Concerned residents in Chiang Mai are urging officials to fix a huge crack in the city’s ancient Suan Dok Gate before it collapses. Residents say that if restoration work doesn’t happen soon, there is a chance the wall of the structure could collapse.
Nation Thailand reports that Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthithavorn has ordered relevant agencies to work together on repairing the structure. The Muang Chiang Mai Municipality has been tasked with working with the Fine Arts Office to restore the ancient site and prevent the wall from toppling.
The north side of the Suan Dok Gate currently has a crack 2 metres long, which is so wide people can see right through to the other side. According to the report, the Fine Arts Office already has a restoration plan in place but residents are now calling for this to be accelerated, due to concerns that the wall could collapse onto an adjacent road running alongside the gate.
However, Therdsak Yenjura from the Fine Arts Office says the crack in the wall will not cause its collapse. The director says his team has inspected the site and confirmed that it is not a danger due to being supported by a mound of earth that will prevent any collapse.
Last year, another ancient Chiang Mai site was damaged, when heavy rains in September caused the Chang Phuak Gate to collapse. Chang Phuak and Suan Dok are 2 of 5 ancient gates in Chiang Mai, which were built in 1296 AD, during the reign of King Mengrai. They have been classed as national historical sites since 1935.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
