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Published on July 13, 2007

A ritual to apologise to supernatural spirits was held at 8am yesterday before work began.

Astrologer Sukit Phutasin said the gate had served as a triumphal entranceway to the city for Lanna kings and the fountain had blocked the old path, thus bringing "suffocation" to the city and "creating discomfort to residents". Removal of the fountain was the only solution.

Municipal clerk Ken Santitham said the order to remove the fountain was issued on February 5 to facilitate an inspection for artefacts underneath the site, believed to be on top of the ancient city's wall.

"After the removal is complete, the Fine Arts Department will turn the area into a public space like the Tha Pae Gate," he said.