Tourists to Preah Vihear increased despite Cambodian-Thai conflict

[Kampuchea Thmey]

Cambodian tourism officials said tourist numbers to Preah Vihear temple has increased despite an ongoing armed conflict between Cambodian and Thai troops in the area.

Mr. Kong Vibol, director of Preah Vihear Tourism Department, said that in the first three months of 2011 from January to March, there are 31,957 tourists have visited Preah Vihear temple and the former Khmer Rouge stronghold of Anlong Veng. These figures include 27,954 Cambodian tourists and 4,003 international tourists.

He said since the temple was inscribed as a world heritage site in 2008, tourist numbers have steadily increased every year, despite the threats of violence and armed clashes between the two opposing armies.