The Apsara National Authority’s (ANA) Department of Land and Housing Management in the Angkor Archaeological Park said that in April its community working group had inspected construction standards for building houses for 357 families residing inside the Park area.

Of the number, 83 were in Siem Reap town, 76 in Prasat Bakong district, 88 in Banteay Srei, 44 in Puok and 66 in Angkor Thom.

ANA spokesman Long Kosal told The Post that families living inside the park must apply for permission to construct or repair houses from the authorities as the area is a world heritage site.

“The Angkor area was registered as a world heritage site in 1992. The site is not only homes to temples but also forest.

“Preserving the Khmer-style construction is aimed at preserving the park’s value. So, the type of lifestyle and construction in it must not change. That is why we need to preserve the area and, in a sense, promote Angkor Wat and to preserve our culture and identity,” he said.

“Any house that is built is subject to designs provided to them by the working group. Houses are built the same or similarly to previous ones, but the size could be changed according to the needs of owners,” he said.

According to the land and housing management department, in 2020 the working group had inspected construction standards for building houses for 812 families, including 218 in Siem Reap town, 214 in Prasat Bakong district, 154 in Banteay Srei, 112 in Puok and 114 in Angkor Thom.