NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Nov 14 – The golden spire atop the majestic chedi, or pagoda, at Wat Phra Mahathat, is the high point of one of Thailand’s most revered Buddhist temples, is deteriorating and needs urgent restoration, according to a Thai government Fine Arts Department official.
Wat Phra Mahathat has been on a UNESCO waiting list to be recognized as a World Heritage sites.
The Thai public have been eagerly waiting for the good news though it will be a long process before an announcement is made.
Anat Bumrungwong, director of the Nakhon Si Thammarat fine arts bureau, said agency workers technical staff are assessing the condition of the golden pinnacle.
A zoomed closeup photo of the spire found a rust-like solution leaking from the cone-shaped peak, he said, adding that the damage could be similar to a previous problem of deteriorating plaster 20 years ago.
Fine arts specialists are thoroughly checking its condition to determine if the gold substance overlaying the structure remains intact.
An urgent report has been submitted to the Fine Arts Department in Bangkok so that a group of artisans will be formed to tackle the restoration work.
