Restoration specialists have begun the second phase of emergency stabilisation work at Preah Vihear Temple. The UNESCO-listed structure suffered extensive damage from Thai shelling and airstrikes during last year’s border conflict, with hundreds of recorded impacts and more than 80,000 stone fragments left scattered across the complex.
The second phase, which began on October 19, targets 29 severely damaged locations. These include 10 sites at Gopura I, eight at Gopura II, two along the causeway between Gopura II and III, five at Gopura III, one at Gopura IV, one along the causeway between Gopura IV and V, one at Gopura V, and one at the western naga-balustrade platform at the first level of the ancient northern staircase.
During the first phase, experts from the Department of Conservation and Archaeology of the National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV) carried out emergency stabilisation work at an additional 23 locations, spanning Gopura I to Gopura V, according to the authority.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts explained the goals of the ongoing stabilisation work.
“The emergency stabilisation project at Preah Vihear temple aims to prevent collapse and structural damage to the temple buildings, protect its historical heritage value, and ensure that Preah Vihear temple remains stable and safe before future restoration,” it said.
According to the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), Thai forces fired at least 1,599 rounds at the temple, from 501 directions.
The NAPV recorded 562 impact points, causing severe structural damage and leaving 84,800 stone fragments scattered across the World Heritage site.
In March, the authority, working with international partners and CMAC, cleared unexploded ordnance from approximately 70 hectares around the temple. The operation uncovered 625 craters, 730 pieces of ordnance on the ground, 247 buried items and four unexploded cluster submunitions.