Cambodian user claims jong kraben after Thai crew’s London appearance

A Cambodian netizen has claimed that the distinctive "jong kraben" style of clothing has been part of Cambodian culture for an extended period, based on footage showing Bangkok Airways cabin crew wearing the outfits in London. The crew's appearance in contemporary blue Thai-inspired attire at Horse Guards Parade, London, on September 18 was documented by footage that later circulated on social media platforms.

The footage, shared on Facebook pages such as At Horse Guards and King’s Guard Horse, depicted the crew greeting tourists with smiles and wai gestures, the latter being a traditional Cambodian greeting. Reacting to this footage, Thai netizens pointed out that the style is a form of historic Thai dress associated with the reign of King Rama V, reflecting Western influence during King Rama V's European visit in 1897.

The characteristic features of the clothing, which include puffed sleeves, high collars, fitted tops, belts, and the jong kraben, were cited in the comments. This has sparked discussions on the origins and historical significance of the clothing style in both Cambodian and Thai cultures, with no new evidence being presented to substantiate the Cambodian claim.