Still standing ... but for how long?

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Still standing ... but for how long?

The severe flooding in Ayutthaya underscored the need to improve measures to ensure the ancient capital's archeaological treasures aren't threatened by the ravages of nature

Published: 27/11/2011 at 04:08 AM
Newspaper section: News

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.

HOLDING SWAY: Workers build a scaffold to sustain the dramatically leaning temple wall at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet temple. PHOTO: PIYAPORN WONGRUANG

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

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About the author

: Writer: Piyaporn Wongruang; Position: Reporter

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paul_giles
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Discussion 5 : 27/11/2011 at 07:37 PM5
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Like phileas at D3, this passage from the article got my attetion (more like laughter): "Ayutthaya is not just about old structures, but it's a city with knowledge and wisdom," said Mr Vasu. "Ancient wisdom can be revived to help the city survive in modern times."

The only knowledge in Ayutthaya was with the technological manufacturing industry, which is now mostly washed away and won't be back for a decade. I traveled through the streets of Ayuttaya the other day and it looked just like the "Walking Dead" series. No power, no people, abandoned delapitated automobiles, dead trees and vegetation, etc.
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upena
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Discussion 4 : 27/11/2011 at 05:25 PM4
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Heaven forbid! Now, how will the Tourism Authority of Thailand promote Ayutthaya? See the ruined ruins?
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phileas
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Discussion 3 : 27/11/2011 at 11:40 AM3
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"Ayutthaya is not just about old structures, but it's a city with knowledge and wisdom," said Mr Vasu. "Ancient wisdom can be revived to help the city survive in modern times."
How right you are khun Vasu! Your ancestors knew what they were doing. They would not have allowed the mistakes that were made to turn Ayutthaya into a disneyland of sorts.
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Victor
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Discussion 2 : 27/11/2011 at 07:27 AM2
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The brick foundation was fully saturated for months and by trying to prolong it further will cause more damage. Therefore, after the water is receded there must be a way to lower the underground water table around the sites.
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drake
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Discussion 1 : 27/11/2011 at 05:37 AM1
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How many time has the city been flooded since it was last sacked 200+ years ago ?
It has done mostly OKay by itself until the Fine Arts Department tried to restore it.
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Still standing ... but for how long? | Bangkok Post: news