The Ayutthaya-regional Fine Arts Department has agreed to restore an 18th century temple in Banglamung District, provided it can acquire funding.
Methadol Wiehakana, director of the 3rd Regional Department of Fine Art, together with a team of experts and local residents, surveyed the ancient temple Jan. 8.
He said there are many important historical sites in Banglamung District dating back to the 1780s when King Taksin the Great and his army camped in the area during their battle to liberate Siam from Burma. Interesting sites include Banglamung Temple and Nang Setthee Temple which the Fine Arts Department previously renovated.
Buddha statues and other artifacts remain inside the ancient temple.
This old temple was surveyed several years ago with restoration plans drawn up, but never implemented.
After area residents recently campaigned on social media for restoration of the site before it deteriorates beyond repair, the Fine Arts Department returned and said its ready to proceed as soon as funding is available.
Initially, the office will build a temporary roof over the chapel protecting it from the weather. Methadol estimated the renovation will cost about 5 million baht and take eight months to complete.
Initially, the office will build a temporary roof over the chapel protecting it from the weather.
He added that, at this time, he can say only that the temple was built in the late Ayutthaya Era in the late 1700s, near the time that Banglamung Temple and Nang Setthee Temple were built.
He will coordinate the Religion Department to investigate the property boundaries and coordinate archaeologists to conduct a thorough study to look for other historical artifacts and to determine its exact age.
Methadol Wiehakana (2nd right), director of the 3rd Regional Department of Fine Art, explains plans to renovate the King Taksin-era temple.
