Famed Temple At Risk

[sriracha john]

Doi Suthep pagoda sits on unstable ground.

Heavy rain, quake could dash Doi Suthep

CHIANG MAI : The iconic Prathat Doi Suthep pagoda could collapse in heavy rain or a moderate earthquake, engineers say. Engineers from the Asian Institute of Technology and Chiang Mai University have found cracks on the second level of the pagoda and the northern section of the surrounding terrace which they say put the structure at risk.

"First I thought they were just cement cracks, but after more checks, we found they were caused by structural subsidence," said Sahawat Naenna, Director of Fine Arts Office Region 8 in Chiang Mai. The engineers who inspected the site said more rain would raise the underground water level which, coupled with a moderate earthquake, could result in the pagoda toppling, Mr Sahawat said.

In 1995, heavy rain and an earthquake measuring 6 on the Richter scale caused the top part of the golden pagoda to snap. The Fine Arts Department and Chiang Mai University found the pagoda sits on unstable ground. Mr Sahawat said the department had asked the government for money to reinforce the soil supporting the structure. It would also install devices to gauge the ground water level and examine soil conditions. These efforts are expected to help better protect the ancient pagoda which houses relics of the Lord Buddha.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1931...dash-doi-suthep

-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-29

[silverhawk_usa]

It seems like this is just a re-hash of what was said in 1995. I believe it has also been reported elsewhere since that time. I have been in Chiang Mai only since 2002 and I remember reading the same thing before.

It appears nothing was done then and it is unlikely anything will be done now. A shame if they lose this temple due to neglect.