Phnom Penh, Cambodia
A Cambodian mob torched the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh last week, forcing the ambassador to climb out a window and flee on a boat down the Mekong River. Cambodians were incensed at false reports that a famous Thai actress had declared the Cambodian temples at Angkor Wat to be the property of Thailand. It turned out a character played by the actress had made the remark in a movie several years ago. But the explanation didn’t come out till after mobs had smashed and burned Thai-owned businesses and homes in the Cambodian capital, and Thailand threatened to send troops to protect its expats. Cambodia has apologized and promised to foot the bill for the damage, which Thailand estimates at more than $42 million.
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