The report says Prime Minister Hun Manet congratulated the completion of restoration of a monumental Dancing Shiva on the afternoon of March 20, 2026, describing it as a valuable cultural asset of Southeast Asia.
The statue is described as about five metres tall and weighing more than seven tonnes, with five faces and ten arms reflecting ancient art and religious beliefs. Originating from Koh Ker, it was shattered into more than 10,000 fragments, with parts lost during the civil war, and was carefully reassembled.
The report says restoration ran for over five years between 2020 and 2026 through cooperation between the National Authority for Preah Vihear and the French School of Asian Studies (EFEO), with international heritage partners’ support. It presents the work as protecting cultural identity and demonstrating Cambodia’s capacity and commitment to preserve its heritage for future generations.
The report regards the achievement as a step towards strengthening cultural tourism and international interest in Cambodia.
By KPS99TV.
