Cambodia: Authorities Intervene Over Unauthorized Construction at Ancient Site 'Tuol Andoung'

Authorities in Kandal province have issued directives to halt unauthorized construction and occupation at the ancient site known as 'Tuol Andoung' in Prek Ambil commune, Ariyaksal district. The Kandal Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts, along with the Provincial Administration, has officially notified individuals to cease residing, cultivating, and constructing on the ancient site. 'Tuol Andoung' is a state-protected cultural heritage site. Investigations revealed that a group of monks and laypeople had constructed buildings and occupied the land within the ancient site without official permission. Consequently, the Department of Culture and Fine Arts has requested the immediate cessation of these activities, the removal of any constructed buildings, and a prohibition against further encroachment. Following this, the Kandal Provincial Administration issued a notification instructing local authorities to implement legal measures to protect the ancient site and prevent illegal occupation or construction, in accordance with the Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage. It is important to note that these official letters do not order the monks residing at 'Wat Prasat Tok Andoung Mean Chey' to leave their temple. This temple shares a boundary with the ancient site 'Tuol Andoung'. The official directives are specifically aimed at stopping residence and construction activities within the protected ancient archaeological site of 'Tuol Andoung'. Therefore, some reports claiming that authorities have ordered monks to leave 'Wat Prasat Tok Andoung Mean Chey' are inconsistent with the content of the official letters issued by the authorities. The official communications focus on halting activities on the ancient site 'Tuol Andoung', which is a state-protected archaeological zone.