Education Minister Prasert Chantharawongthong declared he is not afraid of cultural claims after discovering a Grade 1 ASEAN Studies textbook describes wearing a sampot and sabai as Cambodian attire. He plans to discuss with the Ministry of Culture the details of national traditional dress.
At 12:55 p.m. on 1 September 2026 at Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai campus, Minister of Education Prasert Chantharawongthong spoke about the additional ASEAN Studies textbook for first-grade students. This book is part of the Social Studies, Religion, and Culture learning area under the 2008 Basic Education Core Curriculum. The textbook’s content on ASEAN member countries’ attire states that men wear closed-collar shirts and sampot cloth, while women wear long-sleeved shirts, sabai over pleated skirts with the front pleat tucked in, and belts, identifying this as Cambodian traditional dress. When asked if this had been verified, he said he has seen it and that the Ministry of Education will consult the Ministry of Culture to reach a conclusion regarding the details of national traditional clothing, as this is a sensitive issue.
Asked whether he was concerned Cambodia might claim this as their national dress, Prasert said he was not worried because the cultural ownership of traditional clothing is already well established. If it is Thai, then it is Thai; this is clear. He said he would first discuss the matter with the Ministry of Culture.
When asked if the textbook is still in use, Prasert explained it was published by a private publisher. He has inquired with them, and the publisher has submitted a clarification letter to the Office of the Basic Education Commission. However, to ensure accuracy, the Ministry of Education intends to discuss the matter with the Ministry of Culture for clarity and to establish a standard going forward.
Additionally, Prasert confirmed that the Ministry of Education will definitely review other textbooks from previous years to ensure correct understanding, as this is a sensitive matter and the uniqueness of each nation’s culture differs.