Khmer Claims Everything
Khmer claims everything. A lighthearted look at Cambodia’s “claim it all” hobby.
It’s become an internet mystery—a cross between confusion and comedy. While most of the world knows where things originate, Cambodia seems to think that everything came from Cambodia.
Khmer Claims Everything
From festivals to fashion, from fighters to fonts—let’s take a closer look at some of the most viral (and hilarious) claims made by our dear Khmer neighbors.
1. Lisa from BLACKPINK: Rewriting Birthplaces
In one strange twist, Cambodian netizens tried to change Lisa’s birthplace on Wikipedia from Buriram, Thailand… to Phnom Penh, Cambodia!
Apparently, global superstardom equals “Khmer by default” now.
Nice try, internet editors—but her accent, her passport, and her interviews all say “proudly Thai.”
2. Buakaw: The Forgotten Khmer Fighter?
Buakaw Banchamek, a Muay Thai legend, has been claimed as Cambodian by some who say he “forgot his Khmer roots.”
But let’s not forget this: the Khmer organizers who hired Buakaw once didn’t even pay him his full fee!
If you’re going to claim someone, at least pay their bill first.
Meanwhile, Buakaw continues to wave the Thai flag, literally and figuratively, in every fight.
3. Songkran: From “Water Festival” to Khmer Heritage?
Thailand’s Songkran—a centuries-old New Year celebration—is famous worldwide.
So imagine our surprise when Cambodia switched from calling it “Water Festival” to “Songkran”… and suggested it should be listed under UNESCO as their own heritage!
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we guess.
4. Thai Traditional Dress: Suddenly Khmer?
From royal ceremonies to global runways, Thai traditional dresses are unmistakable.
So when online posts began claiming these elegant silk outfits were originally Khmer, the entire internet tilted its head.
Even Queen Sirikit, known for revitalizing Thai fashion, wore them in international showcases decades ago.
Cultural pride is great—but cultural confusion? Not so much.
5. Muay Thai: History Can’t Be Rewritten
Muay Thai, a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure, traces its origins to the Ayutthaya period—with legends like Nai Khanom Tom.
When Cambodia couldn’t claim it, they rebranded it as “Kun Khmer” and introduced it in the 32nd SEA Games as their own version.
Fine. Everyone deserves a sport. But history books and elbow strikes say Muay Thai was here first.
6. Thai Alphabets: 44 Letters Under Debate
Yes, even the Thai alphabet is under fire.
A recent incident saw a Cambodian tourist wearing a T-shirt that combined Khmer and Thai scripts, implying Thai borrowed from Khmer.
But the Thai language has evolved with its own identity—influenced by Pali, Sanskrit, and its own royal scholars. Nice shirt, though.
Final Thoughts
To our neighbors in Cambodia, we understand—national pride runs deep in your veins.
But even if you keep claiming this and that through social media, the rest of the world also has internet.
They have brains. They can do research. So next time before you claim something as your own, think twice.
Because when the truth slips out, and other countries call you out—well…
That’s not just awkward—it’s seriously embarrassing.
