Specialists are restoring O Thma Dap, a brick temple more than 1,200 years old, to reinforce its structure. It stands in Preah Jayavarman–Norodom National Park on Phnom Kulen. Previously, it had not undergone restoration, only archaeological research and regular cleaning, shoring and maintenance. Before the work, the eastern side had cracks running from bottom to top and sinking stones, among other damage.
The conservation team’s restoration project lasts four months, according to archaeologist and APSARA National Authority official Lue Channora. Besides repairs, the team has cleared vegetation from the top. O Thma Dap retains a well-preserved overall form, with high-relief decoration at each corner, and visitors can go to see it.
Lue Channora said the team had reinstalled the gateway during this project, improving the temple’s appearance and encouraging more visits. It is one of the few brick temples on Phnom Kulen retaining a complete form; the others have only small traces such as foundations or brick piles. He added that the restoration aimed both to conserve the ancient temple and promote tourism in the Phnom Kulen area.
The report noted that, although the site is far from the Angkor resort area, APSARA National Authority leaders have consistently paid attention to and encouraged teams to prepare restoration projects for temples on Phnom Kulen.
By: Nget Pisant
