On 30 September 2022, a delegation from the Royal Thai Embassy led by Ms. Sirithon Wairatpanij, Minister Counsellor, visited Damrei Sar Temple in Battambang Province to present USD 7,645 from the Royal Thai Government to support the restoration of the Temple’s ancient cloister. The Royal Thai Embassy, in 2014 and 2016, held an off-season robe offering ceremony at this Temple and, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand – Cambodia Diplomatic Relations in 2020, also donated USD 10,000 to fund the restoration of the said ancient cloister but could only cover part of the expenses.
Built before 1793 by monks and Buddhist devouts of the time, Damrei Sar Temple is best known for its beautiful ordination hall, which was commissioned in 1905 by Chao Phraya Apai Bhubet (Chum Aphaivong), then Phraya Kathathonthoranin, Governor of Battambang Province. He later commissioned the construction of an ordination hall at Kaew Pichit Temple in Prachin Buri Province in 1913 following the model of Damrei Sar Temple’s, which boasts a harmonious blend of Thai, Cambodian, Chinese, and Western architectural craftsmanship. Damrei Sar Temple is, therefore, one of the few temples that still have the historic traces of close ties between Thais and Cambodians.
Source: Royal Thai Embassy, Cambodia