Phnom Penh, March 22, 2024 – The National Authority of Preah Vihear has issued a notice regarding the temporary restriction of access to Koh Ker Temple in Preah Vihear province. The temple will be partially closed to visitors for a period of 17 days, spanning from March 20 to April 5, to facilitate essential repair work on the site's wooden staircases.

This proactive measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors by addressing necessary maintenance concerns. The announcement specifies that the closure will affect access from the 5th to the 7th tiers of the temple complex, noting that the 1st to 4th tiers have already undergone renovation and are open to the public.

The authority is calling for understanding and cooperation from a wide range of stakeholders, including government ministries, both national and international organizations, tour operators, as well as local and international tourists.

Koh Ker, a significant archaeological site, was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee, which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17, 2023. Known in ancient Khmer inscriptions as Chok Gargyar, Koh Ker served as the capital of the Khmer Empire in the 10th century. It is renowned for its historical and cultural significance, nestled in the northern reaches of Cambodia.