The government said Monday that it is seeking to list the Sambo Prey Kuk temple, located in Kompong Thom province, as a World Heritage site. The temple was built between 615 and 650, making it considerably older than the Preah Vihear temple and much of Angkor in Siem Reap, both of which already have World Heritage status. Kum Polin, deputy director-general of the cultural heritage department at the Ministry of Culture, said about 50 percent of the requirements for listing Sambo Prey Kuk have been met, but help was needed. “We need more financial support from the government and other organizations to work on the problem,” he said. Teruo Jinnai, UNESCO Cambodia country representative, said the government has not yet drawn up an official application, but that they will likely agree to apply for listing. But, as with past applications, it can take anywhere between one and seven years for anything to be approved, he added. According to UNESCO, sites on the World Heritage List receive stronger protection, enhanced local and international recognition as well as access to technical and financeial assistance under the World Heritage Fund.