December 4, 2004

Krue Se now 95% renovated

WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM

The renovation of the Krue Se mosque in Pattani, heavily damaged during a government crackdown on southern militants on April 28, is expected to be completed late this month.

The mosque will look the same from the outside as the renovation work is focusing on its interior.

Visiting the mosque in Muang district yesterday, Culture Minister Anurak Jureemat said the renovation work, funded by the state, was already 95% complete.

The mosque's architecture was maintained, he said, but its structure was now reinforced with hidden steel beams and aluminium posts. Added to it were a dome which could not be seen from the outside, wooden doors, windows and a podium, and hidden rainwater pipes.

``Most of the skilled workers on the job, about 80%, are local Muslims. Craftsmen from the Fine Arts Department and technicians specialising in renovating ancient places supervise and train them,'' the minister said. ``Every stage of the work is done in consultation with Islamic experts and religious and community leaders. In the future, these trained locals can help to maintain ancient sites in their own areas,'' he said.