Bangkok: The Ministry of Culture is accelerating its efforts to survey ancient sites across the nation following the recent earthquake. The government has mandated a thorough assessment of damage to "national heritage" and is emphasizing the swift development of a continuous restoration plan.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the Prime Minister has instructed all government agencies to promptly address the situation in all aspects. Ms. Sudawan Wangsupakitchkosol, Minister of Culture, has directed relevant Ministry departments to urgently survey and assess damages to government buildings, historical sites, archaeological locations, and cultural properties nationwide. This assessment aims to formulate a restoration plan to be completed as soon as possible.
The government underscores the importance of conserving the nation's cultural heritage and has instructed all pertinent agencies to perform a detailed damage survey, particularly in the areas most severely impacted. This initiative will help prioritize and develop efficient recovery strategies. Provincial cultural offices throughout the country have been tasked with monitoring, surveying, and reporting the damage to ensure comprehensive restoration and repair plans. Additionally, guidelines have been established to support art and cultural personnel, including national artists, folk artists, and entrepreneurs within the cultural industry affected by the disaster.
For ancient sites and archaeology, the Fine Arts Department has been commissioned to rapidly survey and compile a list of affected locations. This list will detail the extent of damage and propose systematic restoration methods. The report will be submitted to the government for budget consideration for urgent restoration activities.
"The government places importance on protecting the nation's cultural heritage, which is a priceless treasure that must be passed on to future generations. This restoration will be carried out carefully, efficiently, and sustainably. Information on damage to ancient sites in the area can be reported to the Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, or the hotline 1765, so that the restoration can be comprehensive and as fast as possible," said Ms. Sasikarn.