National
• 1 hour ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Apsara Authority Educates Angkor Costume Vendors on Authentic Khmer Attire
Phnom Penh, July 15, 2026 – The Apsara National Authority, in collaboration with the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts, has launched an educational initiative to teach costume rental vendors near Angkor Wat about authentic Khmer traditional attire and its cultural significance.
During a meeting on July 13, officials provided vendors with valuable knowledge on the correct styles, fabrics, and accessories that define classical Khmer dress. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural identity and preventing the erosion of Khmer heritage.
Mr. Chan Sophea, a culture official and expert on traditional Khmer clothing, educated vendors on the historical and social standards of Khmer attire, explaining that clothing styles varied according to social rank, from royalty to commoners. He highlighted that many current rental costumes deviate significantly from authentic designs, with approximately 70 percent using imported fabrics and accessories from Thailand that do not reflect Khmer traditions.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts
Vendors were encouraged to learn about and adopt authentic Khmer materials such as silk, traditional textiles, and locally made accessories. This shift, officials explained, would not only preserve cultural heritage but also support local weavers and artisans.
Mr. Tes Sotheary, Deputy Director of Tourism and Cultural Development at the Apsara Authority, emphasized that this educational effort is part of a broader commitment to safeguard the cultural integrity of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
As part of the new guidelines, costumes that do not follow authentic Khmer designs will no longer be permitted inside the Angkor temple complex. Vendors using Thai-made fabrics have until January 2027 to transition to authentic materials.
— Source: Apsara National Authority
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
During a meeting on July 13, officials provided vendors with valuable knowledge on the correct styles, fabrics, and accessories that define classical Khmer dress. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural identity and preventing the erosion of Khmer heritage.
Mr. Chan Sophea, a culture official and expert on traditional Khmer clothing, educated vendors on the historical and social standards of Khmer attire, explaining that clothing styles varied according to social rank, from royalty to commoners. He highlighted that many current rental costumes deviate significantly from authentic designs, with approximately 70 percent using imported fabrics and accessories from Thailand that do not reflect Khmer traditions.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Culture and Fine ArtsVendors were encouraged to learn about and adopt authentic Khmer materials such as silk, traditional textiles, and locally made accessories. This shift, officials explained, would not only preserve cultural heritage but also support local weavers and artisans.
Mr. Tes Sotheary, Deputy Director of Tourism and Cultural Development at the Apsara Authority, emphasized that this educational effort is part of a broader commitment to safeguard the cultural integrity of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
As part of the new guidelines, costumes that do not follow authentic Khmer designs will no longer be permitted inside the Angkor temple complex. Vendors using Thai-made fabrics have until January 2027 to transition to authentic materials.
— Source: Apsara National Authority
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
