Fifth Kopura statue completed in Preah Vihear province’s Sra’em circle

• 19 May 2020
• Local News
• 5736 Views

On a shady perimeter of Choam Ksan district of Preah Vihear province, a stunning fifth replica Kopura statue, designed from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Preah Vihear temple, has been installed costing US$125,000 after a year and a half of construction work.

The marvellous architectural installation, which resembles the statue from Preah Vihear temple stands on the roundabout, which includes a natural park and public space, is set to be officially opened soon. The opening will be presided over by H.E Senior Minister Meas Sopheap. Chief of the Royal Government’s Task Force to help ​​Preah Vihear province.

Most importantly, the outstanding achievement of constructing this Preah Vihear icon stems from the generosity and solidarity of the people, both government officials and provincial citizens, and not at the expense of the national budget. This is according to Mr Sam Leang Try, Director of the Department of Public Works and Transport of Preah Vihear Province, through the website of the Ministry of Public Works.

“The 5th Kopura statue of Preah Vihear Temple on the Sra’Em district roundabout is another cheerful achievement, with a beautiful appearance on the territory of the Thai-Cambodian border… built under the auspices of the Minister of Meas Sophea and his team, Senior Minister Sun Chanthol, Minister of Public Works and Transport… and with many other charities, whose names have not been identified, spending US$125,000.” he said.

Mr Samleang added that Minister of Public Works and Transport had ordered the Preah Vihear Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport to use the national budget to widen the road around this new installation. However, for the construction of the 5th Kopura statue of Preah Vihear, the Preah Vihear Department of Public Works and Transport is responsible for the entire infrastructure construction. This will include a 40-metre roundabout, the Kopura statue which is of 1/25 unit standard, equal to 75% of the original size at Preah Vihear Temple, including two dragon statues and also a beautifully decorated garden full of plants and flowers.

This new achievement is not only a symbol of the valuable cultural heritage of the famous Khmer temple, but it also testifies to the continuing achievements and progress of more recent physical infrastructure development by the government in the province.