Authorities in Banteay Meanchey province are enforcing a ban on new construction near Banteay Chhmar Temple as officials seek to protect the site’s candidacy for UNESCO World Heritage status.
The 12th-century temple, dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism, is considered a candidate for inclusion on the World Heritage List. The provincial administration says construction in areas adjacent to the temple is prohibited under a policy issued by Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture.
Nong Vuthy, deputy director of the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Administration, told Khmer Times that the restriction is intended to preserve the site’s prospects for inscription. Banteay Meanchey Provincial Department of Culture Director Yong Taing Kouy also described preventing new housing construction near the temple as an ongoing concern.
Kouy said that illegal construction, or building carried out with inappropriate techniques, could create problems for the temple’s World Heritage bid. He did not state that the site’s inclusion had been rejected or approved; the temple remains a candidate for consideration.
The provincial authorities have emphasized that protecting Banteay Chhmar is important not only for the UNESCO application but also for tourism and national pride. The policy focuses on preventing new development in the area around the temple rather than announcing new construction or restoration work at the monument itself.
According to the report, the measures reflect officials’ concern that changes to the surroundings could affect the site’s eligibility. No further details about the boundaries of the restricted area or the timeline for a UNESCO decision were provided.
