Old towns get special status

Three more old towns in three provinces were yesterday declared conservation precincts in a bid to promote cultural heritage value, according to an announcement by the Rattanakosin and Old Cities Conservation and Development Committee.

A virtual committee meeting presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon yesterday announced that areas in Uthai Thani in the Central Plains, Trang in the South and Chachoengsao in the East will receive the new protective classification.

The old town in Uthai Thani covers most of city’s main attractions, including Wat Upostharam, Sakae Krang mountain, Trok Rong Ya Chin community and a community of floating houses on the Sakae Krang River.

Trang’s new conservation precinct incorporates the governor’s residence, Trang Church, the clock tower, its train station and shophouses in the Tabtiang historical area.

In Chachoengsao, fort walls near the Bang Pakong River, Wat Sothon Wararam, its city pillar shrine, Phraya Srisoontorn Voharn Monument, a 100-year-old teak house and a market under the Crown Property Bureau are all part of its newly formalised cultural heritage.

After the discussion with the deputy prime minister, the meeting also approved master plans for the conservation and development of five more old towns — Sakon Nakhon, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Tak and Phrae. These proposals will be tabled before the cabinet once they are finalised.