Koh Ker temple inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list – 17 October 2023

Koh Ker Temple was listed officially by UNESCO yesterday as a world heritage site. During the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Saudi Arabia yesterday, UNESCO officially announced the listing of Koh Ker temple as a new world heritage site.

The Cambodian government is committed to conserving the archaeological site in accordance with principles set out by the World Heritage Committee.

Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona, led Cambodian delegates to join the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Koh Ker is a 10th-century temple complex and former capital of the Khmer Empire. It is located in Srayong Cheung village, Srayong commune, Kulen district, Preah Vihear province.

King Norodom Sihamoni yesterday thanked the World Heritge Committee for recognising Koh Ker for the cultural heritage of Cambodia.

Prime Minister Hun Manet said yesterday that September 17 will be remembered as an important historical day for the Cambodian nation.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to UNESCO who have confirmed ‘Koh Ker Temple’ as a new world heritage site. Especially, thanks to the support from those in government who submitted the request to UNESCO for listing the site,” he said.