With support from the government, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia chapter will organise a “Temple Walk for Heritage” on December 3-4 at Preah Vihear Temple to promote tourism and environmentalism while giving a boost to the local economy.

Thuon Sinan, director of PATA, said that this is the first event they have set up at Preah Vihear temple in cooperation with the government, which is providing support through the National Authority for Preah Vihear, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Ministry of Tourism.

The event has also been organised to boost friendship with neighbouring countries such as Thailand with the hopes of promoting solidarity and cooperation between ASEAN countries at a site that was once a source of conflict and controversy.

Sinan called for the public’s participation as the event will also be an observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, also scheduled for December 3, and that he has confirmation that international visitors from Thailand and the region will be in attendance.

The National Authority for Preah Vihear’s officials said that anyone who wishes to participate in the event will need to park their vehicles at the foot of the mountain and walk up the mountain path to the temple on foot as there are no roads suitable for vehicles available for public use.