Angkor Thom restoration complete

Angkor Thom restoration complete

PHNOM PENH: -- The Phnom Penh Post reported that major restoration works have been completed at the former seat of power of the Angkorian civilisation, Angkor Thom, following damage inflicted to the site by Typhoon Nesat in 2011.

The restoration, funded and implemented by the Apsara Authority, began last year to repair damage to the 12-kilometre outer wall of the enclosure that neighbours Angkor Wat. Angkor Thom was the centre of the Cambodian empire for 500 years.

Typhoon Nesat caused many parts of Angkor Thom to be submerged, bringing down the walls of the 12th-century site and threatening other structures. However, Angkor Wat remained unscathed.

Despite last week’s completed restoration, conservation experts at Angkor Thom are continuing to conduct risk assessments to gauge the damage to the site that once housed the Royal Palace and renowned Bayon Temple.

Vanna Ly, director of the department of conservation of monuments in Angkor, who oversaw the project, said the restoration reflected a major accomplishment in terms of technical skill and research expertise. He added that extensive investigation and planning were required to ensure the stone restoration conformed to Angkor Thom’s original design.

He also noted that many of the original construction methods used at Angkor Thom, including how workers lifted stones weighing up to 2.5 tonnes, remained a source of mystery to experts.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/angkor-thom-restoration-complete

-- Thai PBS 2015-12-28