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Wat Pho Ancient Well and Pagoda Foundation Preservation

Wat Pho Ancient Well and Pagoda Foundation Preservation

MGR Online•General•1h ago

Reader Briefing

National Artist Wanida Phuengsunthorn highlights the importance of groundwater observation wells in maintaining the log foundations of Wat Pho's ancient structures.

  • •Wat Pho's ancient structures are supported by foundations made of stacked logs rather than reinforced concrete.
  • •Groundwater levels must remain high to keep logs moist and prevent decay.
  • •A groundwater observation well next to the Rama IV Pagoda has been rendered non-functional by concrete modifications.
  • •Wanida Phuengsunthorn proposes restoring the well to monitor groundwater and protect the historical site.

Overview

  • •Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkalaram (Wat Pho) features architectural value in its Four Reigns Pagodas and extensive ceramic decorations.
  • •The ancient structures of Wat Pho use stacked logs as foundations to support weight and prevent sinking because reinforced concrete was not used in the past.
  • •Maintaining moisture in the log foundations is critical because if logs dry out upon contact with air, they may decay and compromise the pagodas.
  • •The location of Wat Pho near the Chao Phraya River naturally provides high groundwater levels that help preserve the log foundations.
  • •A rectangular groundwater observation well near the Rama IV Pagoda was originally designed with an open cast-iron grate to monitor water levels.
  • •The observation well has been modified with a concrete floor and cover, preventing groundwater from seeping in and making monitoring impossible.
  • •Wanida Phuengsunthorn warns that future dam or infrastructure construction could impact natural water systems and threaten the foundations.
  • •Wanida Phuengsunthorn proposes restoring the observation well to its original state to serve as a tool for monitoring groundwater changes.

Full article content is available on the original source.

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Key Quotes

Wanida Phuengsunthorn
"Foundations are like human legs or feet; if the foundation is not stable, it cannot support the structure."
ฐานรากเปรียบเสมือนขาหรือเท้าของมนุษย์ หากฐานรากไม่มั่นคงก็ไม่สามารถพยุงโครงสร้างให้ตั้งอยู่ได้

Key Entities

Person

Wanida Phuengsunthorn(วนิดา พึ่งสุนทร)
A National Artist in the field of Traditional Architecture (2003) who provided insights on the foundations of Wat Pho.

Place

Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkalaram(วัดพระเชตุพนวิมลมังคลาราม ราชวรมหาวิหาร)
A temple, also known as Wat Pho, containing the Four Reigns Pagodas and historic architectural works.
Wat Pho(วัดโพธิ์)ℹ️
A common name for Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkalaram.
Chao Phraya River(แม่น้ำเจ้าพระยา)ℹ️
A river located near Wat Pho that influences the area's groundwater levels.