British Man Abandons Banking Career for Ancient Khmer Temples, Lives in Cambodia Over 30 Years

Andy Prower, a British man who abandoned his banking career in London, has been captivated by Cambodia's ancient temples and has lived in the country for over 30 years. Prower first learned about Cambodia in 1979 through news of the Khmer Rouge genocide. He decided to travel to Cambodia in 1994. Upon his arrival, he developed a profound love for Cambodia's ancient temples after visiting them in Siem Reap province. He expressed his astonishment that a country with such a high civilization could fall into such a terrible tragedy under the Khmer Rouge regime. Prower recounted his unforgettable first experience in 1994 when he visited Siem Reap and watched the sunrise at Angkor Wat with a guide. At that time, there were no other tourists, making him feel as if the temple belonged solely to him. As Angkor Wat began to attract more visitors, Prower shifted his focus from observing the temples as a whole to meticulously searching for intricate carvings in secluded areas. Prower holds the view that "the stones of each temple have their own stories," meaning that even though the Angkor temples are thousands of years old, there are always new stories to learn, such as the discovery of ancient water reservoirs within the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom. Furthermore, he recalled his difficult journey and enduring affection for Preah Vihear Temple, which remains unforgettable. He described how, around 2002, he rode a motorcycle from Kampong Thom province to Preah Vihear Temple, navigating through difficult roads and areas scattered with landmines. He vividly remembers staying alone in a hut amidst descending clouds, an experience that left a deep impression on him. Consequently, he expressed immense pain and regret upon seeing Preah Vihear Temple damaged, emphasizing that its carvings are unique and irreplaceable. Beyond his fascination with temples, Prower shared his deep emotional connection with villagers in rural areas. He recalled being inspired by a Cambodian film, which led him to seek out and eventually befriend an elderly man and a young child, forming a family-like bond. When traveling to remote areas, he would often ask village chiefs to stay with the local residents, who consistently welcomed him, preparing meals and arranging sleeping mats for his rest. He also shared that small conversations with villagers curious about England were some of his most wonderful memories, which he meticulously recorded online for future reference. What was even more special was that the villagers refused to accept money from him, motivating him to return and visit them every year to maintain their strong relationship.