Associate Professor Dr. Thanongsak Imjai (Professional Civil Engineer), along with a survey team from the Civil Engineering Program, Walailak University, collaborated on a project to survey and inspect the structural integrity of religious buildings at Wat Khao Phun, Phrom Khiri District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The project took place from February 1, 2024, to March 30, 2024. This project holds significant importance as Wat Khao Phun is a temple affiliated with the Mahanikaya sect of Theravada Buddhism. It has a long history and is home to many religious and archaeological sites.
Wat Khao Phun was established in 1777 (B.E. 2320) and received its official boundary marking (Wisungkhama Sima) in 1965 (B.E. 2508). The temple was founded by Phra Kaew. At the summit of the hill stands the Chaimanee Si Kha Lok (Khao Phun) Chedi, which contains murals depicting the history of the temple’s construction, as well as a statue of Phra Kaew. Additionally, the temple grounds feature a meditation center, a royal monument of King Taksin the Great, a bell tower, and a statue of Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi).
This survey was initiated at the request of Phra Khru Sanghakitphimon (Chanak Sak Nontamit), the current abbot of Wat Khao Phun, who submitted a formal request to the Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives for assistance from individuals or organizations to survey the Khao Phun area. The survey team found that the geography of Khao Phun consists of large rocks and numerous large trees, many of which have deteriorated over time. Non-destructive testing of the concrete quality revealed low compressive strength due to the aging of the material, which has degraded over time, especially since the temple had been abandoned for over 17 years following the death of the previous abbot, Phra Khru Kaew.
During this survey, the team from Walailak University will analyze the extent of the damage and provide recommendations for repairs to restore the temple to functional use.
Various types of ancient artifacts were found at the summit of Khao Phun, including fragments of coarse pottery with impressed rope patterns, fragments of blue and white porcelain, and Annamese (Vietnamese) glazed ware, as well as Qing Dynasty Chinese ceramics.
This survey not only aims to preserve cultural heritage but also to promote the use of religious sites for community purposes, which is expected to strengthen the relationship and connection between the community and local religious landmarks.
