The Fine Arts Department plans to register 25 sites as areas of historical interest nationwide this year. Most of the sites are in Bangkok and many are Buddhist temples, although there are also palaces and residences. Registration will entitle them to allocations from the conservation budget.
Tharapong Srisuchart, the director of the department's Archaeology OBangkokffice, said his agency has proposed the registration of 18 sites in Bangkok and seven in other provinces.
Sites slated for registration outside of Bangkok include the Phi Sua Samut Fort in Samut Prakan; an ancient town wall at the Phanu Rangsi military camp in Ratchaburi and Khao Sam Roi Yot cave in Prachuap Khiri Khan where ancient artwork was discovered. Temples in Phetchaburi will also be registered including Wat Yang, Wat Lat Satthatham, Wat Na Prom and Wat Phriang.
In Bangkok, the sites marked for registration include Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Chinorosaram, Wat Khruawan, Wat Bang Khun Thien Nok; the southern building of Parusakawan Palace (presently the office of the National Intelligence Agency); the palace of Prince Dilok Nopharat (the office of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority); the residence of Chao Chom Manda Riem (Nanthanasuksa School); the residence of Maj Gen Phraya Damrong Paetayakun; Ban Sa-nguansuk residence; and the library of Mahamakut Buddhist University at Wat Bowon Niwet.
Other sites to be registered include Ban Wannakowit; Ban Phibultham (the Energy Ministry); temples including Wat Ratchasingkorn, Wat Kamphaeng, Wat Samphanthawongsaram and Wat Duang Khae; the Phithak Ratthathammanun Monument (Laksi Monument); and the residence of Phraya Paetpongsa Wisuthabodi (Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University).
Mr Tharapong said a committee for the conservation of historical sites would consider his office's proposal. If approved, each site will have access to funds for restoration.
Source: Bangkok Post