Archaeologists have been restoring the ruined Chorm Temple within Angkor Thom in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia, said an APSARA National Authority (ANA)'s news release on Thursday.

ANA architect Thai Yamang said the restoration work, in collaboration with the Korean Heritage Agency, began in November 2023 and has achieved significant progress so far, gradually regaining the temple's original appearance and beauty.

"Prior to the restoration, Chorm Temple was in a severely dilapidated state, suffering from the effects of time and natural elements," he said.

Tree roots had intruded into the structure, compromising its integrity and allowing rainwater to seep in, which weakened the foundation, Yamang said, adding that many stones had fallen or were damaged, including lintels and pillars, and some areas were missing stones altogether.

"Approximately 60 percent of the restoration work has been completed, with efforts focusing on reconstructing pillars, door frames, pediments, roofs, and lintels," he said.

"The team is committed to reassembling the stones in their original positions, adhering to the guidelines set forth in the Angkor Charter," he added.

Yamang said that due to these dedicated efforts, Chorm Temple, built in the early 12th century, is gradually transforming from a state of ruin back into a site of historical beauty and significance.

Located in Siem Reap province, the 401-square-km Angkor Archaeological Park is home to 91 ancient temples, which had been built from the 9th to the 13th centuries.

The ancient park attracted a total of 1.02 million international tourists in 2024, generating a gross revenue of $47.8 million from ticket sales, according to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise.

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