APSARA National Authority Repairing Laterite Wall on the Southwestern Section of Angkor Thom
The technical team of the APSARA National Authority is currently repairing a 15-meter stretch of the laterite wall of Angkor Thom, located on the southwestern side of the Tonle Om Gate (South Gate), to restore its damaged structure.
Mr. Mao Sokny, a technical officer of the Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology and the project manager, stated that this 15-meter section of the Angkor Thom wall has been damaged for a long time due to the age of the stones and natural factors. Key risks include the splitting of the laterite walls and the collapse of certain stones.
Identified Damages:
- Gate Wings: The western wing of the gate is heavily damaged, leaning, and missing its roof. Only a few original stones remains, such as fragments of deity statues and the gate’s foundation.
- Staircases: Water erosion has caused the inner walls to separate, resulting in the loss of the original staircase shape and the displacement of sandstone blocks from their original positions.
Repair Methodology and Phases:
Mr. Mao Sokny outlined the essential steps for the restoration process, which began in early April 2026 and is expected to take approximately six months:
- Site Preparation: Cleaning the area, installing warning signs, and setting up protective fences to ensure the safety of tourists passing through the gate.
- Archaeological Excavation: Conducting excavations to clearly study the foundation structure and surveying scattered stones to return them to their original locations.
- Technical Restoration:
- Implementing temporary supports while dismantling the wall.
- Dismantling the separated laterite layers one by one and reassembling them.
- Repairing the foundation where necessary and aligning the wall with the gate.
- Restoring the laterite staircases to prevent further soil erosion from rainwater.
Background on Angkor Thom Wall: Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, the Angkor Thom wall served as a protective barrier for the grand capital. Each side of the square wall measures 3 kilometers in length and approximately 8 meters in height, surrounded by a moat. The wall symbolizes the stone enclosure protecting the earth, featuring five monumental gates leading into the capital city.
