The National Authority for Sambor Prei Kuk (NASPK) is set to begin annual preservation work on six of the temples under its care in the Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex.

The authority’s Department of Archeology and Conservation will begin work next month.

NASPK director-general Phan Nady explained on January 30 that the work is carried out every year.

“It has to be done on a regular basis, as most of the temples we are protecting are built of brick, rather than the sandstone and laterite used for temples like Angkor Wat. Those can be repaired, but if the bricks fall and shatter, they cannot be restored,” he said.

He added that in addition to repair work, the authorities need to strengthen brick temples to ensure that they do not collapse, especially during the rainy season, when there is a higher risk of damage.

“We care for the temples as they are not only a part of our history, but of our identity. They were built before the Angkor period, so we must all care for them in a sustainable manner,” he continued.

He said that as long as the temples are preserved, they will continue to attract many domestic and international visitors.

The Sambor Prei Kuk temple complex boasts beautiful temples and a rich cultural heritage. Its temples were built in the middle of the seventh century, in dedication to Brahmanism.

Located in Sambor commune, in Kampong Thom province’s Prasat Sambor district, the temples were included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in July 2017.