Siem Reap, Cambodia: Drone usage in Angkor Wat is being stopped by Apasara Authority because they are scared tourists will fly them into the old, sacred temples, causing damage that will cost money and time to repair, and if someone wants to use a drone, with or without a camera attached for video footage, they will need to get permission first.

This ban on drones in the Angkor Wat complex and surrounding areas has already been in effect, but it is now being more strictly enforced. Anyone, local or foreigner, caught using a drone in a restricted area will be stopped immediately and have their drone and all recording equipment confiscated and will be asked to leave Angkor Wat. These now strictly enforced guidelines for drone usage has been distributed to The Cambodian Tourist Association, all the ministries, hotels and even transportation services that are often used in Siem Reap by tourists.



There have been several foreigners arrested in Cambodia for flying drones over the past couple years, including these cases:

Australian Filmmaker James Ricketson Arrested at CNRP Rally With a Drone For Espionage in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

2 Foreigners Arrested for Flying Drone Over PM HS's Mansion

Three Vietnamese Tourists Arrested for Flying Their Drone Over Royals Palace

Hong Kong Man Arrested After Flying a Drone Over the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

This is the thread from 8 months ago when the ban on drones was first announced:
Wed Nov 09, 2016.
No more drones at Angkor Wat.
post150250.html?hilit=angkor%20drones#p150250

Also good to add that it's not forbidden only in Angkor Wat but in every temple, including Beng Mealea and Koh Ker. When it's a place under Apsara authority, better to ask the local guard.

K1000 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 21, 2017 1:10 am Also good to add that it's not forbidden only in Angkor Wat but in every temple, including Beng Mealea and Koh Ker. When it's a place under Apsara authority, better to ask the local guard.

No idea if this is so, but it doesn't seem too ridiculous to me that all sacred or ancient sites forbid tourist drones. It's fking annoying.
Drones for science or research is something else.

Anchor Moy wrote: ↑Wed Jun 21, 2017 1:29 am

K1000 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 21, 2017 1:10 am Also good to add that it's not forbidden only in Angkor Wat but in every temple, including Beng Mealea and Koh Ker. When it's a place under Apsara authority, better to ask the local guard.

No idea if this is so, but it doesn't seem too ridiculous to me that all sacred or ancient sites forbid tourist drones. It's fking annoying.
Drones for science or research is something else.

Agreed but if they were really serious about protecting the temples, they would do something about the traffic, the unchecked masses, the pollution.

hanno wrote: ↑Wed Jun 21, 2017 10:01 am

Anchor Moy wrote: ↑Wed Jun 21, 2017 1:29 am

K1000 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 21, 2017 1:10 am Also good to add that it's not forbidden only in Angkor Wat but in every temple, including Beng Mealea and Koh Ker. When it's a place under Apsara authority, better to ask the local guard.

No idea if this is so, but it doesn't seem too ridiculous to me that all sacred or ancient sites forbid tourist drones. It's fking annoying.
Drones for science or research is something else.

Agreed but if they were really serious about protecting the temples, they would do something about the traffic, the unchecked masses, the pollution.

That's not how you spell Chinese Tourists.

At least the Chinese have not been getting their tits and arses out at AW, which is plus one for them, I say.