AKP Phnom Penh- August 13, 2025 --  

The APSARA National Authority is actively engaged in emergency conservation operations at Phnom Krom Temple in Siem Reap province, focusing on providing structural support to safeguard the site from potential risks, the authority said in a news release this morning.

Mr. Ros Visoth, a conservation officer at the Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, reported that the conservation team recently collaborated with ADHOC experts from the ICC Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk Committee. The experts conducted a thorough inspection to assess the structural risks facing Phnom Krom Temple and provided recommendations to mitigate further damage.

In response to these recommendations, the APSARA National Authority’s team has prioritised support for three critical shrines of the temple located in areas deemed most vulnerable. Additionally, preparations are underway to construct roofs for the three shrines to protect them from rainwater infiltration, which poses a significant threat of erosion to the stone layers.

The APSARA National Authority remains committed to the preservation and protection of ancient temples. The decision to undertake these emergency operations underscores their dedication to ensuring the safety of both the site and the tourists who visit, the same source added.

Phnom Krom Temple is particularly notable among Khmer temples due to its construction primarily from sandstone, featuring vertical stone columns. Over time, exposure to moisture from Tonle Sap Lake, intense sunlight, and the droppings of bats have contributed to the deterioration of the stones, causing cracks and fragmentation. Furthermore, disturbances from certain human activities have exacerbated the damage to Phnom Krom Temple compared to other temples in the Angkor region.

By Phal Sophanith