Thailand Protests Miss Universe Cambodia's Use of Thai Cultural Images

On September 21, Culture Minister Sabida Thaiset addressed a press conference at the National Archives to protest the Miss Universe Cambodia 2026 pageant's presentation of cultural clothing and historical information. The ministry revealed that the pageant had used images of Thai cultural dress sourced from Thailand without proper attribution. The minister stated that this was not merely an oversight but a deliberate misuse of images without crediting their source, potentially causing the public to mistake Thai attire for Cambodian dress. The ministry displayed original photographs bearing the Fine Arts Department watermark, noting that the versions used by the pageant had the watermark removed. The culture minister announced the ministry would send a formal letter of complaint and demand corrections, while reserving the right to pursue legal action if the pageant fails to comply. Minister Thaiset emphasized that the ministry plans to intensify efforts to promote accurate knowledge of Thai dress history internationally, including through road shows and exhibitions in the Netherlands, France, and Japan. She stressed that while neighboring countries are welcome to wear and appreciate Thai dress, they must properly credit Thailand as the source. The minister added that the ministry will initially pursue diplomatic channels to lodge the complaint, though if private entities continue to distort information, the ministry will take appropriate legal action.