Ancient Sandstone Statues Discovered at Cambodia's Angkor Thom

Archaeologists unearth 12 'door guardian' statues near the 11th-century Royal Palace, sparking cultural and human rights discussions.

The statues were found buried near the north gate of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, and are over a thousand years old.
Each statue is unique, featuring distinct facial hair ornaments indicative of the Khneang Style from the 11th century.
The discovery is part of a collaborative effort between the Apsara National Authority and the China-Cambodia Government Team for safeguarding Angkor.
Angkor Thom is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction, drawing over 500,000 international visitors in the first half of 2024.
Controversy surrounds the site due to alleged forced relocations of residents, with Amnesty International citing human rights violations.