AKP Phnom Penh, March 14, 2026 —

Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has reaffirmed the historical foundations of Khmer cultural heritage and called for calm and responsible public responses following comments circulating on Thai social media and statements by some Thai political figures concerning traditional attire and the promotion of Khmer culture.

In a press release issued Saturday, the Ministry said Khmer cultural heritage —both tangible and intangible, including traditional clothing and artistic expressions — is firmly supported by historical and archaeological evidence.

The Ministry highlighted the “Sbai,” an essential element of traditional Khmer women’s attire used in ceremonial costumes and wedding dress, particularly in the ritual known as “Preah Thong Taong Sbai.” According to the Ministry, the tradition is closely linked to the origins of Khmer civilisation dating back to the Funan period and has been preserved and practiced by the Khmer people across generations up to the present day.

The Ministry said the tradition has become an integral part of Khmer historical identity and will remain an enduring and inseparable element of that identity in the future.

At the same time, the Ministry called on Cambodian citizens to remain calm and respond responsibly, emphasising the need to uphold dignity, honour, and cultural ethics in any reaction to the ongoing discussions.

“As a nation with a long-standing civilisation and deep respect for cultural dignity, we must stand firmly on historical truth and the strength of our rich cultural heritage inherited from our ancestors over thousands of years,” the press release said, adding that Cambodia also places confidence in international law as a guiding principle.

The Ministry also stressed that cultural heritage should not be used as a tool for political gain, social incitement, or racial discrimination, noting that culture should instead serve as a bridge to strengthen mutual understanding and shared prosperity.

In this spirit, the Ministry called on cultural institutions, educational institutions, and public authorities in ASEAN member states to continue working together to promote accurate historical understanding and mutual respect for cultural identities, in line with the spirit of the ASEAN Community.

The press release reaffirmed that Cambodia remains firmly committed to safeguarding its cultural heritage while strengthening international cultural cooperation, respecting the values of other nations, and promoting the shared cultural diversity of Southeast Asia and the wider world.

By C. Nika