BANGKOK, Thailand – The Culture Ministry is preparing to send a formal objection to the organisers of Miss Universe Cambodia 2026 over their use of a historical photograph of women from Kamphaeng Phet, which the ministry says was presented as depicting ancient Cambodian dress. Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised said the ministry will demand a correction and an apology, warning that legal action will be considered if the organisers fail to comply.

Thai Army Monitors Cambodian Trenches Near Sisaket Border

The controversy erupted during the pageant’s preliminary round on 18 September, when historical images displayed on an LED screen were described by the presenter as showing Khmer dress and ancient Khmer culture. The photograph had previously been published by Thailand’s Fine Arts Department on 5 August, and the original is preserved in the Vajirayana Library collection and was included in a UNESCO Memory of the World registration in 2017.

Sabeeda noted that the original image bears a Fine Arts Department watermark that had been cropped out, saying its use without source attribution could lead the public to believe it depicted Cambodian dress and culture. The ministry will set a deadline for the organisers to correct the information and apologise, while also stepping up efforts to promote the development of Thai dress internationally through roadshows.

Cambodia, Thailand Open UN-Backed Talks on Maritime Dispute

Sabeeda stressed that the ministry does not want the issue to escalate into a dispute between the two countries and will initially address the matter through diplomatic channels with the private pageant organisers. She added that Thailand expects progress in its effort to have Thai dress listed as intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO in December, meaning the process must be handled carefully and based on facts.

-Thailand News (TN)