photo credit: BernieCB

Ayutthaya’s ‘forgotten’ temples damned by deluge Bangkok Post, 11 December 2011

Lesser-known historic sites in the ancient capital were severely damaged [...]]]> With limited funds to repair the flood damage, some of the lesser-known sites in Ayutthaya may be completely lost as funds for repair are prioritised to more prominent sites.

photo credit: BernieCB

Ayutthaya’s ‘forgotten’ temples damned by deluge
Bangkok Post, 11 December 2011

Lesser-known historic sites in the ancient capital were severely damaged by the floods and now that reconstruction has begun they may be forever abandoned in favour of more prominent spots

Walking down splintered side roads in post-flood Ayutthaya recently – among the rotting debris of rubbish mountains, animal carcasses and rusted motor vehicles – I sensed that the aftermath would be harsh. Homes had been destroyed. Large trees had been ripped up by their roots. Many parts of the city still remained beneath water after two to three months of flooding. My task was to seek out small deserted ruins (wat raeng) and countryside temples (wat rad), ones that few locals and tourists have ever heard of, so that I could survey the damage.

This personal research was the saddest academic activity I have ever undertaken. Flooding caused at least one large ruin to collapse into a mound of bricks, fresh cracks split the walls and foundations of other structures, and a centuries-old Portuguese graveyard displaying dozens of skeletons had been transformed into a swimming pool. I realised that some of these historic sites could never be repaired. Ultimately, the questions are raised: What is the value of these lesser known, non-revenue generating, ancient historic structures in a modern city that is rapidly urbanising? What importance will they have for future Thai generations?

Full story here.

UNESCO experts voice concern over flooded Ayutthaya World Heritage Site MCOT News, 09 December 2011

International experts of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) expressed concern about the stability of the monuments, foundations and decorative [...]]]> Another story on the initial assessment of the flood damage to Ayutthaya by UNESCO experts.

UNESCO experts voice concern over flooded Ayutthaya World Heritage Site
MCOT News, 09 December 2011

International experts of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) expressed concern about the stability of the monuments, foundations and decorative works at Thailand’s historic city of Ayutthaya after it was hit by the country’s most disastrous flooding in decades.

“There is a need to closely monitor the condition of the sites and the affected monuments, especially in the next few months as foundations and structures dry out, as well as, of course, over the long-term,” said Tim Curtis, chief UNESCO’s Bangkok culture unit.

Full story here.

Ancient Ayutthaya temples at risk, Unesco warns The Nation, 04 December 2011

Historic murals at Ayutthaya’s ancient temples [...]]]> The panel of experts from Unesco who were inspecting the flooded sites of Ayutthaya last week highlighted the problems of fungi and algae growing on the walls of the sites, especially on the painted murals.

Ancient Ayutthaya temples at risk, Unesco warns
The Nation, 04 December 2011

Historic murals at Ayutthaya’s ancient temples face threats from fungi, algae and salt stains following the severe recent flooding, Unesco experts have warned.

Experts from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation said they found algae and salt stains on temple bricks during their post-flood survey of ancient sites in the province, Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome revealed.

The Unesco experts from Italy, the Netherlands and Japan this week surveyed many historic sites in the province, including Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathat and Wat Chaiwattanaram.

They also discovered salt stains and fungi on ancient murals on the walls inside sermon halls and Ubosot halls of many temples such as Wat Chang Yai, Wat Kasatrathirat Worawihan, Wat Pradusongtham, Wat Khanon Nua, Wat Yai Chumphol and Wat Cherng Tha, she said.Historic murals at Ayutthaya’s ancient temples face threats from fungi, algae and salt stains following the severe recent flooding, Unesco experts have warned.

Experts from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation said they found algae and salt stains on temple bricks during their post-flood survey of ancient sites in the province, Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome revealed.

The Unesco experts from Italy, the Netherlands and Japan this week surveyed many historic sites in the province, including Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathat and Wat Chaiwattanaram.

They also discovered salt stains and fungi on ancient murals on the walls inside sermon halls and Ubosot halls of many temples such as Wat Chang Yai, Wat Kasatrathirat Worawihan, Wat Pradusongtham, Wat Khanon Nua, Wat Yai Chumphol and Wat Cherng Tha, she said.

Full story here.

Flooding at Ayutthaya, The Nation 20111129

Experts to check sites at Ayutthaya The Nation, 29 November 2011

our [...]]]> A panel of experts from around the world will survey the damage done to the ancient capital Ayutthaya by the recent floods to decide on recommendations and best practices to help repair the damaged sites.

Experts to check sites at Ayutthaya
The Nation, 29 November 2011

our experts from UNESCO will survey the flood-damaged ancient sites of Ayutthaya this week, Fine Arts Department director-general Somsuda Leeyavanich said yesterday.

Two experts from Japan (one for water management and another for ancient site restoration), plus an expert on wall painting from Italy and an expert on water management from Holland would join Unesco Thailand in surveying and restoring flood-damaged ancient sites.

They would study the restoration of ancient sites in Bangkok before inspecting Ayutthaya’s World Heritage Sites such as the Portuguese Village, Phom Phet fort, Wat Chaiwattanaram and the reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam in Ayutthaya Historic Park over the next two days.

Full story here.

photo credit: jwvgoethe

Ayutthaya highlights history to lure guests Bangkok Post, 28 November 2011

Ayutthaya will use its historical relationships with many [...]]]> The 2012 tourism campaign for Ayutthaya will target and highlight the old diplomatic links the ancient Thai capital had with with other countries such as China, Portugal, the Netherlands and Iran.

photo credit: jwvgoethe

Ayutthaya highlights history to lure guests
Bangkok Post, 28 November 2011

Ayutthaya will use its historical relationships with many countries during the time it was the capital of Siam as a theme to promote tourism in 2012.

Governor Withaya Pewpong said the province would promote activities and key events highlighting the “history of relationships” between Ayutthaya and China, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Japan, Portugal, the Netherlands and Persia (modern-day Iran).

The Ayutthaya era was prosperous in Thai history, marked by good relationships with many countries in terms of diplomacy, religion and trading. For example, the Portuguese village, located in tambon Samphao Lom, shows the long relationship of Ayutthaya and Portugal.

Full story here.

Ruins of Ayutthaya, Bangkok Post 20111127

Still standing … but for how long? Bangkok Post, 27 November 2011

Ayutthaya’s historical sites have withstood centuries of flooding, but [...]]]> Authorities are cautiously draining some of the flooded monuments in Ayutthaya for fears that the waters have loosened the soil foundations of some of the structures.

Still standing … but for how long?
Bangkok Post, 27 November 2011

Ayutthaya’s historical sites have withstood centuries of flooding, but the latest deluge may have delivered a fatal blow to some of the ancient capital’s World Heritage-protected sites.

Damage to the buildings was compounded by the floodwater both surrounding the sites too quickly, and then being released too rapidly.

Fine Arts Department civil engineer Therdsak Yenjura says the structures have brick bases resting on soil without proper foundations. When the soil is soaked, the walls of the structures subside and lean in on each other. Uneven weight distribution of the structures increases pressure points.

Full story here.

photo credit: jwvgoethe

Ayutthaya picks up the pieces as floodwaters recede Monsters and Critics, 10 November 2011

Ayutthaya, after the floods Bangkok Post, 17 November 2011

Fears for ancient Thai temples as floods recede AFP, [...]]]> More stories from the aftermath of this year’s floods which have directly affected the world heritage site of Ayutthaya.

photo credit: jwvgoethe

Ayutthaya picks up the pieces as floodwaters recede
Monsters and Critics, 10 November 2011

Ayutthaya, after the floods
Bangkok Post, 17 November 2011

Fears for ancient Thai temples as floods recede
AFP, 20 November 2011

Excerpt from Bangkok Post:

While the governor waits for the post-flood recovery budget that was approved by the Cabinet, he outlined the expected time frame for repairing basic infrastructure and helping flood victims, in which each flood-hit household will initially receive 5,000 baht in compensation, as well as making sure the five industrial estates will be able to resume operations next month. “I will do everything in my power to ensure that at the very least a couple of factories in each industrial estate will be able to resume operations on December 16, and that the rice fields will be ready for planting by January,” he said.

As for the tourist attractions, the province has teamed up with local companies and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to encourage people to help restore various sites, mostly old temples, under a massive clean-up campaign called ”We Care for Ayutthaya”, as well as reviving visitor confidence.The campaign kicked off on November 10 at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol, where 300 volunteers from Bangkok and local residents armed with brushes, brooms, shovels and hoses helped to remove the dirt and debris remaining in the temple grounds and on different Buddha images.

The TAT has also prepared a list of 500 religion-related places, including Thai temples, 41 churches, 61 masjids and 45 Chinese shrines, for those who wish to participate in the big clean-up activity.

Full stories here and here.

Volunteers help clean up Ayutthaya. [...]]]> With the flood waters receding, volunteers are chipping in to help clean up the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. If you’re in the area and feel like lending a hand, another cleaning day will be held on December 5. Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand Ayutthaya Office at (035) 246076-7.

Saving Ayutthaya
The Nation, 16 November 2011

More than a month after it was engulfed by floodwaters, the province of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is slowly getting back to normal as the waters recede. Most of the provincial seat is now dry and with houses, museums, temples, palace ruins and roads once again visible, people are beginning the long and arduous task of cleaning up.

In the distance, the slightly leaning Chaiyamongkol pagoda, built to honour the victory of King Naresuan the Great’s victory over Burma, can clearly be seen. The ancient royal monastery of Wat Yai Chaimongkol, located just outside the city island, looks well on the way to recovery, with most of the temple grounds now free of water.

Last Thursday, a large group of volunteers gathered at the temple for Ayutthaya’s big cleaning day. Lay people and monks spread out through the temple grounds, washing, wiping and pulling up dead trees. Sadly, the roots of all the ornamental orange jasmine trees rotted in the water but the hardier West Indian jasmine trees survived and are in full bloom.

Full story here.