Vietnamese TikToker faces backlash from Cambodia over video taken at Angkor Wat.

Cambodia has demanded the removal of a video by a Vietnamese TikToker filmed at Angkor Wat temple in inappropriate attire, which included an image of the king alongside the Thai flag.

The video, made by Hứa Quốc Anh, a TikToker living in Ho Chi Minh City, was filmed at the famous Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia on October 30th. In the video, which has been circulating on social media for about a week, a girl wearing a pink outfit and carrying a stick walks around Angkor Wat, with images of the Thai flag and king superimposed, accompanied by the sound of "Hello Thailand".

Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia. Photo: Visit Southeast Asia — Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia. Photo: *Visit Southeast Asia*

On November 12, the Angkor Wat World Heritage Conservation Authority (Apsara) assessed the video as damaging to Cambodian culture and heritage and stated that it had requested TikTok to remove it. Apsara also urged users not to continue sharing or supporting negative actions. The video has now been removed from the TikTok platform.

Apsara stated that on October 30th, they banned a group of foreign tourists from filming in "creative attire" at Angkor Wat. The authorities also requested the group delete some inappropriate images. However, the tourists continued to use mobile phones, possibly concealed, to film for "improper" purposes.

Kim Phalet, an international tour guide in Cambodia, said that Cambodia and Thailand have had disputes over the Preah Vihear temple on the border. Therefore, the act of inserting images of Thailand into a video filmed at Angkor Wat has angered Cambodians. In addition, Kim said that tourists bringing a crew, using professional cameras, but wearing non-Cambodian clothing need to obtain a permit beforehand.

According to the Apsaras, their mission is to manage and preserve Angkor Wat, while "harmonizing the tourism experience with public safety and respect for the local community."

Speaking to VnExpress , Hua Quoc Anh declined to share the reason for filming the video in Cambodia but including images and sounds related to Thailand. However, he did admit his mistake and "hoped to be forgiven."

The Angkor Wat temple complex in Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia, is the world's largest religious monument, covering over 160 hectares (some sources say around 200 hectares), and is considered the pinnacle of Khmer architectural style. Angkor Wat is the heart and soul, the pride of the Cambodian people. In 1992, UNESCO recognized Angkor Wat as a World Heritage Site.

Tu Nguyen

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