Prime Minister Hun Sen will preside over the ceremonial inauguration of the statues of Preah Thong and Neang Neak – the nation’s largest copper statue depicting the legendary co-founders of the Funan Kingdom – on April 16 in Bit Traing commune of Preah Sihanouk province’s Prey Nop district.

Provincial hall spokesman Kheang Phearom told The Post that the statues will be ready and installed by then and governor Kouch Chamroeun had met with the work crew and officials from the coordinating working group to make sure they would complete their work ahead of the premier’s visit.

“The governor had a talk with the group and conveyed greetings from [Hun Sen] to all of the workers and experts who have toiled day and night with all of their energy to make this happen. For the occasion of Khmer New Year, the prime minister also wished all of their families good luck,” Phearom said.

Hun Sen, through the provincial governor, also granted a bonus payment to the 35 workers and experts with each receiving 400,000 riel ($100).

Hun Sen said recently that he would spend his time during the Khmer New Year holiday relaxing in the coastal province.

Phearom said the construction of the Preah Thong and Neang Neak roundabout was paid for through the budget for the project for the construction of 34 roads in the province, which was also completed recently.

The statues of Preah Thong and Neang Neak are made of copper and weigh 60 tonnes. The pair of figures are 21m high from their toes to the tops of their crowns and 99m in diameter. The monument also includes a throne that is more than 6m in height and the figures are positioned facing Ream Beach.