Cambodia bans smoking at famed Angkor temples

Cambodia is banning smoking at the Angkor temple archaeological site. A government official said Thursday the rule will promote the health and comfort of visitors and prevent forest fires. 

Towers of the legendary Angkor Wat temple are seen north of Siem Reap provincial town, about 230 kilometers, 143 miles, northwest of the capital Phnom Penh, Cambodia [Credit:AP/Heng Sinith]

Tan Sambu said "No smoking" signs will be added and workers will help spread the word under the effort started Wednesday. He is vice secretary general of the Apsara Authority that manages the temples. 

More than 2 million foreign and domestic tourists visit the site in Siem Reap in the country's northwest annually. The structures were built from the ninth to the 14th century.  

Source: Associated Press [June 14, 2012]