The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, together with Thailand’s Fine Arts Department and the World Monuments Fund (WMF), marked the completion of a major conservation project at Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya province. The restoration initiative began in 2012 following severe flooding in 2011 that damaged the historic 17th-century temple.
The project was funded by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), which provided $1.8 million over 12 years, making it one of the largest AFCP-supported efforts worldwide.
A closing ceremony took place at Wat Chaiwatthanaram, starting with the inauguration of a new pavilion and a traditional “Jong Priang” ritual. This ceremony is rooted in an ancient fire-worship tradition held during the Ayutthaya period and aligns with Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival.
During the event, attendees viewed a documentary on U.S.-Thai cooperation to preserve cultural heritage. Thai actress Bella Ranee Campen spoke about the significance of Wat Chaiwatthanaram and efforts to safeguard Thai culture.
U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec said, “Cultural preservation is one of the enduring threads that binds the two countries together. The purpose of the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund was to show American respect for other cultures around the world, and as a demonstration of our friendship. Here in Thailand, we have awarded grants for 20 projects to help conserve Thailand’s incredible cultural heritage. The largest U.S. Ambassador’s Fund project in Thailand, and one of our largest in the world, is the preservation of this breathtaking 17th-Century temple. The reconstruction that we have helped fund here will ensure that the meru — or towers — and southern flood wall will protect this important site for future generations. Not just for future generations of Thais, but also for the thousands of tourists who come each year to marvel at the grandeur of this ancient capital of Siam.”
The program concluded with performances including a Thai Contemporary Khon titled “The Magnificent Ramakien: Strengthening U.S.-Thai Relations,” a laser light show featuring restored structures, fireworks by the Fine Arts Department, and an environmentally-friendly Loy Krathong ceremony along the riverbank.
Organizers say that beyond restoring Wat Chaiwatthanaram to its pre-flood condition, the project has encouraged community involvement and promoted tourism focused on conservation while reinforcing ties between Thailand and the United States.
The embassy acknowledged its partners—the Fine Arts Department under Thailand’s Ministry of Culture and WMF—for their role throughout this 12-year partnership, as well as private sponsors who contributed to event activities.
Since its launch in 2001 by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, AFCP has supported global projects preserving cultural sites and traditions as part of broader efforts to recognize diverse historical contributions.
More information about AFCP initiatives in Thailand can be found at bit.ly/afcpwatchai.