Thai political party presses Philippines over ASEAN clip showing Cambodia in ‘Thai dress’

2026-03-12 - 08:33

BANGKOK — Members of the Rak Chart Party on Thursday submitted a letter to the Embassy of the Philippines in Thailand, urging action over an ASEAN tourism promotional video they claim misrepresented Thai traditional dress. The group delivered the letter at 13:00 on 12 March to the ambassador of the Philippines to Thailand. The Philippines currently serves as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Party spokesperson Chaiporn Jirawinijnan said the delegation requested clarification regarding a video promoting ASEAN tourism in which an actor representing Cambodia appeared wearing attire resembling Thai traditional dress, including a shawl-like sabai. The party argued the costume was presented as Cambodia’s national dress, which they said caused confusion about cultural identity. They called on the Philippines, as ASEAN chair, to produce a revised promotional video and issue a statement clarifying that the costume shown is Thai traditional attire. “As ASEAN chair, it is important to ensure that the culture of each member country is presented accurately and respectfully,” Chaiporn said. “We therefore ask the Philippines and the video producers to review and correct the presentation so that each nation’s cultural identity is properly represented.” Deputy spokesperson Phum Sawasdee said the video had created “serious confusion and distortion,” noting that Cambodia’s traditional dress is the sampot. He claimed the outfit shown in the promotional clip closely resembled Thai clothing, including elements such as the sabai and chong kraben. Phum said the video had since been removed but argued that deleting it was insufficient because the clip had already been widely shared online, potentially misleading international audiences. He said the appropriate solution would be for the Philippines, as ASEAN chair, to produce a new promotional video or release an official statement clarifying that Thai national dress belongs to Thailand. “Even though the clip can no longer be viewed, people have already seen it and formed misunderstandings,” he said. Phum added that while Thailand and Cambodia share a long history as neighbours, cultural identities in the modern era should be clearly recognised. He urged Cambodia to take pride in its own traditions rather than claiming those of others.