Buddhamonthon: 3 years to restore

Buddhamonthon: 3 years to restore

It will take about three years to fully repair the damage to heavily flooded Buddhamonthon, the iconic Buddhist park in Nakhon Pathom, according to the Office of National Buddhism.

“But, at the least, were are trying to make it ready for activities as soon as six months,” office chief Noppharat Benchawatthananan said on Friday.

He was referring to a need to use site for an international ceremony to mark Vesakha Bucha next year.
Buddhists worldwide recognise the day as the birthday of the Lord Buddha more than 2,600 years ago in what is now southern Nepal.

Officials have not yet assessed the total damage to the 2,500 rai park, especially the damage to the rare trees, because some areas are still inundated, he said. At least 30% of the had been damaged.

Mr Noppharat said he had asked the government for 591 million baht to fund initial restoration work.

Officials, led by the Royal Irrigation Department, were still draining floodwater out of Buddhamonthon, known for its 52ft standing Buddha statue. P

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will preside over a big cleaning event at the park this Sunday.

~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~