The Apsara National Authority (ANA) has issued a clarification regarding recent media reports, specifically a July 18 article by Khaosod English, which suggested that Cambodia would deny entry to visitors wearing "inauthentic" Khmer clothing. The authority stated that these reports misinterpreted their ongoing efforts to preserve national cultural heritage.
According to the ANA, the initiative is not intended to restrict tourists or impose new dress code bans. Instead, the focus is on educating local clothing rental providers to ensure that the garments offered to visitors align with historical research and traditional Khmer standards. The authority emphasized that these measures aim to encourage the proper use of traditional attire while respecting national cultural values.
The ANA noted that it has maintained the "Angkor Code of Conduct" since 2016 to guide appropriate dress at the heritage site. While rental businesses remain free to operate, officials stated that vendors have a responsibility to provide historically accurate clothing rather than items that may mislead tourists.
During a meeting with rental vendors on July 13, officials expressed concern over the prevalence of imported accessories and materials that deviate from authentic Khmer historical styles. Chan Sophon, an expert in ancient Khmer arts at the Siem Reap Department of Culture and Fine Arts, noted that many rental outfits have been altered by foreign influences, changing their original appearance.
Tes Sothey, deputy director of the ANA’s Department of Tourism Development and Culture, warned that the proliferation of inauthentic clothing risks eroding Khmer cultural value. He urged vendors to move away from cheap, imported materials and instead prioritize authentic traditional attire to help safeguard Cambodia's cultural identity.
Source: Khmer Times
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