A Vietnamese TikToker, Hua Quoc Anh, faced backlash after filming a video at Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple, stirring controversy.
The video, capturing two girls in inappropriate attire at Angkor Wat, integrated images of the Thai flag and king while saying “Hello Thailand”. The Angkor Wat World Heritage Conservation Authority (Apsara) deemed the video culturally insensitive, urging TikTok to remove it, emphasising the impact on Cambodia's heritage.
After Cambodian authorities demanded adherence to Vietnamese social media laws following the controversy, Quoc Anh was fined VND7.5 million (US$308). Quoc Anh, in response, acknowledged his mistake, expressing remorse and requesting for forgiveness.
Apsara had earlier barred visitors from filming with "creative costumes" at Angkor Wat, requesting the removal of inappropriate content. However, despite these guidelines, the video surfaced, upsetting locals. Kim Phalet, an international tour guide, highlighted the tensions between Cambodia and Thailand over cultural heritage, intensifying the outrage.
Commentators cautioned that misrepresenting or defaming the temple could evoke violent reactions, echoing past conflicts in 2003. This event emphasises the need to remind travellers to respect cultural sensitivities when visiting revered landmarks like Angkor Wat.