Page 52 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL6

If there is any site in the world that deserves the status, Phu Phra Bat is one. The site’s cultural significance surely contributes to Thailand, but alsoto the world at largedaughter was believed to have con- summated her relationship with Prince Barot from a faraway land.According to Borvornvate Rungru- jee, director-general of the Fine Arts Department, who frequents the site and is leading the team preparing it for inscription, Phu Phra Bat’s charm lies in the way it manifests culture and civilization in the simplest forms, in the fact that those who occupied it had little interest in changing the nature of the land.“Instead of being materialistic, adding grand constructions to their sacred enclave, they were very humble, demanding little from nature,” Mr Borvornvate said. “And we – archaeologists and government staff – are not planning to build any tourist facilities. We want to preserve the people’s intention to keep the place as pristine as possible.”Several trip attendees expressedadvocacy for the cause.“If there is any site in the worldthat deserves the status, Phu Phra Bat is one,” said HE Kesang Wangdi, ambassador of Bhutan. “The site’s cultural significance surely contributes to Thailand, but also to the world at large. The human imagination and art skills struck me. The ways they chose to express their religious beliefs is impressive.”On the second day, the group toured cultural and natural attractions in Udon Thani and observed local ways of life and the province’s wonderful scenery. At Nong Han Kumphawapi lake, nicknamed the Sea of the Red Lotus, they were able to observe the flower blossoms, a natural phenomenon from December to February every year. Motorboats are available for hire to tour the wetlands for an hour or two, best done from the early morning to noon.50 Elite+