PUBLISHED: 13 Mar 2025 at 06: 07
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) is set to proceed with repairs to the Giant Swing following concerns over its structural integrity, says a senior official.
Thaiwut Khankaew, director of the BMA’s City Planning and Development Office, said repair work is planned after an inspection of the city landmark in collaboration with the Thailand Structural Engineers Association ( TSEA ).
Big destruction was reported, including separating, shear, and inclined cracks. The assessment also found the wood to become soft, wet, and peeling quickly.
These issues pose a risk to the building’s dignity, with decay believed to be caused by prolonged exposure to outside conditions, severe temperature fluctuations, and organic material ageing, he said.
The TSEA has recommended immediate validation of the Giant Swing before summertime hurricanes, followed by a more thorough assessment to determine appropriate recovery techniques, Mr Thaiwut said.
He noted that each recovery strategy requires different degrees of labor, costs, and time. Moreover, all repairs may subscribe to the Fine Arts Department’s rules. The City Planning and Development Office will carry a selling process to find a company for the support work before the summer winds arrive, he said.
A specialist will also be hired to examine repair techniques, with the results submitted to the Fine Arts Department for assent, he added. The Giant Swing, known locally as Sao Chingcha and located outside City Hall in Phra Nakhon area, was officially registered as a historic site in the Royal Gazette on Nov 16, 1988.
The Fine Arts Department has determined that the architecture is in a critical condition and has authorised the City Planning and Development Office to deal with upgrades. The office has also issued repair guidelines to keep the landmark’s historical value and cautioned against using modern materials.
It emphasised the need for an engineering analysis to prevent unnecessary structural modifications. The last major restoration of the Giant Swing, undertaken by the BMA and the Fine Arts Department, was completed in December 2017.
Work will begin soon to repair the iconic Giant Swing as it is starting to show significant structural damage. Photos: CITY PLANNING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
