The Cambodian Ministry of Culture has announced to seize of a set of playing cards with depiction of the Angkor Wat temple complex, as they are an inappropriate reproduction of the culturally important structure, local media said on Tuesday.
The cards, which show images of the Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom and Bayon temples, are illegal and Siem Reap authorities have been asked to confiscate them, said Chuch Phoeurn, secretary of state at Ministry of Culture, reported English-language newspaper the Cambodia Daily.
According to a card seller, the Nou Kor Thom Hotel's owner is the wholesaler.
He is unsure whether the hotel is also responsible for the printing of the cards, said the seller, reported Cambodian- language newspaper the Kampuchea Thmey.
The packs have been sold for five U.S. dollars each and have been sold to many tourists, added the card seller.
Businessmen had asked for the permission to use the images on the cards, said Chuch Phoeurn.
"But the ministry did not give permission because (cards) are used for gambling and are thrown on the ground where people step on them," he told the Cambodia Daily.
In Cambodia, when logos depicting images of Cambodia's national symbols or landmarks are to be reproduced, the Culture Ministry rather than the Commerce Ministry must be consulted.
Source: Xinhua
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