Post by bahnoo on Sept 1, 2006 8:17:31 GMT 7
Parts of ancient wall in Chiang Mai collapse
CHEEWIN SATTHA JERDSAK SAENGTHONGCHAROEN
Chiang Mai _ Parts of the 700-year-old wall in downtown Chiang Mai collapsed yesterday after heavy downpours. The ancient Chang Phuak Gate, or Gate of the White Elephant, partially collapsed. It forms part of a long ancient wall in the centre of Chiang Mai, surrounded by a moat.
Officials expect further damage to the wall because more cracks have been found. Persistent heavy rain is thought to have seeped through the cracks, weakening the wall's foundations.
The ancient wall dates back to 1276, during the reign of King Mang Rai.
Chiang Mai mayor Boonlert Buranapakorn said officials were preparing to restore the wall.
He also told officials to prevent further damage to other ancient structures in the city, including almost a dozen run-down pagodas. Torrential rain earlier brought down a 505-year-old pagoda in Chiang Mai municipality. Heavy rain has lashed Chiang Mai in the past few weeks.
The government ordered the dredging of the Ping river which cuts through the city to fight floods.
However, many riverside villagers said they did not believe dredging would be of much help as water levels are still rising.
Meanwhile, more than 100 houses in Mae Rim district were flooded by run-off from Doi Suthep.
The heavy rainfall also triggered flash floods in neighbouring provinces. Officials said 27 villages in Lampang's Thoen district were under water while in Mae Hong Son's Muang district around 500 rai of farmland was damaged while roads were blocked by soil and trees washed down from the mountain.
In the eastern province of Chon Buri, two people drowned in Si Racha district as they sailed a makeshift boat to catch fish in Nong Kor reservoir in a heavy storm. Police are still searching for Somchai Lokan, 39, after they found the bodies of his wife and their six-year-old son.
CHEEWIN SATTHA JERDSAK SAENGTHONGCHAROEN
Chiang Mai _ Parts of the 700-year-old wall in downtown Chiang Mai collapsed yesterday after heavy downpours. The ancient Chang Phuak Gate, or Gate of the White Elephant, partially collapsed. It forms part of a long ancient wall in the centre of Chiang Mai, surrounded by a moat.
Officials expect further damage to the wall because more cracks have been found. Persistent heavy rain is thought to have seeped through the cracks, weakening the wall's foundations.
The ancient wall dates back to 1276, during the reign of King Mang Rai.
Chiang Mai mayor Boonlert Buranapakorn said officials were preparing to restore the wall.
He also told officials to prevent further damage to other ancient structures in the city, including almost a dozen run-down pagodas. Torrential rain earlier brought down a 505-year-old pagoda in Chiang Mai municipality. Heavy rain has lashed Chiang Mai in the past few weeks.
The government ordered the dredging of the Ping river which cuts through the city to fight floods.
However, many riverside villagers said they did not believe dredging would be of much help as water levels are still rising.
Meanwhile, more than 100 houses in Mae Rim district were flooded by run-off from Doi Suthep.
The heavy rainfall also triggered flash floods in neighbouring provinces. Officials said 27 villages in Lampang's Thoen district were under water while in Mae Hong Son's Muang district around 500 rai of farmland was damaged while roads were blocked by soil and trees washed down from the mountain.
In the eastern province of Chon Buri, two people drowned in Si Racha district as they sailed a makeshift boat to catch fish in Nong Kor reservoir in a heavy storm. Police are still searching for Somchai Lokan, 39, after they found the bodies of his wife and their six-year-old son.