Cambodia unearths 12 guardian statues at Angkor Archaeological Park

Twelve door guardian statues have been discovered by archaeologists during a recent excavation at the northern gate of the ancient Royal Palace within Angkor Thom in Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park, the Apsara National Authority (ANA) said.

Archaeologist Sorn Chanthorn said the archaeological effort was a collaborative project between the ANA and the China - Cambodia Government Team for Safeguarding Angkor (CCSA).

Three of the 12 door guardian statues recently found at Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park (Photo: ANA)
Three of the 12 door guardian statues recently found at Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park (Photo: ANA)

The sandstone statues were uncovered while archaeologists were studying the gate's structure and searching for fallen stones. Notably, the 12th statue was found buried at a depth of 140cm, he said.

Chanthorn added that these objects vary in size and shape, with some measuring 110cm high and others 100cm high. Each statue features different facial and hair ornaments.

After the discovery, the archaeological team documented the statues' original locations, took photographs, and prepared for cleaning and restoration before returning them to their initial positions, he noted.

Experts believe these door guardian statues exemplify the Khleang style, aligning with the construction period of the 11th-century Royal Palace, Chanthorn said.

The ancient Royal Palace is a large rectangularly walled area located within Angkor Thom in the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is the most popular tourist destination in Cambodia.

The Angkor Archaeological Park attracted almost 700,000 international visitors during the January - September period of 2024, earning a gross revenue of 32.5 million USD from ticket sales. Last year, it welcomed nearly 800,000 international visitors and recorded 37.1 million USD in ticket sales, according to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise./.

VNA

World

Thailand aims to become ASEAN's clean energy hub
World

Thailand aims to become ASEAN's clean energy hub

BoI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi revealed that there are currently 28 electric vehicle production projects by 22 companies in Thailand, with a total investment of approximately 78 billion THB and a combined production capacity of over 880,000 units.

Indonesia seeks new markets for palm oil
World

Indonesia seeks new markets for palm oil

Indonesia is the world's biggest producer of the edible oil used in making foods such as cakes, chocolate, and margarine as well as cosmetics, soap and shampoo, accounting for more than half of the global supply.

Thailand optimistic about tourism and spending during Songkran festival
World

Thailand optimistic about tourism and spending during Songkran festival

Deputy government spokesman Anukul Prueksanusak has cited findings from a recent consumer behaviour survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, which said spending during Songkran is projected to increase by 4.5% to 134 billion THB (3.8 billion USD), up from last year’s 129 billion THB

Thailand to negotiate with US on tariffs
World

Thailand to negotiate with US on tariffs

Thailand is on the list of 15 countries that could be affected by Trump’s tariff policy. The average US tariff on Thai imports is 2% while Thailand levies an average tariff of 8% on US products

Thailand revises tourism strategy after earthquake
World

Thailand revises tourism strategy after earthquake

Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong said that a tourism risk and crisis management team will be established to support the industry, with representatives from organisations in the tourism supply chain, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Roads Authority.