Bt1.4bn Approved For Ayutthaya's Historical Sites

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AFTERMATH

Bt1.4bn approved for Ayutthaya's historical sites

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a Culture Ministry's proposal of Bt1.44 billion (about US$46 million ) to restore Ayutthaya's historical sites, damaged by months-long flooding,

The budget would be for the restoration of 313 historical sites in 41 provinces. The Cabinet also endorsed an additional budget of Bt45 million to renovate 141 mosques and churches hit by the floods.

Earlier Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome said following a survey by specialists from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) of historical sites in Ayutthaya, Thailand's 600-year old former capital, the team found damage from flooding such as flaking, mildew stain and efflorescence on murals particularly at the Choeng Tha Temple where the damage is critical.

Therefore, the ministry requested the sum to renovate the sites.

The structures of many historic buildings have also been affected, such as at the Ayothaya Temple, where considerable structural rebuilding will be required.

The ministry is also looking at digging a moat around the city as existed in the old days, to act as a flood prevention barrier for the city.

On December 18, Thai and Japanese experts will conduct another survey to assess the damage on historical sites following the flooding.

The ministry will also invite the private sector and other agencies to finance the restoration after the Finance Ministry announces tax incentives.

-- The Nation 2011-12-06

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??? ...and what percent of this money will actually go to the project verses a large portion going into the pockets of government officials or inflated prices to restore the historic buildings?