Mahakan Fort found to be subsiding

Workers clean up an area near the Mahakan Fort ruins, during the demolition of houses built inside the grounds. The removal of some houses, considered an eyesore by City Hall, and ongoing cleanup is part of the city's attempt to return the centuries-old fort to its previous glory. (Photo by Apichart Jinakul)

Major repairs are planned for the ageing Mahakan Fort at the end of this year after city officials discovered during routine renovation that it is subsiding.

The fort is being spruced up ahead the cremation of the late King Rama IX. But a close inspection revealed the structure was "deteriorating and greatly slanting", the Daily News newspaper reported, quoting city deputy governor Chakkaphan Phewngam, on Thursday.

City Hall will allocate 69 million baht budget for the repairs, expected to start this year, he said.

It is currently consulting with the Fine Arts Department for a closer examination of the fort, in order to best plan the work.

The fort, located near Khlong Ong Ang, was given a facelift in 1982, when the government celebrated the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the capital, Bangkok.

The lack of maintenance since then is to blame for the fort's deterioration, Mr Chakkaphan believed.

The current cleanup, which includes removal of weeds from the walls and repainting, is expected to be completed by Sept 1.

Ageing Mahakan Fort is now set for major restoration in the end of this year, following the discovery it is sinking and tilting. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)