September 29, 2025Sep 29 Photo via Facebook/ Gagan Malik Indian actor Gagan Malik resigned as Cambodia's Tourism Goodwill Ambassador on September 27 amidst a border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. This decision comes after he faced backlash for his involvement, stating, “Thailand is my second home.” Malik, best known for his role as Lord Buddha, took the role earlier this year to promote Cambodia's Buddhist sites but stepped down to respect his ties with Thailand. Malik embraced Buddhism in 2014 and became an activist, helping promote Buddhist culture worldwide. His role as Cambodia’s ambassador aimed to boost tourism by attracting Indian nationals to visit the nation's historical sites. On arriving at Techo International Airport, he lauded Cambodia’s tourism facilities, highlighting the large Buddha statue at the terminal. In a Facebook statement, Malik addressed his Thai fans, apologizing for any discomfort his Cambodian visit caused. He emphasized his deep respect for Thailand, explaining his ambassador role was unpaid and that he resigned due to the recent conflict. This decision, he said, was final and taken out of clarity and respect for his second home. Malik noted it was his first trip to Cambodia and apologized to his Thai supporters, reassuring them of his commitment to promoting Buddhism in Thailand for over a decade. He also unveiled plans to build a temple in India, inspired by Thai art, to honor his admiration for Thailand. Malik’s announcement included a photo of him with the Thai national flag, further highlighting his allegiance. The reaction among Cambodian netizens was mixed, leading Malik to restrict comments on his posts to prevent escalating tensions. Last year, Malik was ordained as a monk in Bangkok for an extended period, which deepened his understanding of Buddhism, enhancing his capability to teach and advocate for the religion. Key Takeaways Actor Gagan Malik resigned as Cambodia’s Tourism Ambassador due to Thai-Cambodian tensions. Malik reaffirmed his strong ties to Thailand, emphasizing respect and cultural promotion. His resignation led to mixed reactions, prompting restricted comments on social media. Related Stories Demining officer killed, another injured in blast near Thai-Cambodian border Thailand and Cambodia Strengthen Cooperation Against Transnational Crime Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-29
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