By Pattarawadee Saengmanee

Amid the controversy over Preah Vihear, Thailand's new "presence" in Cambodia - the Angkor National Museum - is bound to turn some heads.

The Cambodian Culture Ministry, the Apsara Authority and Bangkok-based Vilailuck International Holdings recently opened the museum in Siem Reap, the town adjacent to the Angkor complex.

Visitors can learn about Khmer history and see many artefacts and handicrafts dating as far back as the fourth century.

The US$15-million (Bt505-million) two-storey facility on Stadium Road, not far from downtown Siem Reap, was designed to look like Angkor Wat.

There are nine halls containing 1,400 antiquities, all transferred from Cambodia's National Museum in Phnom Penh, and an 80-seat theatre that screens an introductory film.

Museum executive director Chhan Chamroeun shows off the temple-like gallery on the second floor, where 1,000 Buddha images, made between the sixth and late-13th centuries, lie in repose.

Gallery D is entirely devoted to Angkor Wat, the famed World Heritage site, Gallery E to its neighbour Angkor Thom, and in the final gallery of the tour are sculptures depicting ancient jewellery and costumes.

Weary browsers can take a break at a coffeeshop or check out the shop, which sells a colourful array of souvenirs, clothing, books and ceramics.

The museum will soon have a Cultural Mall with a restaurant, spa, library and more shopping, and in November it will host Ancient Costume Fashion Week.

Double billing!

The Angkor National Museum is at 968 Vithei Charles de Gaulle and open daily from 9 to 8. Admission is US$3 for Cambodians, US$12 (Bt400) for foreigners and US$6 for children.

Call (855 63) 966 601 or visit www. AngkorNationalMuseum.com.