The annual “Angkor Thanksgiving” event demonstrates the national pride, civilisation, culture, and history and contributes to promoting Cambodia’s cultural and tourism potential, through which the tourists can continue to see the testimony of the great achievements of the highly talented Khmer ancestors.
First Lady Pich Chanmony Hun Manet made the remarks when she and Men Sam An, a Member of the Supreme Privy Council to His Majesty the King, presided over the opening ceremony of the “Angkor Thanksgiving” Event at the Angkor Archeological Park in Siem Reap province this morning. The event marked the 32nd anniversary of the inscription of Angkor Archeological Park on the UNESCO World Heritage List (Dec. 14, 1992 – Dec. 14, 2024).
Moreover, the First Lady called on her compatriots to continue defending Cambodian sovereignty and territory and the glorious Angkor civilisation to the world.
Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the APSARA National Authority thanked the Royal Government for always considering the preservation of national cultural heritage as a top priority. National cultural heritage represents the soul and identity of the Khmer nation, and it contributes to the economy, bringing sustainable growth to the Cambodian nation and its people.
The event features a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, a procession of Buddha statues, and art performances, particularly the “Memorial Night 2024” at the Terrace of the Elephants in the Angkor Archeological Park this evening.
The Angkor Archeological Site was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List at the 16th meeting of the World Heritage Committee on Dec. 14, 1992, in Santa Fe, USA.
Angkor Archaeological Park is the most popular tourist destination in the Kingdom. It is located in the northwest Siem Reap province.
Covering an area of 401 square kilometres, Angkor contains the magnificent remains of different capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries. It also consists of important temples such as Angkor Wat, Bayon, Chau Say Tevoda, and Takeo, among others.
In the first eleven months of this year, the Angkor Archeological Park attracted 898,339 foreign tourists, a year-on-year increase of 28.33 per cent, earning $42 million from entrance ticket sales, up 28.76 per cent compared to the same period last year.AKP
