$8m given to restore Angkor Wat…China keeps Cambodia in its control

30 November 2010
(AP)—PHNOM PENH – China has given Cambodia US$6 million (S$8 million) to help restore a deteriorating temple at the Angkor Wat temple complex, one of Asia’s greatest landmarks.

Soeung Kong, an official with the agency that oversees the Angkor Archaeological Park, said on Monday the renovation of the Hindu-style Ta Keo temple will begin early next year and should be completed in eight years. He said the temple is deteriorating badly and its walls are at risk of collapse due to natural deterioration.

Ta Keo is a pyramid of five levels, built entirely of sandstone in the late 10th century to early 11th century.

China previously gave US$2 million in 2000 to help restore Chausay Tevada, a 12th century Hindu temple at the complex, he said.