Banteay Meanchey History

The area was part of the extensive Khmer empire, with its most notable remains the Banteay Chhmar temple in the north of the province, built in 12th century towards the 13th century.

In the 17th century Siam took control over Cambodia, and made the area of the modern province part of Sisophon Province. In 1907 Siam had to cede control to the French, and it was then included into Battambang Province.

In 1988 the province Banteay Meanchey was split off from Battambang, originally consisting of the five districts Mongkol Borei, Thmar Pouk, Serei Sophorn, Preah Netpreah and Phnom Srok.