Conservation authorities in Cambodia have initiated the second phase of an emergency propping and stabilisation project covering 29 critical sites across the Preah Vihear Temple complex to prevent structural collapse and preserve the historic UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Department of Conservation and Archaeology under the National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV) marked the launch with a traditional religious blessing ceremony held at the temple complex on Oct. 19, officials announced.
The emergency intervention aims to secure key structures heavily damaged during past shelling by Thai forces. The targeted 29 locations include 10 points at Gopura I, eight at Gopura II, five at Gopura III, and one each at Gopuras IV and V. Propping measures will also cover two sites along the causeway between Gopuras II and III, one site on the causeway between Gopuras IV and V, and one at the western Naga head base on the first tier of the ancient northern staircase.
The latest phase follows the successful completion of Phase 1, during which emergency propping interventions were carried out at 23 structural points stretching from Gopura I through Gopura V.
NAPV officials stated that the project seeks to halt further structural degradation, safeguard the heritage value of the 11th-century cliff-top temple, and ensure safety and stability ahead of full-scale restoration work in the future.
