APSARA National Authority Collaborates with the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts to Educate Traditional Clothing Rental Vendors in Front of Angkor Wat

Officials from the APSARA National Authority, in collaboration with the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts, local authorities, and the Heritage Protection Police, met with vendors providing traditional Khmer clothing rental services to tourists visiting temples within the Angkor resort area on July 13, 2026.

The purpose of this meeting was to ensure that all vendors engaged in traditional Khmer styling and clothing rental services for tourists visiting Angkor accurately understand the styles and standards of traditional ancient Khmer attire, and can distinguish what is not traditionally Khmer but rather serves foreign cultures.

Mr. Chan Sophen, an official from the Fine Arts Office of the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts, who specializes in traditional Khmer art and has researched Khmer clothing for many years, stated that currently, 70% of the traditional outfits rented by vendors in front of the Angkor Wat compound deviate from their original forms. This includes, in particular, the use of fabrics and jewelry imported from Thailand. This practice entirely departs from Cambodian national identity and culture, effectively promoting a foreign culture. He explained that traditional Khmer dressing must utilize Cambodian fabrics and jewelry, and no outfit should be modified against Khmer standards. Furthermore, the current use of jewelry and fabrics does not align with the historical social status rules of ancient Cambodian people. Ancient Khmer clothing and styling adhered to strict forms based on social hierarchy, ranging from the King to commoners. For instance, silk Hol garments were reserved for Kings and Queens, Lboek and Lboek Chor Cheung fabrics for the wealthy and elites, and cotton-woven fabrics for the general public.

Mr. Chan Sophen encouraged all vendors to gradually transition to using Khmer Hol, Silk, or Lboek Pich, Lboek Rong Cheung fabrics, and Khmer jewelry. This transition values Cambodian weavers and goldsmiths, ensuring the preservation of Khmer culture.

Mr. Tes Sothir, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism and Cultural Development of the APSARA National Authority, stated that the rental of certain traditional clothing or outfits in the Angkor area that do not conform to original forms has faced continuous criticism and severely impacts the value of Khmer culture. The APSARA National Authority and the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts request vendors providing traditional clothing rental services to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of foreign fabrics, such as cheap fabrics imported from Thailand.

The APSARA National Authority has mandated that effective July 13, 2026, any traditional clothing modified away from original Khmer forms, lacking proper standards, or deviating from authentic styles, will no longer be permitted entry into Angkor. Furthermore, the use of clothing made with fabrics from Thailand must be entirely phased out by January 2027.

Text: Chhay Phanny
Photo: Sin Praney