AKP Phnom Penh, May 26, 2025 --  

A 100-year-old building situated northwest of the Bayon Temple in Siem Reap provincial city has underwent a renovation conducted by the APSARA National Authority.

This initiative, aiming to restore the building’s historical significance, is part of a broader plan to function the structure for tourism service and research activity focused on the conservation of Angkor, the APSARA National Authority said in a news release on Sunday.

According to H.E. Mr. Long Kosal, Deputy Director General of the APSARA National Authority, this building originally served as the warehouse for the first conservation centre established during the French colonial period. It functioned as a workshop dedicated to the restoration of ancient temples within the Angkor complex. However, due to its limited size and the potential negative impact on the temple, it was deemed necessary to relocate the conservation efforts to a larger facility in Traeng village, Sangkat Slakram, Siem Reap city, in front of the Preah En-kosei pagoda, which continues to operate today.

Mr. Long Kosal emphasised that refunctioning this historic building will provide future generations of Cambodians and visitors with insights into the history and methodologies of Angkor restoration. The building will showcase the tools and techniques used in past conservation efforts.

Additionally, it will serve as a designated area for lost and found items that tourists may leave behind at the temple, it underlined.

By Phal Sophanith