Siem Reap, 22 September 2022 (TDI): Cambodia held the 7th Technical session under International Coordination Committee (ICC) for Safeguarding Preah Vihear (ICC-Preah Vihear). Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona presided over the session on Thursday.
Minister of Culture and Fine Arts presides over the 7th Technical Session of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of PreahVihear, held in SiemReap provincial city this morning under the co-chairmanship of China & India pic.twitter.com/es1dJnn4pG
— Office of Cambodian PM 🇰🇭 (@PeacePalaceKH) September 22, 2022
Moreover, representatives from China and India co-chaired the event. During the Session, representatives reviewed ongoing conservation work done for the temple. Additionally, they held discussions on future actions for the temple.
During her remarks, the ambassador of India to Cambodia, Devyani Khobragade expressed her pleasure in supporting the temple’s restoration.
Ambassador @devyani_K attended 7th Technical Session of ICC-PV as a co-chair from India and gave her opening remark. She informed that India is fully committed to provide valuable contribution with other Partners for conservation of ancient temples of #PreahVihear & Koh Ker (1/2) pic.twitter.com/T60E8Ie651
— India in Cambodia (@indembcam) September 22, 2022
She said that India is fully committed to helping preserve ancient temples in Cambodia such as Preah Vihear.
ICC-Preah Vihear
The ICC-Preah Vihear is the international mechanism for coordinating all assistance extended by different countries and organizations for preserving and developing the Preah Vihear temple.
This mechanism was established in 2014. Under this, many countries are aiding Cambodia in preserving the temple.
China is playing a vital role in preserving the land. It is aiding Cambodia in preserving the 3 Gopuras at the entrance of the temple out of the total 5.
Additionally, the US has also provided $760,000 in funds for the preservation and development of the temple.
I always enjoy catching up with @StateIVLP alum & Director General of Preah Vihear National Authority, Mr. Puthikar Kong, to discuss our cultural heritage cooperation. The U.S. has proudly provided >$760,000 for the preservation of the magnificent Preah Vihear temple! pic.twitter.com/jlZQrvXFdW
— Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy (@USAmbCambodia) September 15, 2022
The authorities expect thousands of tourists to visit the temple after it is restored.
Conservation Work For Preah Vihear
On 19 April, the Preah Vihear Authority held a groundbreaking ceremony for conservation work on the Preah Vihear temple. The conservation process included work to preserve the temple’s structural integrity and improve its safety for visiting tourists.
Before actually starting the work, the technical staff of Preah Vihear National Authority, through the recommendation of UNESCO, studied the temple closely.
Currently, the Preah Vihear National Authority has set up pillars also known as gopuras, to support the otherwise endangered structural integrity.
Moreover, the technical conservation team has placed support structures with all identified high-risk structures within the Preah Vihear temple complex, including at five sandstone pillars on the second gopura, one girder on the third gopura, and against the beam structure at the 4th gopura, in three separate locations.
With this conservation work, the team expects to reduce the current high risk and maintain the stability of the temple’s structure. This will also protect the visitors and keep the temple safe in the future.
The Preah Vihear Temple
It is an ancient Hindu temple built during the period of the Khmer Empire. The temple is located on a 525-meter-high mountain in the Dangrek Mountains of Preah Vihear Province. Correspondingly, UNESCO inscribed Preah Vihear Temple on World Heritage List on 7 July 2008.
Preah Vihear Temple is more than 1,000 years old. It is also one of the most important cultural and historical places for the people of Cambodia. The temple was severely damaged in 2011 when the Cambodian and Thai troops fought over its seizure.
