A billionaire is to build the world’s biggest statue of Buddha on a remote Cambodian mountain.
The 330ft high (100m) statue -to be built by wealthy tourism tycoon Sok Kong – will be sited on top of Bokor Mountain on the outskirts of Kampot city in southern Cambodia.
The USD 40 million monument has reportedly been approved by the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen using a design that is reportedly reflective of Khmer culture.
Plans show a huge golden seated Buddha reached by stone stairs and surrounded by an imposing temple.
The wealthy president of the Sokha Hotel said that the statue would serve as a magnet for people visiting a holy shrine dedicated to providing happiness, prosperity and long-lasting peace.
It is also meant to be a promotion for Buddhism and to encourage cultural tourism to the region.
When completed, it will leave the current largest similar statue, The Big Buddha in Hong Kong, in the shade, as this is a mere 34 metres (112 feet).
Despite provisional approval from various ministries, there are still some tweaking needed to the design to make sure that it fits in with Cambodian culture.
The organisers of the project also invited locals to make donations to help make the project a reality.
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Story By: Michael Leidig, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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