Brand doubles? Air Cambodia slammed for Thai Airways lookalike design, marring launch of new route
July 21, 2025
Air Cambodia, formerly known as Cambodia Angkor Air, has encountered unexpected controversy over its refreshed airline brand. Social media backlash accompanied the airline’s launch of a direct route between Shenzhen and Siem Reap.
Some social media users accused the carrier of borrowing too heavily from Thai Airways’ visual style.
Viral photos of 'Cambodian National Airline' flight attendants launching their first direct flight between Shenzhen and Siem Reap spark fierce Thai criticisms.
— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) July 19, 2025
On July 19, a hot debate is raging online as social media users widely share photos of the 'flight attendant uniforms'… pic.twitter.com/N6HxnwHOwe
Air Cambodia inaugural flight—a tourism boost
Air Cambodia operated its inaugural direct flight, K6929, from Shenzhen to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport on July 18.
The airline will operate the route weekly on its Airbus A321 aircraft.
This is Cambodia’s first non-stop connection from the Chinese tech hub, a significant transport link as the two nations mark the “China‑Cambodia Tourism Year 2025.“
The direct link between the destinations bypasses the prior transit through Phnom Penh, increasing visitor numbers from China’s Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao region and boosting local tourism around Angkor Wat.
Airline brand similarities spark heated debate
Despite the route’s promise, social media shifted focus from aviation to aesthetics. Users were critical of Air Cambodia’s new livery, logo, and staff uniforms for being too similar to those of Thai Airways. The primary focus of their wrath appears to be a shared palette of purple and gold.
However, the use of a purple or gold hue alone is not a protected branding characteristic. The two airlines seem to use two different shades of the colours.
Prompted by the hullabaloo on social media, Air Cambodia issued a statement explaining its design choices. The airline emphasised that the dark purple tone symbolises a blend of blue (which reflects stability and tranquillity) and red (which represents strength and passion). The gold highlights Cambodia’s royal heritage and also symbolises prosperity.
There are notable differences between the two airlines’ logos and uniforms, making them easily distinguishable.
Thai Airways Int. PCL (THAI) proudly unveiled the stunning new uniform for female cabin crew, combining the essence of our national identity and commitment to sustainable development. Get ready to witness this stylish transformation starting from 1st January 2024! pic.twitter.com/dZUviQxHK7
— Thai Airways (@ThaiAirways) October 25, 2023
Air Cambodia states its logo combines the Angkor Wat temple symbol with a stylised bird wing. Combined, they reflect “the strength and the beauty of the temple, the agility and the speed of the bird.”
The airline defines its brand ethos as offering a “typical Khmer beauty that brings a special touch of personality to the company.”
Some commenters on social media pointed to historic and cultural ties between Thailand and Cambodia, which may explain some of the likeness that critics perceive. They also noted that many airlines around the world share some similarities in their choice of colours and uniforms.
For its part, Thai Airways has not commented on the controversy nor made any claims of brand asset violations.
Air Cambodia aspires to grow
Backlash aside, the airline’s rebranding aligns with broader efforts to expand its reach across ASEAN. Air Cambodia is owned by the Cambodian government along with China’s Henan Airport Investment Group and Vietnam Airlines.
The airline operates domestic and international routes, serving destinations across Southeast Asia, India, and Palau, as well as major Chinese cities including Guangzhou, Zhengzhou, Nanning, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Fuzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and Macau. Air Cambodia also holds exclusive seventh freedom rights for flights to Haikou, China.
Through code-sharing agreements with Vietnam Airlines and other partners, the airline connects passengers to destinations in France, the UK, and Australia.
Air Cambodia has stated plans to expand its fleet to 33 aircraft by 2032, while continuing to open new popular routes.
