Thailand: Monks taught to handle national religious heritage

BANGKOK, 22 December 2014 (NNT) – The Fine Arts Department have educated Buddhist monks in Bangkok and the vicinities about how to take care of national heritage in Buddhist temples.

Wiang Kum Kam, Tha Wang Tan, Thailand – Photo by Mathew Schwartz

Director of the Office of Archaeology under the Fine Arts Department Thraphong Sricuchart said educating the Buddhist monks about cultural and art properties was part the office’s project to conserve Thailand’s heritage, especially paintings and sculptures. It was necessary for the monks to know to handle their temple’s invaluable properties which were the sources of local culture and wisdom, said the director. 

40 monks participated in the project which took place at Wat Suwannaram Ratchawihan in Bangkok. Mr Thraphong added the office also encouraged the general public to help conserve national heritage with Buddhist temples.