SIEM REAP — APSARA National Authority, through its Department of Temple Conservation and Archaeology, is repairing and strengthening the structure of a 20-metre naga balustrade at the western corner of the southern side of Angkor Wat’s first level.
APSARA archaeologist សយ សុភារិន្ទ explained that the southern balustrade had broken and completely collapsed, requiring repair and structural reinforcement. Visitors often stand beside the southern pond to photograph the temple towers reflected in the water, and the collapsed section lies beside that photographic view. The authority therefore made the repairs a priority project.
The project to repair the 20-metre balustrade began in June and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2026. The team has moved stones, joined broken pieces and carved new pedestals and naga body sections to replace missing or deformed stones, among other work. Specialists said the 20-metre section contains eight naga body sections and nine pedestals. The old stones that remain can be reassembled into only three to four body sections; the remainder require replacement stone.
APSARA National Authority is also continuing to survey and map risks to naga balustrades around Angkor Wat in order to plan future repairs.
Source: APSARA National Authority
By: ធី លីថូ
