Eighty-three historical sites, including temples, in Ayutthaya have been inundated this year, all are located outside the city’s ancient walls, according to the Fine Arts Department.
The department has found that 83 of the archaeological sites in the central province have been affected by this year’s flooding, after a surveillance operation. All of them are located outside the city island, known by the locals as “Koh Muang”.
Nonetheless, some ancient sites, including popular ruins along the Chao Phraya River, are unaffected by the floods, and people can still visit them.
Pattarapong Kao-ngern, director of Ayutthaya Historical Park, said on Saturday that the 83 ancient sites are situated in the north of Koh Muang, which is a low-lying and riverside area, and floodwalls have been reinforced in most of these places.
Mr Pattarapong said most structures in the flood-hit sites would not be affected. Some structures might be damaged, but they could be restored, he said.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a famous historical temple along the Chao Phraya River in the ancient city, has not been flooded as it was well protected, said Mr Pattarapong.
The department would speed up surveying damage at the 83 sites after floodwaters receded so restoration could begin right away.
Ayutthaya province is Thailand’s former capital and a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a famous historical temple along the Chao Phraya River in the ancient Ayutthaya city, remains dry. (Photo supplied: Sunthorn Pongpao)