KAY KIMSONG

Dozens of villagers and monks from the Wat Sampov Trai Lak

Association in Chroy Changva prepare to float 500 tiny boats on the Bassac river on July 10 to give thanks for the inscription of Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site.

“We have prayed for the success of Preah Vihear and wish for smooth national elections,” said Lim Vanny, head of the association, adding that the spirit of the Chaktomuk was a powerful force behind the temple’s listing.

A UNESCO committee on July 7 approved Cambodia’s application to have the 11th century Hindu ruins, which are situated on a mountaintop straddling Cambodia and Thailand, listed as a World Heritage Site.

The listing came amid an ongoing dispute with Thailand over ownership of the land surrounding the temple.

The boats, which are made of plastic, were filled with food, drink and produce, and are meant to represent the ancient Cambodian royal navy, Vanny said.