AKP Phnom Penh, December 30, 2025 --

The Ministry of National Defence this morning issued a directive strictly prohibiting the unauthorised use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, throughout the Kingdom of Cambodia in order to ensure security, safety, and public order.

According to the directive, the use of all types of drones without prior authorisation is strictly forbidden in the capital and all provinces, with particular emphasis on border provinces including Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Pailin.

The Ministry warned that any individual found operating drones without official permission from the Ministry of National Defence will be subject to legal action in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

To effectively enforce the ban, the High Command Headquarters of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, the Air Force Command, and the Air Defence Command are instructed to work closely with the National Gendarmerie, provincial and municipal administrations, and local authorities to strengthen monitoring and inspections of drone usage nationwide.

The directive further states that, if necessary, military units are authorised to respond appropriately, including the deployment of anti-drone systems, to prevent any threats to security, safety, and public order.

The Ministry has called on all relevant institutions, military units under its jurisdiction, the High Command Headquarters of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and provincial and municipal authorities to widely disseminate the directive and ensure its strict and effective implementation.

By C. Nika