PHNOM PENH – In an absurd misuse of wealth, a luxury commode custom-built for a Thai princess’s visit to Cambodia was left unused despite its hefty US$40,000 (S$56,217) price tag.
Cambodia is a poor country in Southeast Asia with a majority of rural dwellers not having access to a toilet.
The convenience was built for a visit on Monday by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to Yeak Lom lake in northeastern Cambodia, an international news agency reported.
But her two-hour visit ended without her ever having experienced the lavish water closet.
The toilet was later “removed” and the adjoining bathroom will now be turned into a security post for tourists visiting the tree-ringed lake, officials said.
According to media reports, the Princess did not go inside the bathroom, just looked at it from outside and took some pictures.
The toilet took more than two weeks to build and cost an estimated US$40,000.
