(2 Aug 1998) Eng/Thai/Nat
A 12th century Preah Vihear temple which was once controlled by Khmer Rouge guerrillas, reopened for tourists again at the weekend.
The temple, which sits on a ridge on the Thai-Cambodia border, was at the centre of a dispute between Bangkok and Phnom Penh for many years over which country had rights to the historic site.
Now, even though the temple is in Cambodian territory, people will have access to the ancient site from the Thai side
Hundreds of tourists lined up to buy tickets to visit an ancient Khmer temple on the Thai-Cambodia border this weekend.
The 12th century Preah Vihear temple has been kept off limits for the last five years because of the civil war in Cambodia.
Many were eager to be the first to visit the ruins of the Angkor-era temple which has survived the ravages of nature and war.
Perched on a scenic cliff, the temple is a drawcard for tourists from around the world.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
\"Of course, it's a beautiful temple. I enjoy looking at the carvings and trying to explain to my wife. But of course I have forgotten a lot of what these carvings means. Yeah, it's very beautiful.\"
SUPER CAPTION: Stuart Lirentais, American Tourist
Until recently, Preah Vihear or Temple of Heaven was a stronghold of Khmer Rouge guerrillas fighting against the government.
Last March, 80 fighters controlling the mountain top since 1993 defected to Phnom Penh.
It was a key event in what's now seen as the final unravelling of Pol Pot's notorious movement.
Security is needed here to give confidence for visitors.
In 1994, two Belgian tourists were murdered by the Khmer Rouge after they somehow managed to reach the temple from Thailand.
Officials also had to clear mine fields which were laid by the guerrillas.
The wreck of a government helicopter lies nearby.
It hit a mine shortly after the defection and is a constant reminder
of the sombre past.
SOUNDBITE: (Thai)
\"It's shame that this place is run down by all the troubles happening here. But at least we still have a chance to appreciate the beautiful temple once again.\"
SUPER CAPTION: Rataka Chantaklan, Thai tourist
An official agreement over the opening of the temple has not yet been made by the two governments.
But Thai and Cambodian authorities hope that Preah Vihear will become a major tourist attraction.
A newly-built road on the Thai side will make access to a temple that has long been regarded as one of the most spectacular sites in South East Asia.
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Негізгі бет CAMBODIA: 12TH CENTURY PREAH VIHEAR TEMPLE REOPENS TO TOURISTS
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