ICC-Preah Vihear experts inspect heritage site
Ad hoc ICC-Preah Vihear members visit the Preah Vihear Temple site to inspect restoration progress on Sunday. National Authority for Preah Vihear
Synopsis: Specialists assess damage from previous conflict and review emergency stabilisation measures.
Experts from the International Coordinating Committee for Preah Vihear (ICC-Preah Vihear) inspected conservation work at the Koh Ker temple complex and emergency rescue efforts at Preah Vihear Temple from Sunday to Monday while providing recommendations for vulnerable structures.
On Sunday, the delegation assessed conservation and development work at Koh Ker, inspecting several monuments including Khna Temple, Kok Krong Temple, Krachap Temple, Ballang Tboung Temple, Krahom Kroung Temple and Prasat Pram.
The experts advised specialists from the National Authority for Preah Vihear on on-site preservation and visitor route management to support sustainable heritage administration.
On the following day, the delegation inspected emergency rescue work at Preah Vihear Temple from the Peuy Ta Di area through Gopura I to Gopura V, which suffered damage during the 2025 armed conflict. The team also reviewed the installation of a drainage system designed to remove water and protect ancient structures.
The National Authority for Preah Vihear reported that experts provided technical recommendations for high-risk areas featuring temporary supports, identifying additional locations requiring structural reinforcement to prevent further deterioration.
Preah Vihear Temple, situated in the Dangrek Mountains of Preah Vihear province, was constructed between the ninth and 12th centuries and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008.
UNESCO-ICOMOS assessments indicate that 2025 clashes significantly impacted the site’s integrity, documenting 562 damaged points across the complex from conflicts in July and December.
UNESCO is currently implementing a $120,000 emergency project concluding on October 13. The initiative focuses on clearing unexploded ordnance, documenting site conditions while preserving displaced stone fragments, and installing temporary stabilisation systems to mitigate structural collapse.
Archaeological expert Thuy Chanthourn said that these measures are vital for safeguarding the World Heritage Site, calling for enhanced international cooperation to support ongoing restoration efforts.
-Khmer Times-
