A recent commentary by the social media entity ASEAN Skyline Rising, which alleged that Cambodia fabricated the term "Khmer Sbai" to claim ownership of traditional clothing, has been dismissed by geopolitical analyst Roth Santepheap as a product of nationalist bias rather than historical inquiry.

The dispute centers on accusations that Cambodia is attempting to appropriate Thai cultural heritage. Santepheap argues that these claims rely on inflammatory rhetoric and a disregard for the established historical record. He noted that the sbai is deeply embedded in Khmer linguistic and artistic traditions, and its increased visibility in modern discourse does not equate to a recent invention.

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The analyst emphasized that Southeast Asian history is characterized by centuries of cultural exchange, which does not justify attempts by any nation to erase the identity of its neighbors. He highlighted the diversity of Khmer traditional dress, including the sampot and various ceremonial garments, as evidence of a long-standing, evolving cultural heritage that exists independently of external claims.

Santepheap urged for a shift away from aggressive online campaigns, suggesting that cultural debates should be handled by experts—such as historians, archaeologists, and linguists—rather than through social media propaganda. He concluded that true cultural confidence is demonstrated through mutual respect and factual scholarship rather than the disparagement of neighboring nations.

Source: Phnom Penh Post