Wat Krachee: Saving Ayutthaya's stricken temple

29 Aug 2018

Wat Krachee: Saving Ayutthaya's stricken temple

Wat Krachee in Ayutthaya's historic national park dates back to the 16th century, but now faces collapse in part because of the two invasive trees growing from its side.

An urgent effort has brought together UNESCO Bangkok, Thailand's Department of Fine Arts and other partners.

Assembling a multidisciplinary team including architects, archaeologists, engineers, artisans and craftspeople.

First to shore up the basic structural integrity and then to draft a long-term conservation plan.

Starting at the base of the temple's chedi and partially excavated foundations of a much larger structure.

Conservationists are carefully mapping decorative facades to be replaced in their original position after the major structural work.

To address the hazards caused by deteriorating mortar, shifting bricks and the invasive tree roots.

In many sections, the mortar has worn away to almost nothing, leaving the brickwork to shift precariously.

Requiring conservationists to mix new adhesives composed of the same original materials to prevent further damage.

Meanwhile a diverse team of Thai professionals tends to the chedi with painstaking care.

Treating each component as a puzzle piece in the greater mosaic of Thailand's cultural heritage.

While identifying components of the original monument and layers of previous restoration efforts.

And cleaning each brick of mold and other detritus to prep for fresh applications of mortar.

As craftspeople reinforce the structure in anticipation of the impending rainy season.

Including at the very apex of the chedi, which leans slightly away from the intrusive trees.

As UNESCO Bangkok prepares to transfer the project wholly to the Department of Fine Arts, the work continues ...

The Historic City of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom. It flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, during which time it grew to be one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a center of global diplomacy and commerce. The site was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1991.

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Wat Krachee: Saving Ayutthaya's stricken temple

Wat Krachee: Saving Ayutthaya's stricken temple

UNESCO Bangkok Office