via Thai PBS, 12 October 2023: Flood barriers have been installed at historic temples in Ayutthaya, Thailand, in a bid to protect these invaluable cultural sites from water damage. The move is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the temples, particularly during Thailand’s rainy season.
The water level is now 70cm and 80cm below the top of the banks at Chaiwatthanaram and Thammaram temples respectively, he said, adding that the installation of temporary flood barriers is due to be completed today.
He said that department officials have also been monitoring water levels in other rivers and canals flowing through Ayutthaya province and have checked several archaeological sites, which have previously been flooded, to make sure that water pumps and heavy machinery are in place.
Marine Department officials based in Ayutthaya have issued advice to tug boats operating on the Chao Phraya and Pasak rivers to limit the number of barges they are towing to three and to ensure that the barges are not overloaded. Skippers are also advised to wear life jackets all the time.
