Stripping ancient temple doors of resin, paint ‘will not be easy’

The department’s director general, Prateep Pengtago, said he instructed experts to inspect the doors after the issue of so-called restorers ruining the structure with paint was brought up on social media by a Chiang Mai resident.

Experts said the doors had been painted by a layer of resin and two layers of oil paint, adding that the biggest concern was removing resin, which will not be easy.

The experts are testing the most effective chemicals for this operation.

Wat Muen Lan was built in about 1459 by a warrior in the reign of Lanna king Tilokraj.