PHNOM PENH, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- An archaeological team has completed 80 percent of the restoration of Angkor Thom's centuries-old laterite wall within the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia's Siem Reap province, an APSARA National Authority (ANA) news release said on Saturday.
The project, which began in April, focuses on the southwest section of the ancient wall near the prominent Tonle Om Gate.
Mao Sokny, a technical officer with the ANA's Department of Conservation of Monuments and Preventive Archaeology, said the reinforcement of the wall and its internal staircase is progressing smoothly.
"The reinforcement of the 15-meter-long wall is now finished," he said. "The team is currently backfilling the surrounding area with soil and applying mortar between the stones to secure its long-term structural stability."
Additionally, a 23-step internal staircase has been reassembled and reconnected to the wall, he added.
Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom was the grand capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, according to the ANA.
Its enclosure wall extends about 3 kilometers on each side, stands approximately 8 meters high, and is surrounded by a moat. The ancient city is accessed through five monumental gates. ■