Whoops! Demolition of Heritage Buildings at Wat Ounalom

CEOCambodiaNews · Post by **CEOCambodiaNews** » Mon Dec 12, 2022 2:29 pm

Ministry of Culture regrets the demolition of three ancient huts at Wat Ounalom
11 Dec, 2022
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has expressed regret over the demolition of three ancient huts on the grounds of Wat Ounalom, which is contrary to the Royal Government's directive on preventing the demolition and destruction of heritage buildings.

In a letter to Samdech Tep Vong just received on the afternoon of December 11, Ms. Pheung Sakona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, said, "On December 7, 2022, I received the news of the demolition of three ancient huts, huts 43, 44 and 45, which were built during the 1930s at Wat Ounalom to build a stupa pavillion.

This activity is being criticized by the public through social media because these three pavilions are considered by the Ministry as a national heritage property, and are registered as such in the list of the Department of Culture and Fine Arts in Phnom Penh in 2017. "

The Ministry would like to confirm that the demolition of the old pavilion was against the law because the relevant officials did not consult with the Ministry or seek official permission before the act.

Jerry Atrick · Post by **Jerry Atrick** » Mon Dec 12, 2022 2:39 pm

CEOCambodiaNews wrote: ↑Mon Dec 12, 2022 2:29 pm Ministry of Culture regrets the demolition of three ancient huts at Wat Ounalom
11 Dec, 2022
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has expressed regret over the demolition of three ancient huts on the grounds of Wat Ounalom, which is contrary to the Royal Government's directive on preventing the demolition and destruction of heritage buildings.

In a letter to Samdech Tep Vong just received on the afternoon of December 11, Ms. Pheung Sakona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, said, "On December 7, 2022, I received the news of the demolition of three ancient huts, huts 43, 44 and 45, which were built during the 1930s at Wat Ounalom to build a stupa pavillion.

This activity is being criticized by the public through social media because these three pavilions are considered by the Ministry as a national heritage property, and are registered as such in the list of the Department of Culture and Fine Arts in Phnom Penh in 2017. "

The Ministry would like to confirm that the demolition of the old pavilion was against the law because the relevant officials did not consult with the Ministry or seek official permission before the act.

The abbot has been trying to get those huts knocked down for over a decade that I'm aware of. Looks like he had his way

CEOCambodiaNews · Post by **CEOCambodiaNews** » Mon Dec 12, 2022 9:04 pm

It is too late now to stop the destruction of the pagodas at Wat Ounalom, but a few words of regret about the national heritage loss have been offered by the Ministry of Culture to soften the blow.

Cambodia News, (Phnom Penh): The Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Lok Chumteav Dr. Pheung Sakona, expressed his deep regret: "Three ancient pagodas at Wat Ounalom which have been built since 1930, and were considered to be a national heritage site, have been destroyed to build a new stupa."

Her Excellency Dr. Pheung Sakona in a letter dated December 9, 2022 to Samdech Tep Vong, Samdech Preah Moha Sangkha Reach, Maha Nikaya of The Kingdom of Cambodia has requested that the demolition of three ancient pagodas in the area of Wat Ounalom be stopped because "these three buildings are considered by the Ministry as a national heritage property and registered in the department's list of Phnom Penh Culture and Fine Arts for 2017." This listing was meant to conserve the buildings and protect them from destruction.

John Bingham · Post by **John Bingham** » Mon Dec 12, 2022 9:25 pm

CEOCambodiaNews wrote: ↑Mon Dec 12, 2022 9:04 pm Three ancient pagodas at Wat Ounalom which have been built since 1930, and were considered to be a national heritage site, have been destroyed to build a new stupa.

Not really surprising. I've noticed over the years how many older pagoda buildings are allowed to decay without maintenance and then demolished and replaced by new structures. Sometimes it's necessary and they are trying to improve the facilities. However some seem sus. This one in Wat Sarawan for example:

1992 by Serge Corrieras.

2007 Chris Watson.

2012 refurbished.

2022 replaced by giant stupa (I first noticed this in 2019).

So who is paying to get facilities like monk's housing in pagodas replaced by giant stupas? If they keep it up there will be no room for anything else.

CEOCambodiaNews · Post by **CEOCambodiaNews** » Thu Dec 22, 2022 5:14 pm

Ministry of Culture Investigates Destruction of Historic Buildings In Wat Ounalom

Cambodia News (Phnom Penh): According to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts on December 21, 2022, the ministry is going to investigate the destruction of 3 historic buildings in Wat Ounalom pagoda.

The three heritage buildings at Phnom Penh's Wat Ounalom date from 1930 and were protected under a presertvation order. However, the buildings were demolished suddenly, without permission, on December 12, 2022.