Using high-resolution satellite imagery and ground-penetrating radar, researchers have identified a previously unrecorded Khmer brick temple complex in the dense forests of Mondulkiri. Unlike the famous sandstone monuments of Angkor, this 11th-century site is composed entirely of high-fired red bricks and appears to have been dedicated specifically to Yama, the god of death and justice. This is a rare find, as Yama-focused temples are seldom documented as standalone complexes in Khmer history.
The central tower is surrounded by a triple moat system, a feature that suggests the site held significant defensive or symbolic importance. Initial ground surveys have recovered several terracotta plaques depicting the judgement of souls, reflecting a unique theological emphasis. The remote location has protected the site from looters, leaving many of the original ritual deposits and foundation stones undisturbed in their original context.