Date: 6 June 2003

The historic temple, Khao Phra Viharn, which straddles the Thai-Cambodian border, has been re-opened to visitors after two-year closure due to environmental problems.

This historic monument was once the territorial dispute between Thai and Cambodia which reached its conclusion in trial in 1962 that Khao Phra Viharn or Phrea Vihear in Khmer belongs to Cambodia.

Khao Phra Viharn can be reachable from both the Cambodian and Thai sides. Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces are the entering points to Khao Phra Viharn national park from Thai side. Within the Park, waterfalls, caves, and walking trails are open to visitors. Thai visitors have to pay 20 baht and international visitors 200 baht for the entrance fee, and a further 50 baht or 200 baht respectively to enter the Khao Phra Viharn area. Two other access points are available from the Cambodian side. The hilltop temple is accessible by a steep ascent from the Cambodian side but a more gently sloping from the Thai side.

From the dispute in the past, Khao Phra Viharn issue became the co-operation between the two neighboring countries to develop this area to be a major tourist destination via a proper and well-regulated master plan. The re-opening also oversees the boost of tourism industry in northern Thailand which is a hidden treasure of cultural attractions and very much in need of economic development. The improvement and development in the area of historic temple will draw visitors' attention to have it in their itineraries.

The temple is located about 360 kilometers from Bangkok and 95 kilometers from Si Sa Ket province. If travel from the Cambodian side, it is 405 kilometers from Phnom Penh or 108 kilometers from the provincial town of Phrea Vihear.

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