Renovation of Khmer temple to complete in 2018

BANGKOK, Sept 10 (TNA) -- Works on improving environment of Sdok Kok Thom, an 11th century Khmer temple, in the northeastern province of Sa Kaeo, bordering Cambodia, will complete around next April or May, said Anandha Chuchoti, director-general of Fine Arts Department. Expenses for renovating the temple complex amounted nearly 200 million baht in the past two decades. The Fine Arts Department has received 10 million baht this year to renovate the temple surrounding with objectives to make it a new historical park for tourists and to also draw more tourists to visit the temple, also known as Prasat Sdok Kak Thom or Prasat Sdok Kuk Thom, which was built in 11th century dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Mr Anandha said the Fine Arts Department office in the border province of Prachin Buri has been assigned to organise academic talks by inviting several archeologists, Thai historians and architectures to convey knowledge to those interested in history. So far, the temple is still not wellknown among locals and foreign tourists and, according to Mr Anandha, about 3,000 persons visited the temple monthly between 2014-2016. It is hoped that more tourists would visit the ancient temple after necessary facilities such as electricity and water systems, and parking space are built and complete, he added. (TNA)