Cambodia's APSARA National Authority has ordered costume rental businesses at Angkor Wat to remove Thai-influenced outfits and replace Thai-made materials with Khmer-made alternatives.

The new rules are intended to ensure visitors wear historically accurate Khmer dress at the UNESCO World Heritage site, while supporting Cambodian artisans and protecting the country's cultural heritage.

From July 13, tourists wearing clothing that does not conform to traditional Khmer attire have not been allowed into the Angkor Archaeological Park, the authority said.

Rental operators face January 2027 deadline

Businesses renting costumes containing components or materials made in Thailand have until January 2027 to replace them with Khmer-made alternatives.

Chan Sophorn, a specialist in ancient Khmer art, told rental operators that many outfits currently offered differ from traditional Khmer designs. He said some use imported fabrics and accessories from neighbouring countries, while others are worn incorrectly.

According to Sophorn, authentic Khmer attire should use locally produced silk, sampot rbauk and jewellery made to historical standards.

The APSARA National Authority said the measures are part of a broader effort to preserve Angkor Wat's integrity and promote cultural tourism that respects Cambodian traditions. KPT English reported that officials also see the policy as a way to support local craft producers.

What travellers from Thailand should know

For foreign residents and visitors in Thailand planning a trip to Siem Reap, the rules are most relevant to anyone intending to hire traditional clothing for photographs at Angkor Wat.

Ordinary visitors should ensure they follow the park's requirements if renting Khmer-style dress, as non-compliant outfits can lead to refusal of entry. Those hiring costumes should ask rental operators whether clothing and accessories meet the authority's current standards.

The measure specifically concerns traditional costume rentals and does not change the wider practical appeal of Angkor Wat as a short regional trip from Thailand. However, tourists should avoid assuming that Thai-style or Thai-made elements will be accepted as Khmer historical attire.

Picture courtesy of Love Thai cultures

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17 July 2026

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well when i see tourists in thai fashion in cambodia, i think its sort of dumb.

Is this home spun?

-- Ghandi (1922) 😃

Edited July 16Jul 16 by SiSePuede419
Dated

7 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

well when i see tourists in thai fashion in cambodia, i think its sort of dumb.

well when i see tourists in gay Italian designer fashion in America, i think its sort of dumb, too

You paid too much. 💲

"...The APSARA National Authority said the measures are part of a broader effort to preserve Angkor Wat's integrity..."

This makes the “integrity preservation” claim ring hollow when the most obvious integrity threat is literally growing out of the walls!

26 minutes ago, SiSePuede419 said:

well when i see tourists in gay Italian designer fashion in America, i think its sort of dumb, too

You paid too much. 💲

that fashion is visible, not prevelant

16 minutes ago, Jim Waldron said:

"...The APSARA National Authority said the measures are part of a broader effort to preserve Angkor Wat's integrity..."

This makes the “integrity preservation” claim ring hollow when the most obvious integrity threat is literally growing out of the walls!

you need to submit your complaint about 500 year old trees then to the authority, jointly managed with india. they had to cut a few trees a few years back and there was an uproar, no pleasing you experts, huh?

That'll teach Thailand a lesson!..........

Sounds like petty bickering to me, if it's been good enough until now.

Tourism down over half now anyway, so plenty of time to change those offensive costumes.

Do you have to wear any of those costumes to enter?

What is it with all the traditional costumes every time??? Just wear them on a festival and live in the 21st century with normal clothes instead of constantly dressing up in costumes of the 19th century

11 hours ago, Yagoda said:

that fashion is visible, not prevelant

It makes them visibly look like 🤡’s

Edited July 17Jul 17 by Reddavy

3 hours ago, jcmj said:

Do you have to wear any of those costumes to enter?

Only if you want to look like a 🤡

15 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The new rules are intended to ensure visitors wear historically accurate Khmer dress at the UNESCO World Heritage site,

I totally agree.

Ban these absurd Elephant Pants and the tourists who wear them in Angkor Wat!!

Edited July 17Jul 17 by Burma Bill

Given the history of this part of the world where the Siam (Thai) empire at one time included large areas of what is currently Cambodia and the Khmer empire at one point included areas of what is currently Thailand, what point in history are they considering "historical." I completely understand the importance of promoting one's culture and helping local artisans, but the question of what is historical and at what point in history the Cambodian authority wants to promote. Just my thoughts....