Thailand and Cambodia Don’t Need a Culture War on Top of Their Border War

Last year, Thailand and Cambodia faced a border dispute without resorting to war and killings. This week, they struggle to agree on shared cultural heritage without insults and accusations, following the Miss Universe Cambodia pageant organizer's use of historical photos of Thai women in traditional attire, presented as Cambodian.

In response, the pageant organizer issued a letter acknowledging mistakes but refusing to apologize. The relationship between Thailand and Cambodia has become extremely toxic. The author hopes that both sides can exercise patience and work together to find a peaceful solution, while respecting each other's cultural heritage. Thais should acknowledge the deep cultural debt owed to the Angkorian Empire in present-day Cambodia, recognizing that their culture is a confluence of various influences.

Cambodians should understand that the border between Thailand and Cambodia was mostly settled, but the areas now in Thailand were part of the Angkorian cultural sphere. Both nations should open-mindedly explore their shared past and avoid modern nationalism's narrow lens.