Unesco assesses temple damage

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.

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