Puth Sopha, 29

“It has not been approved by the Ministry of Arts and Culture or the Ministry of Information.

If they copy the style of Angkor Wat, they should have to be given an official licence from us [Cambodia].

Each country varies in culture from others, so they should not attempt to copy anyone.

Angkor Wat is known globally and belongs to Cambodians.

It is also one of the World Heritage sites.”

Hourt Chan Vottey, 21

“We cannot keep them from construction, but we need to make sure that what they are going to construct is different from us.

Otherwise, it is merely copying and pasting.

The rate of tourism may be cut down, which will cause economic growth to slow as well.

The next generation will get confused whether Angkor Wat belongs to Cambodia or not, like Thais who teach their children that Angkor Wat is their possession.”

Hem Mardy, 21

“If countries continue to build [Angkor Wat replicas] without permission, it means they do not respect us [Cambodia].

In my opinion, I consider it wrong for [this company] to build the Angkor Wat replica without permission.

It is the symbol of our country.

It is the pride of our nation, which is something unique that others [nations] do not have.

The one [nation] who copies us will be regarded as shameless.”

Ly Nai Huoy, 17

“As a Cambodian citizen it seems to be absolutely wrong.

Do they want to copy us to in order to attract more tourists?

They are jealous of us [Cambodia] because we have a wonderful and one-of-a-kind wonder of the world.

However, some expect  that tourists will make their destination to India rather than to Cambodia to see their Angkor Wat replica, even though it is just plagiarism.”