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 1991, faces problems with illegal vendors setting up stalls too
close to the site. Many use their cars as makeshift stalls. This has raised concerns at the department and among provincial authorities. They
say the park could be delisted due to the failure of Thailand to properly manage the area. The main problem is at Wat Mongkol Borpitr, the
park's main tourist attraction. The department has set aside space behind the main hall of the temple for authorised vendors. But about 400
illegal souvenir sellers have set up businesses in front of the temple. Department director-general Kriengkrai Sampatchalit said the problem
could be solved through the introduction of a blanket ban on vehicles entering the park. The plan needs the approval of other agencies
including the Culture Ministry. It could be launched in October if all parties are agreed, he said. The department has set up an alternative
space for vendors to operate farther from the temple. Shuttle buses will provide a free service for tourists to visit the authorised vendor
area. Mr Kriengkrai hoped the plan will encourage vendors to move from the historical park to the new parking area. Culture Minister
Nipit Intarasombut, who yesterday took senior officials from the ministry on an inspection of the historical site, said some vendors were
happy to move to the new venue. Tongbron Homtong, who says he represents vendors at Wat Mongkol Borpitr inside the historical park,
said he and about other 144 vendors had already moved. "We all were willing to move because we were afraid the site would be removed
from the world heritage" Mr Tongbron said. "But after we moved out, hundreds of new vendors occupied our former place". Mr Tongbron
also complained that only a few visitors were shopping at the new space provided. [Source: Bangkok Post - Writer: Lamphai Intathep]
Prison, univ make way for preservation
15 February 2010 - The Culture Ministry is moving to relocate a prison and two university campuses from the historic compound in
Ayutthaya for fear they could affect the former capital's World Heritage listing. The plan unveiled by Culture Minister Teera Slukpetch calls
for the removal of the Ayutthaya Special Rehabilitation Prison, Ayutthaya Rajabhat University and Rajamangala University of Technology
Suvarnabhumi's Huntra campus from the old capital zone. The ministry has proposed spending 1.6 billion baht to preserve and revitalise the
historic city. The budget pending cabinet approval covers preservation projects proposed by the Fine Arts Department, relocation of the
prison and the two university campuses and promotion plans by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Ayutthaya provincial
municipality. The historic site of Ayutthaya was listed as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation in 1992. Mr Teera said the core zone was under threat of rapid urbanisation. "From now on, construction work will not be
permitted in the core zone", he said. The 1979 Building Control Act and the 1975 Town and Country Planning Act would be better
enforced to protect places with historical value. Fine Arts Department director-general Kriengkrai Sampatchalit said no one would be
forced to leave, but they would be told the city should not be extended to ensure the site continued to meet UNESCO criteria. [Source:
Bangkok Post - Writer: Lamphai Intathep]
Historic park plan hopes to lure tourists
05 February 2010 - Provincial governor Wittaya Piewphong is upbeat about a plan to improve the city's historical park to attract more
tourists to the former capital. "The campaign is expected to convince more visitors to visit Ayutthaya", Mr Wittaya said yesterday. The city
will spend 68 million baht in a campaign to improve and preserve the park, launched by the Fine Arts Department and energy giant PTT
Exploration Production (PTTEP). Models of the historical park will be created and information boards put up to give tourists a better
understanding of the park's sites and the history of the area. The models and information boards will be placed around the park compound,
including at the Sanphet Prasat Pavilion, the Suriyas Amarindra Pavilion, the Banyong Rattanart Pavilion, the Viharn Somdej Pavilion and
the fortresses. The campaign will cover six temples: Wat Mahathat, Wat Rat Burana, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Yai Chai
Mongkhon and Wat Mae Nang Pluem. The information boards will be based on the present ruins with other information aimed at providing
a clear picture to tourists of what they looked like in the past", said department director-general Kriangkrai Sampatchalit after a religious
ceremony at the park. Books and brochures about the sites will be distributed to 30,000 schools as part of the scheme to promote the
value of the country's heritage and the importance of preservation among young people. The campaign comes under a memorandum of
understanding signed in 2007 by the department and PTTEP to preserve historical sites listed as World Heritage Sites by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). PTTEP chief executive Anon Sirisaengtaksin said Her Royal
Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn had accepted the role of honorary adviser to the campaign because the Ayutthaya park was the
model used to build the Grand Palace in Bangkok. "The project is expected to take 600 days to complete all the improvements and
preserve the site in time to celebrate His Majesty the King's 84th birthday [on Dec 5, 2011]", Mr Anon said. The Ayutthaya Historical
Park has been included on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites since 1991. About 4 million people visit the park every year, most of
them Europeans. The visits bring in at least 500 million baht a year, the governor said. [Source: Bangkok Post - Writer: Lamphai Intathep]
Ayutthaya Historical Park taking shape
05 February 2010 - Vigorous efforts are now up and running to recreate the core zone of the once-splendid capital of Ayutthaya in 3D
models and animation. "We have already recreated six temples in pictures", Fine Arts Department director-general Grienggrai Sampatchalit
said yesterday. He was speaking after attending a ceremony to worship late Thai kings at the Ayutthaya Historical Park. The ancient
complex at Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. PTT Exploration and Production has provided more than Bt68 million for the
project to conserve the complex in honour of His Majesty the King. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has been the chief adviser to
this project. Grienggrai said officials would develop the pictures and models for the reconstruction, based on the ancient remains. "Once the
project is completed, visitors will be able to see the models that will depict clearly where each structure was located in the old days", he
said. Grienggrai added that animation would also be produced and kept for study purposes at learning centres. Methadon Wijakkhana,
who heads the Ayutthaya Historical Park, said the models would be very close to what stood in Ayutthaya centuries ago. "This is because
we have developed the models not just from historical remains but also from old documents", he said. Methadon pointed out that photos
taken in the reign of King Rama V could be used to develop the model for Wat Mahathat. He added that there was also an old map
prepared by Dutchmen. "This is the first time innovative technology has been used at the Ayutthaya Historical Park", he said. He believed
the project would boost the number of visitors to the park. Once completed, the pictures and models will be put right next to the historical
remains so that visitors have a clearer idea of what Ayutthaya looked like in the past. Currently, the Ayutthaya Historical Park attracts 1.2
million tourists from about 90 countries annually. Of them, about 60 per cent are from Europe. [Source: The Nation - Writer: Pakamard
Jaichalard]
Ayutthaya feared to be removed from World Heritage list
04 June 2008 - Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung travels to Ayutthaya province to observe the situation following the government’s
concern that the province may be removed from the list of World Heritage. The minister visits historical sites with his entourage including the
governor of Ayutthaya and officials from the Fine Arts Department and relevant units to inspect the revival of Ayutthaya World Heritage.
Ayutthaya is feared to be stripped off its title of World Heritage as street vendors trespass on many historical sites in the province, leading
to untidiness and a sight unsightly. Mr Chalerm says he has instructed relevant units to explain the situation to local people and manage the
areas surrounding the historical sites appropriately. Street vendors will be strictly prohibited from selling goods in the restricted areas of the
historical sites. [Source: NNT]
Ayutthaya might be removed from UNESCO's World Heritage list
12 Nov 2007 - Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sriaroon said Wednesday it would be "unfortunate and embarrassing" if UNESCO
removes the Historic City of Ayutthaya and Associated Historic Towns from the World Heritage list after the site was under threat of land
encroachments from rapid development. Khaisri had received an initial report from the Fine Arts Department claiming the site, inscribed on
Unesco's World Heritage List in December 1991, had problems with city planning that might lead to the site being removed from the list,
the minister said. Ayutthaya was also deemed a world heritage with the most problems with land encroachments, which was now beyond
Fine Arts Department officials' control, Khaisri said. The ministry will now ask for cooperation from the Ayutthaya Governor to ensure the
site was maintained according to the Unesco criteria, she added. If the site was not taken care of or kept in good condition and was
removed from the list, it would be unfortunate and embarrassing, she said. It would show that the Thais did not see the importance of their
cultural heritage, while other countries were striving hard to have their cultural sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage list,
according to Khaisri. The best group to take care of the Historic City of Ayutthaya and Associated Historic Towns was the local
communities who could keep a close watch on anything suspicious, she urged.
Fine Arts Department Director General Kriengkrai Sampatchalit said that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee would inspect the
ancient sites on the list to see how they were being maintained. He said that he had learned that the committee was considering grading the
heritage site according to a colour code. The colour code comprised red, meaning the site was at risk of being removed from the list;
yellow, meaning the site needs improvements, while green meant the site is in good condition, he said. He urged that the existing problems
could still be solved and he would soon discuss with all sides to end the problems.
Fine Arts Office 3 director Anek Sihamat said the site's inner area covering 1,800 rai - out of the total 6,000 rai where many of important
historical places such as Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch and Wat Ratcha Burana were situated - now had people building structures over these
ancient sites. He cited as an example a lawsuit between his office and the local administration body and residents over an over eight metre
tall building that resulted in construction's cancellation. However, such problems only affected around 10 per cent of the site's area. If they
accounted for 40 to 50 per cent, then it would be worrying and might lead to it being removed from the list, he said. Citing the time before
the site's inclusion to the UNESCO list when there were many land encroachments, Anek said the authorities solved the problems and had
managed the area according to the Unesco criteria, including moving an 11metre building to outside the urban area and having state
agencies' offices located to a new city area.
Earlier, Chao Sam Phraya Museum Director Subongkot Thongthongtip, said the site's problems resulted from no proper control over the
city planning, which recently allowed high buildings to be built near the world heritage site, and urged that planning laws be strictly
reinforced. Subongkot said that she personally disbelieved a rumour that the site would be removed from the list because the UNESCO
World Heritage regularly assess the site and would warn the authority to improve matters before it would remove the site from the list.
[Source: The Nation]