Pheng Sithi, the governor of Battambang city, said the decision was made during a meeting between the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the Ministry of Cults and Religions.
Battambang province, he said, is home to a number of old Buddhist monuments, and among those the 31 pagodas will gain national heritage status. They include Wat Samraong Knong, Wat Sangke, Wat Keo, Wat Kandal, Wat Pou Veal, Wat Kampheng, Wat Kor, War Damrei Sar and Wat Chheu Khmao.
“All those pagodas are at least 60 years old, and Wat Damrei Sar is the oldest one in Battambang city, having been built over 100 years ago,” Sithi said
“These Buddhist monasteries have been preserved so well and attract many people to visit them,” he noted. “However, by inducting them into our list of national heritages, they can become destinations for religious tourism.”
According to the Battambang Provincial Department of Religion, the province has 385 pagodas. The oldest is Wat Samroung Pagoda, built in 1707.
Venerable Hak Sieng Hai, Executive Director at the Buddhism for Education Organisation and a senior monk in Wat Kampheng in Battambang city, lauded the government’s decision to grant national heritage status to the pagodas in Battambang city, adding that each of them has its own unique feature.
“(For example) the temple in Wat Kampheng was built over 100 years ago, dating back to the Lord Governor Era (a period between 1795 and 1907), during which Battambang was under Siam’s control,” he said. “However, the temple is so well preserved and still looks beautiful today. Many Buddhists come to pray and meditate there daily.”
“It would be great if the government can turn this area into a religious tourist destination where people can find spiritual peace,” Ven Sieng Hai added.
According to khmertimeskh.com
