Project Name: Investigation and Remedial Work : Prathat Phanom Chedi, Nakhon Phanom

Consultant: R.K.V. Engineering Consultant Co.,Ltd.

Project Owner: The Fine Arts Department, Thailand

Project Description: Prathat Phanom Chedi is one of the most respected and most important Theravada Buddhist structures in the northeast region of Thailand. It is believed that the relics of Lord Buddha has been kept inside Chedi’s Stupa. Prathat Phanom Chedi was originally built during 12-14 century. During this period, the Chedi had undergone several major rehabilitation work.

The structure of Prathat Phanom Chedi stands 57 meters high above the ground, with rectangular base of 12.3 meters on each side. In 1976, the chedi, at the age around 500-700 years, after several days of strong wind and heavy rain, has collapsed. R.K.V. Engineering Consultant was assigned by the Government to investigate causes of structure failure and design reconstruction work for the new Chedi.

Highlights: The structure of Chedi has collapsed in the middle portion into 3 pieces due to the aging of material and overloading of the additional structures. The reconstruction of the Chedi was taken place at the exact location of the old Chedi. Underpinning work for the foundation of Chedi was performed to support the newly built Chedi.

The remedial design work was to keep the Chedi to be same appearance to the public. The reconstruction work was constructed by Italian-Thai Development Co.,Ltd. between 1976-1978. The value of the project is around 1200 million baht supported by Thai Government fund.