Background
On 19 March 2023, the National Authority for Preah Vihear organized a workshop on preventing the trafficking of antiquities at the Koh Ker temple tourism site. The workshop was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Director General Peng Samoeun, representing Director General Kong Puthikar of the National Authority for Preah Vihear. The event was financially supported by UNESCO and drew participation from approximately 120 attendees, including representatives from the Preah Vihear Provincial Hall, UNESCO Cambodia, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, APSARA National Authority, the Khmer Heritage Organization, district and commune authorities, heritage police, tourism police, local administrative police, teachers, students, and residents living in and around the Koh Ker temple area.
Scope of Application
The workshop was directed primarily at stakeholders connected to the Koh Ker temple site in Preah Vihear province. Participants included students from Srayang High School, local residents in and around the Koh Ker tourism area, teachers, technical experts from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and APSARA National Authority, the governor of Kulen district, heritage and tourism police, local administrative police, and experts from UNESCO and the Khmer Heritage Organization. The content focused on cultural heritage protection and legal measures related to the illicit trade of antiquities specifically in the context of the Koh Ker temple complex.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The workshop aimed to promote awareness of the cultural and historical value of the Koh Ker temple site and to disseminate information on laws and regulations governing the protection of cultural heritage. Presentations by speakers covered several key themes:
- A presentation by Oum Sokritthy on “Koh Ker, Former Ancient Capital Lingapura,” explaining the historical significance of the site.
- A presentation by Peng Samoeun on “Antiquities That Have Been Lost from Temples in the Koh Ker Temple Site,” highlighting the problem of removed artifacts.
- A presentation by Kong Veareak on “Causes Leading to the Trafficking of Antiquities,” identifying factors contributing to illicit trade.
- A presentation by Huot Samnang on “Laws and Various Procedures for Managing and Preventing the Illicit Trafficking of Antiquities,” outlining legal frameworks, procedures, and sanctions related to antiquities trafficking.
Participants were divided into four groups to discuss specific causes of antiquities trafficking and to identify possible measures to prevent such activities at the Koh Ker temple site. The workshop did not introduce new legal instruments but focused on explanation and dissemination of existing laws, procedures, and penalties related to cultural heritage protection and the illicit trade in antiquities.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The workshop reinforces the importance of compliance with existing Cambodian laws and procedures on cultural heritage protection in the Koh Ker area. Stakeholders operating in or around the temple site, including tourism-related businesses and community actors, are reminded that the removal, trade, or trafficking of antiquities is subject to legal restrictions and penalties. The emphasis on legal frameworks and enforcement procedures signals continued attention by national authorities and law enforcement bodies to prevent illicit activities involving cultural property. Investors and operators in the cultural tourism sector at Koh Ker should ensure that their activities align with heritage protection rules and support efforts to prevent illegal artifact trading.
Official Source
The information is based on an official communication from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts regarding the workshop organized by the National Authority for Preah Vihear on preventing the trafficking of antiquities at the Koh Ker temple site.
