In the first six months of this year, the Apsara National Authority (ANA), a body tasked with managing the Angkor Archaeological Park, has permitted more than 5,000 residents to repair houses and small structures in and around the park.

From January to June of this year, the ANA community working group inspected five targeted districts and towns in and around the park which made 8,041 requests for repair work.

Of the 5,101 requests granted to make repairs, 712 were in Prasat Bakong; 992 in Angkor Thom; 986 in Puok district; 1,165 in Siem Reap town; and 1,190 in Banteay Srei; and 56 outside of the park.

Requests that were rejected did not have the relevant legal documents, it said.

ANA also reminded people to make repairs according to the park’s requirements or face having their property dismantled.

ANA said that through the technical inspection by officials, ANA observed that structures were being built according to the permit and some were not and thus would be dismantled.

ANA spokesman Long Kosal said: “In the past, in addition to illegal construction, there have been people who received permission to build, but didn’t follow the requirements. In this case, ANA dismantled the structures.”