Report Air Cambodia Denies Copying Thai Airways Amid Branding Backlash

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Air Cambodia

 

Branding row ignites regional debate on originality and aviation rivalry

 

Air Cambodia is rebutting claims that it mimicked Thai Airways’ iconic look, asserting its purple-and-gold design is purely Khmer. A social media frenzy erupted after its inaugural flight from Shenzhen to Siem Reap on July 18, as Thai users criticised the striking resemblance to Thai Airways’ livery and uniforms.

 

The Cambodian national carrier dismissed the accusations unequivocally. It issued a statement denying any imitation, citing the similarities as “purely coincidental.”

 

“All components of Air Cambodia’s brand—aircraft livery, uniforms, and branding—are independently crafted in line with international intellectual property and trademark guidelines,” the airline affirmed.

 

Previously known as Cambodia Angkor Air, it rebranded to Air Cambodia Co., Ltd on January 1, symbolising a fresh start while honouring its heritage. The long-standing purple and gold palette remains, representing Cambodian identity.

 

“Air Cambodia’s branding reflects a thoughtful and culturally aware process, celebrating the kingdom’s heritage and pride,” the statement explained.

 

The airline emphasised that its distinct purple represents dignity and devotion, inspired by Khmer aesthetics and derived from Cambodia’s flag colors—blue, red, and white.

 

Adding historical depth, Air Cambodia noted that its colours and emblem trace back to Royal Air Cambodge’s 1956 design, according to the Khmer Times.

 

Facing mounting online criticism, the airline adopted a cooperative stance, advocating for civil dialogue and regional collaboration.

 

“Air Cambodia values strategic partnerships and respects fellow regional carriers,” it stated. “We aim to foster aviation growth through collaboration and cultural exchange.”

 

It also urged the public to provide feedback via official avenues, warning that viral posts “risk misinterpretation and do not capture the brand’s complete heritage context.”

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-24

 

 

[BayArea]

The row between Thai and Khmer is getting out of hand. Next thing you know, both will argue who has the best massage. oops, did I just go there??🤣

[Enoon]

This photo dated 15 years ago ("Cambodia Angkor Air") and it's now become a problem?:

 

 

https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/operator/Cambodia Angkor Air xBOxK6 xSx VAV%2C KHVxBCx

 

 

 

[blaze master]

How many parts of thai culture are *borrowed* from Cambodia? 

[ikke1959]

Thailand forget it in fact Khmer based.. And  now they pretend to have a claim that everything is original Thai based, but Thailand was built from 7 small kingdoms that conquered land from the Khmer...But if there are no problems Thailand will always find one

[Artisi]

4 hours ago, blaze master said:

How many parts of thai culture are *borrowed* from Cambodia? 

Come on now, don't you know that Thailand is and has always been the world's hub of everything. 

[Artisi]

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Thailand forget it in fact Khmer based.. And  now they pretend to have a claim that everything is original Thai based, but Thailand was built from 7 small kingdoms that conquered land from the Khmer...But if there are no problems Thailand will always find one

And what didn't originate from a Khmer influence came from India.