BANGKOK, Oct 7 – The United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on Friday offered the Thai authorities emergency assistance for the ancient city of Ayutthaya now affected by heavy flooding, if it is needed.

In a statement released here on Friday, the Bangkok-based UNESCO Asia-Pacific regional headquarters said the World Heritage site of Ayutthaya, which occupies the western half of the inner island of Ayutthaya, now faces the threat of inundation as water levels continue to rise. Monuments and temples outside the site perimeter (technically not part of the World Heritage-designated zone), including the spectacular Wat Chaiwattanaram on the opposite bank of the river, have already been flooded for days.

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