Interior Ministry bans drone flights along Thai border amid rising tensions

Digi IT August 03, 2025 0

 

Phnom Penh, August 3 — The Ministry of Interior has issued an urgent directive this evening prohibiting the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—commonly known as drones—in 10 provinces bordering Thailand and nearby areas for a period of 15 days, citing national security concerns.

The ban applies to the provinces of Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pailin, Pursat, Koh Kong, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom.

In the directive signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha, provincial governors are instructed to “strictly prohibit all drone flights” within their respective jurisdictions. The order came amid heightened alert following what Cambodian authorities have described as Thai military encroachment on Cambodian territory.

“To enhance control and maintain public security, safety, and order in areas near the border with Thailand and in provinces affected by the ongoing violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the directive states, “the Ministry of Interior instructs all relevant provincial authorities to widely inform the public and strictly enforce this drone ban for a period of 15 days starting from the date of receiving this directive.”

Violators of the ban may face criminal and administrative sanctions in accordance with Cambodian law, the announcement warned.

In addition to the flight ban, provincial administrations are also required to closely monitor and control the security situation and submit daily reports to the Ministry’s General Department of Administration.