(KPL) Dr. Thonglit Luangkhod, Deputy Director General of the Heritage and Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, told the Lao Newspaper on October 1 that the renovation was initiated by an individual who wanted to help restore the deteriorating stupa.

According to Dr. Thonglit, the sponsor had consulted and obtained permission from local administrative authorities but had not sought approval from the Vientiane Capital culture and tourism authorities or the Heritage and Fine Arts Department.

He said the work had not been supervised by technical heritage conservation authorities and therefore might not comply with established conservation principles and requirements.

The renovation has now been suspended temporarily while relevant authorities discuss the matter and determine the appropriate way forward.

Dr. Thonglit said any further restoration of That Dam would be carried out in accordance with technical conservation principles and relevant regulations to ensure the historical heritage site is properly preserved.

KPL