At Risk: Chiang Mai's iconic Doi Suthep Pagoda

Ace! NewsFlash

CHIANG MAI : The iconic Prathat Doi Suthep pagoda could collapse in heavy rain or a moderate earthquake, engineers say.

Although recognized worldwide as a Chiang Mai landmark, the Doi Suthep pagoda sits on unstable ground.

Engineers from the Asian Institute of Technology and Chiang Mai University have found cracks on the second level of the pagoda and the northern section of the surrounding terrace, which they say put the structure at risk. "At first, I thought they were just cement cracks, but after more checks, we found they were caused by structural subsidence," said Sahawat Naenna, director of Fine Arts Office region 8 in Chiang Mai. The engineers who inspected the site said more rain would raise the underground water level which, coupled with a moderate earthquake, could result in the pagoda toppling, Sahawat said.

In 1995, heavy rain and an earthquake measuring 6 on the Richter scale caused the top part of the golden pagoda to snap.

As The Fine Arts Department and Chiang Mai University found the pagoda sits on unstable ground, Sahawat said the department had asked the government for funding to reinforce the soil supporting the structure. It would also install devices to gauge the ground water level and examine soil conditions. These efforts are expected to help protect the ancient pagoda which houses relics of the Lord Buddha.

The pagoda has become an important place of worship for Buddhists since it was built in the 14th century. It is being restored. Culture Minister Teera Slukpetch said he would talk to the temple abbot about the need for urgent reinforcement work. "It will be dangerous if we don't take swift action. It's the rainy season now."

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