Cambodia makes arrest in Angkor Wat image scandal

Sou Phirin, governor of the northern province of Siem Reap, which is home to the temples, said the case was ongoing but that arrests had been made.

"We're investigating. We have detained people, but I can't comment further on an ongoing case," Phirin said by telephone. Siem Reap lies about 300 kilometres north of the capital.

Images of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon temples have recently been printed on the backs of playing cards, prompting indignation amongst officials, who say the cards are illegal because any image of Angkor on a commercial product must be approved by the Ministry of Culture.

The temples are considered sacred by Cambodians.

Authorities have expressed public concern about the images on playing cards because they are easily discarded and often thrown on the floor for people to tread on - a flagrant offence in Cambodia's devoutly Buddhist culture.

Although Angkor Wat's image is present on a range of products, including the self-proclaimed national beer of the same name, Angkor is a sensitive subject in Cambodia.

In 2003, angry mobs torched the Thai embassy and destroyed a number of Thai-owned businesses after an unfounded rumour circulated that a Thai soap actress had claimed Angkor was Thai.

It was not immediately clear what charges or sentences any detainees faced if formally charged.

//(Deutsche Presse-Agentur/DPA)