THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2002
Thai-style houses banned in Phnom Penh
PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian government has declared increasingly popular Thai architecture an eyesore and banned it from the streets of Phnom Penh, a report said Thursday.
The Khmer-language Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper said Phnom Penh's city hall would not allow new buildings to copy styles from neighbouring Thailand.
"Thai-model houses are no more allowed in Phnom Penh. New houses must follow Cambodian styles designed by Cambodian architects," the paper quoted Phnom Penh's governor, Chea Sophara, as saying.
Chea Sophara said that people spent up to 1,600 dollars to design Thai villas, which he described as an "eye sore."
Early last month, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen voiced his concerned over too much influence being exerted by Thai architecture on buildings here.
The Cambodian capital is experiencing a minor contruction boom with many newly built houses and villas being layed out with floor and roof tiles imported from Thailand.
Hun Sen said that was dangerous to Cambodian traditions, culture and architecture.
Recently, Phnom Penh's city hall ordered residents to paint their houses yellow or white to conform with the government's idea of beautifying Phnom Penh. It has also ordered that illegal balconies be pulled down.
Decades of war have left buildings and apartments unpainted, and many in ruins. ( AFP )
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