Cambodia's Culture Ministry Plans Workshop on Proper Use of Traditional Khmer Dress

Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has announced a workshop dedicated to promoting the correct understanding and use of traditional Khmer clothing and ornaments. The event comes as a fresh dispute over the origins of traditional attire between Cambodia and Thailand has flared up once again.

Workshop Details

Titled "Understanding and Properly Using Khmer Clothing and Ornaments," the workshop is scheduled for October 6 at the Angkor Wat Hall within the ministry's premises. Journalists, content creators, and other relevant stakeholders have been invited to attend.

According to the ministry's announcement, the session is designed to build awareness around the proper forms and conventions for wearing Khmer garments, while strengthening national cultural identity through media and social media channels.

Anyone whose work involves Khmer clothing and ornaments is encouraged to register with the ministry before 4pm on September 30.

Miss Universe Cambodia Sparks New Tensions

The workshop's timing follows a dispute over the portrayal of traditional attire and historical imagery at Miss Universe Cambodia 2026, which prompted a response from Bangkok.

Thailand's culture ministry alleged that the pageant featured a historical photograph of a woman from Kamphaeng Phet province and showcased clothing that it considers Thai. Thai officials said they planned to send a formal letter of protest to the pageant's organizers, demanding a correction of the information and an apology if the image was determined to have been used out of context.

It is worth noting that the Cambodian ministry's announcement did not explicitly link the workshop to the Miss Universe controversy or Thailand's protest.

A Recurring Source of Friction

This is far from the first time that traditional dress has sparked a cross-border row between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.

Earlier in March, the Cambodian culture ministry urged the public to stay calm and respond thoughtfully after debates erupted on Thai social media and several Thai politicians made public remarks about traditional Khmer attire.

At that time, the ministry clarified that the sbai — a draped shawl-like garment — is an integral element of traditional Khmer women's dress. It is commonly worn during ceremonies and weddings, most notably in the ritual known as Preah Thong Taong Sbai.