A hotel in Koh Phangan has issued an apology after Cambodian netizens were outraged by its use of Cambodian cultural icons, including the famous Angkor Wat, as building decoration, which they deemed inappropriate.
"We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused you and would like to clarify the vision from our founder's heart and intention," Le Palais Hotel wrote on its Facebook page on Sunday.
"Le Palais Hotel Koh Phangan was inspired by the greatness of Angkor Wat located in Cambodia. Cambodia is the motherland of our founder and always have a special place in his heart.
"We launched the hotel humbly only for the admiration, appreciation and passion for the magnificent art. The construction, decoration here were handmade & heart-made by Thai and Cambodian teamwork. Nonetheless the greatness will always remain to the great Angkor Wat and will never be compared."
Khmer Times reported on Friday that Cambodian social media had criticisms of the Thai hotel, with netizens slamming the Koh Phangan hotel for using Khmer culture and landmarks for commercial purposes.
Angkor Wat -- recognised by Unesco as a World Heritage Site since 1992 -- is the most renowned out of all Cambodia's temples and is featured on its national flag.
