Bangkok: The abbot of Wat Phumin revealed that the main chapel shows signs of damage after experiencing two earthquakes and floods. Cracks have widened, causing subsidence and tilting, along with accumulated moisture.
According to Thai News Agency, Phra Khru Sirinanthawit, Deputy Chief Monk of Nan Province and Abbot of Wat Phumin, revealed that Wat Phumin, a landmark temple in Nan Province, has faced both the recent earthquake and repeated flooding for the past two years. The area around the main chapel is flooded, causing accumulated moisture, especially in areas previously inspected for foundation damage, some of which have not yet been fully restored. The severe flooding caused by Typhoon Wipha significantly damaged the murals inside the chapel. The area around the chapel is subsiding and tilting, and cracks are expanding.
Meanwhile, Mr. Prasit Notha, MP for Nan Province from the Kla Tham Party and Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on Religion, Arts and Culture, who inspected the site after the floodwaters receded, stated that it is still impossible to determine the cause of the cracks and subsidence. A detailed investigation by engineers and experts is required. He added that the temple had previously reported the problem to the Provincial Office of Buddhism and the Fine Arts Department, and while initial surveys and analyses were conducted, no structural improvements have been made. He will bring the matter up for discussion to coordinate with specialized agencies for further investigation.