A 3D scanner has been brought in to help examine the interior of the old bell tower at Wat Phraya Tham Voraviharn to establish the cause of its collapse on Tuesday, which killed a worker.
Chainarong Athisakul, from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, said on Wednesday the scanner was used to analyse the structural condition and strength of the bell tower.
The equipment enabled experts to assess the tower's inner structure not visible to the naked eye. The findings will be forwarded to the Fine Arts Department, which is responsible for restoring historical buildings.
Mr Chainarong said he previously used the scanner to conduct structural risk assessments at several archaeological sites, which produced satisfactory results.
Official records confirm the temple, on Soi Arun Amarin 15 in the Chang Lor area, was constructed during the reign of King Narai the Great during the Ayutthaya Period between 1656 to 1688.
The temple underwent major renovation work during the reigns of Kings Rama II, III and V -- over a century ago.
Several old structures in the temple grounds are dilapidated, including the ubosot and sala kan parian pavilion.
Tuesday's tragedy occurred around noon during renovation work on the bell tower. One worker died after having been trapped under the rubble. Eleven other workers were injured, two of them seriously.
Yadwana Prasertsom, who headed the work crew, said after the injured workers were taken to hospital, she discovered another worker, Suriyan Thongsai, was missing.
She told Bangkok Noi district chief Nattaphong Meephokit that Suriyan must have been trapped under the rubble. His body was recovered late on Tuesday evening.
Mr Natthaphong said there are 32 other old temples in the district. He said there might need to be comprehensive surveys of each one to prevent a similar incident occurring. However, the district office is not equipped or has the expertise to carry this out.
Fine Arts Department chief, Anandha Chuchoti, said he has told workers to prevent further damage to the tower.