The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts is set to organise a workshop aimed at deepening public understanding of Khmer clothing and ornaments and encouraging their appropriate use. Scheduled for October 6, the event will bring together journalists, content creators and other interested parties at a time when the long-running dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over the origins of traditional attire has flared up once more.

Titled "Understanding and Properly Using Khmer Clothing and Ornaments," the workshop will take place at the Angkor Wat Hall within the ministry's premises.

According to a statement from the ministry, the gathering is intended to build awareness of the proper styles and customs associated with wearing Khmer garments and adornments, while strengthening the country's cultural identity across traditional and social media channels.

Anyone whose work touches on Khmer clothing and ornaments has been invited to sign up with the ministry no later than 4pm on September 30.

A Backdrop of Renewed Tension

The timing of the workshop overlaps with a dispute sparked by how traditional dress and historical imagery were presented at Miss Universe Cambodia 2026, which prompted a response from Thailand.

Thailand's own culture ministry alleged that the pageant had used a historical photograph depicting a woman from Kamphaeng Phet province and showcased clothing it considers Thai. Thai officials said they intended to submit a formal letter of protest to the pageant's organisers, asking for corrections and an apology should the image be shown to have been used out of context.

The Cambodian ministry's announcement made no mention of the workshop being a direct reply to Thailand's protest or to the Miss Universe event.

Not the First Dispute

Disagreements over traditional attire between the two nations are nothing new. Back in March, the Cambodian ministry urged the public to stay composed and react in a measured way amid online debate in Thailand and comments from several Thai politicians regarding Khmer dress.

At that point, the ministry noted that the sbai is a key element of traditional Khmer women's clothing, worn during ceremonies and weddings, most notably in the ritual known as Preah Thong Taong Sbai.