UNESCO to assess flood-affected Ayutthaya WorldHeritage site

UNESCO to assess flood-affected Ayutthaya World Heritage site

Bangkok, 12 October 2011 – UNESCO Bangkok has been requested by the Thai government to undertake a mission to the Ancient City of Ayutthaya in Thailand to assess the impact to the World Heritage property from heavy flooding.

The World Heritage property of Ayutthaya, which occupies the western half of the inner island of Ayutthaya, has been flooded for more than a week. Monuments and temples on the outside perimeter of the site (technically not part of the World Heritage property), such as Wat Chaiwattanaram on the opposite bank of the river, have also been inundated.

The mission to Ayutthaya, which will include relevant national authorities and experts, is to be arranged shortly by Thailand’s Office of the Prime Minister.

Thailand is also preparing to apply for Emergency Assistance from the World Heritage Fund. Under the terms of the Fund, assistance may be requested to undertake emergency measures or to draw up an emergency plan for the safeguarding of the property.

The historic city of Ayutthaya was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1991. Founded c. 1350, Ayutthaya was the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. Its remains, characterized by the prang (reliquary towers) and gigantic monasteries, give an idea of its past splendour.

For more information, http://whc.unesco.org/

ENDS

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