Most people who have travelled to [Chiang Mai] [1] will have visited the magnificent Prathat Doi Suthep pagoda. Situated atop a high hill, the climbing to the top of the pagoda provides spectacular views of the city below. Steeped in local legend, the Prathat Doi Suthep pagoda is an icon of Chiang Mai. However, it seems that the future of the mighty monument may be uncertain as it is sitting on unstable ground. Recently, engineers from the Asian Institute of Technology and Chiang Mai University discovered cracks on the second level of the pagoda and the northern section of the surrounding terrace. After assessment, they believe the structure is at risk and may collapse after an earthquake or heavy rain. "First I thought they were just cement cracks, but after more checks, we found they were caused by structural subsidence," Sahawat Naenna, director of Fine Arts Office region 8 in Chiang Mai told [The Nation] [2] recently. The top part of the golden pagoda snapped in 1995 after heavy rain and an earthquake. Measures are being taken to preserve the monument, but those who have yet to admire the pagoda should visit soon before it suffers further damage. [1]: http://stopchiangmai.com [2]: http://bangkokpost.com 2009-06-29T09:02:00+07:00 1344 2009-06-29T11:02:51+07:00 5 true 1344-chiang-mai-temple-threatened-by-flood Andrew