The APSARA National Authority (ANA) restoration team has observed a concerning issue at the Bayon Temple's third terrace. After rainfall, sand has been seeping between the walls, posing a potential risk to the ancient structure.

In a recent social media update, the team shared that they are actively investigating methods to prevent sand leakage and fortify the at-risk structure.

Meng Sovanlylin, an architect and member of the technical team, explained that by the end of 2021, the team had already addressed the drainage system around the third terrace.

However, even a year later, a sand mixture is still seeping through the wall of this terrace, specifically the southwest corner platform. This has prompted the reinforcement efforts.

Sovanlylin elaborated that ANA experts conducted an analysis to determine the causes behind the sand leaks.

Two significant factors were identified. First, the roots of trees from the past had grown into the structure, displacing some stones and creating gaps in the stone placement.

Second, water flowing into these gaps during rainfall brought out the sand mixture, exacerbating the issue.