Specialists from the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk have inspected some of the major temple restoration sites in the Sambor Prei Kuk archaeological site in Kampong Thom province.

The regular inspections are held to ensure international standards are being met.

Phan Nady, director-general of the National Authority for Sambor Prei Kuk (NASPK), explained on March 13 that a team of experts examined Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, prior to this year’s ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk Conference.

He said the experts examined work at the Yeay Poan temple group, as well as the Trapeang Ropak Temple and the Lion temple group, among others. They also inspected some development projects, including pathways, a parking lot and improvements to tourist facilities.

Nady added that the inspections are an annual event, and that teams of specialists visit twice a year to discuss current renovation work and make recommendations for future projects.

“They want to know if we are working in accordance with international standards, so we explain what we are doing and how we are doing it. They usually offer helpful suggestions and make important recommendations,” he said.

“So, when the Cambodian team is unsure of the right way to proceed, we can discuss it with the foreign specialists and they will explain best practices and provide valuable guidance,” he added.

He noted that restoration work in many other countries is also subject to the same regular inspections.

The specialists from the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk inspected Sambor Prei Kuk on March 12. 

They also visited a number of sites within the Angkor Archaeological Park in neighbouring Siem Reap province. They examined the western bridge in front of Angkor Wat, as well as the east gate, and also conducted inspections of Ta Prohm and Phnom Bakheng Temple.