NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: Contractors are proceeding with dismantling century-old cannons at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in this southern province despite the temple’s order to halt the process until the Fine Arts Department (FAD) has conducted an inspection.
Reports said the temple will be nominated as a Unesco World Heritage site. The contractors were hired to renovate the temple grounds and building before the nomination process begins.
However, last month the contractors dismantled old cannons that used to be exhibited on the temple grounds without an official order from the FAD.
It was reported yesterday that the contractors have proceeded with the dismantling again despite effort by the temple authorities to halt the process.
Phra Dhamma Vajirakorn, the abbot of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, said he is expecting the FAD and the contractors to discuss the matter before any artefacts are permanently destroyed.
Temple spokeman Chalerm Jitramat said the contractors are obliged under the contract to complete the renovation process.
However, the work should be supervised by the FAD. He said the department has not sent anyone to inspect the renovation work so far.
He added the renovation plan covers five prayer halls.
However, it is still lacking clear instructions about detailed construction work or the required budget, he noted.
Phanombootra Chandrajoti, director-general of the FAD, addressed Nakhon Si Thammarat governor Apinan Phuakphong and the staff assigned to prepare for the Unesco nomination bid earlier, saying the renovation work does not require any documentation.