This photo taken on March 17, 2026 shows the excavation site of the outside walls of the former Royal Palace of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. An archaeological team has been conducting a month-long research study outside the walls of the former Royal Palace of Angkor Thom in the famed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, said an APSARA National Authority's news release on Friday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, March 20 (Xinhua) -- An archaeological team has been conducting a month-long research study outside the walls of the former Royal Palace of Angkor Thom in the famed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, said an APSARA National Authority's news release on Friday.

Srun Tech, an archaeologist with the APSARA National Authority, said the study aimed to investigate the structural remains of the ancient moat and the drainage system that once channeled water out from the palace and into the surrounding moat.

"Preliminary excavation results from four sites reveal significant findings," he said. "The team discovered soil deposits reaching a depth of up to three meters, and the moat structure itself consists of nine to 11 laterite steps, indicating a carefully engineered design."

In addition, three ancient drainage systems were uncovered at the base of the palace walls, featuring a total of six water outlets, Srun Tech said, adding that these systems once played a crucial role in channeling water within the palace grounds into the surrounding moat.

According to Srun Tech, the drainage system and moat structures were gradually buried over time due to natural factors such as sediment accumulation, vegetation growth, and human activity.

"The ongoing excavation is not only enhancing understanding of Angkorian hydraulic engineering but also supporting future restoration efforts," he said, adding the APSARA National Authority plans to restore the ancient drainage system to its original function.

Built in the 10th century, the ancient Royal Palace is a large rectangularly walled area located within Angkor Thom in the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is the most popular tourist destination in the Southeast Asian country. ■

This photo taken on March 17, 2026 shows staff members working at the excavation site of the outside walls of the former Royal Palace of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. An archaeological team has been conducting a month-long research study outside the walls of the former Royal Palace of Angkor Thom in the famed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, said an APSARA National Authority's news release on Friday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo taken on March 17, 2026 shows staff members working at the excavation site of the outside walls of the former Royal Palace of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. An archaeological team has been conducting a month-long research study outside the walls of the former Royal Palace of Angkor Thom in the famed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province, said an APSARA National Authority's news release on Friday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua)