The ancient capital of Basan, located in Baray commune, Srey Santhor district, is set to become a tourist resort
Kampong Cham Province: HE Un Chanda, Governor of Kampong Cham Province, accompanied by government officials, relevant departments and local authorities on February 08, 2020, had a talk with the people and learned about Tuol Preah Theat ancient temple. Located in Kamplak Village, Baray Commune, Srey Santhor District, Kampong Cham Province to become a tourist resort. According to the research of cultural experts, as well as legends, the ancient temple built on the hill is an ancient city hundreds of years ago and where King Ponhea Yat gathered his army. The first to liberate the capital of Angkor from the enemy. This hill is believed by the locals in Baray commune, Srey Santhor district and is also considered a place of worship. The construction of the temple on the hill took place during the reign of King Ponhea Yat, the upper part of the temple was completely destroyed. Historically, it has been designated as a military base within the former capital of Tuol Basan because there is ample evidence that it is indeed the ancient capital, because near the hill there is Tuol Oknha Ton Tuol Oknha Pheakdey. At the back of Tuol Preah Theat, about 500 meters away, there is an ancient hill called Tuol Basan. In front of the hill, there are traces of the Oum River, also known as the Oum Men River and the Oum Srey River, and in the middle is a field that is a platform for King Kong Tot. Behind the Oum River is a racecourse with scars. In front of the north side is a large pond that has been left since the time of King Ponhea Yat. In particular, at Tuol Preah Theat is a rice field and the locals have unearthed various artifacts that have been left since ancient times. Experts also confirmed that the statue that was buried at Sala Chan in Baray pagoda, Baray commune, is a hill of Basan and an ancient city where King Ponhea Yat first gathered troops who were capable enough to fight back. Enemies to liberate the capital of Angkor. In 1431, in order to avoid a series of enemy invasions, King Ponhea Yat decided to move the capital of Angkor to Tuol Basan near Tuol Preah Theat in Srei Chhor province, now called "Srey Santhor district". Due to the flooding at that time, King Ponhea Yat ordered the capital to be relocated to Phnom Penh Chaktomuk until today. It should be noted that nowadays, people often go to pray and worship according to their beliefs, without daring to do anything foolish in this ancient place. In fact, on the occasion of visiting this place, His Excellency Un Chanda, Governor of Kampong Cham Province and his colleagues also lit incense to bless the prosperity of all the virtues and sacred objects that are nurtured on the territory of Tuol Basan and Preah Theat Temple.
