ANA clarify demolition efforts in Angkor Park

Sok Raksa

THE APSARA National Authority (ANA) have temporarily suspended the demolition of several unauthorised structures within the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Following protests, the authorities have announced that they will suspend the work in order to work towards finding a peaceful solution, and will ask residents to voluntarily dismantle the structures, in Teuk commune’s Sandan village, in Siem Reap town and province.

According to a December 27 ANA press release, the structures are alleged to have affected the cultural values of the Angkor Park, home to the world-famous Angkor Wat temple, along with many other ancient structures and cultural wonders.

The press release explained that the demolitions were ordered in May, with several residents thumb printing contracts and agreeing to remove the offending structures.

“Our working group issued notices which set the deadline of May 27 to take down the structures. This was witnessed by the Sandan village chief,” said the release.

It added that after requests from the owners of the illegal constructions, the deadline for demolitions was extended to November 12, with the owners thumb-printing contracts. Later the ANA provided even more time, before it took action.

Even with the extended deadlines, many people refused to dismantle their structures and protested against the authorities’ measures.

On December 26, allegations were published on social media about the authorities’ demolition of buildings in Sandan village.

It was alleged that the authorities forcibly demolished the buildings. In one video, which was released during the law enforcement operation, a woman is seen crying and asking the authorities not to demolish her house.

The ANA clarified to the public that the comments attached to the video were contrary to the facts and created confusion among the public. The authorities were simply dismantling illegal buildings.

“This person’s actions were intended to slander ANA officials who were carrying out their duty of preventing illegal construction, in order to preserve the Angkor Archaeological Park, the soul of Khmer heritage. This action, of course, was done for personal gain and undermined security and public order,” said the ANA statement.

It suggested that the women seen crying in the video was not the owner of the home.

“Some newspapers and media outlets published it without clarification from the authorities. Their information does not reflect the realities of society, but rather provokes and creates conflicts that could lead to chaos in society,” said ANA spokeman Long Kosal.

He suggested that before publishing information, journalists should conduct research, identify clear sources and ask for confirmation from the authorities.

He also reiterated that illegal construction is rampant, with many residents erecting unapproved buildings.

“We need to prevent this, because it affects both cultural and social values, as the illegal constructions that the authorities dismantled are within the Angkor Archaeological Park,” he said.

He explained that due to protests, the authorities have decided to temporarily suspend the demolition of the constructions, adopting a “soft” approach to the problem. He noted that the structures remain illegal, and said the ANA will work with the public and local authorities to dismantle them.

“We are patient, but we urge them to do this work. In fact, they have already volunteered to demolish the illegal structures. We do not know who is behind them, but they have changed their positions, and a number of protestors have been mobilised,” he added.