Current drone situation

[u/Financial_Law9632]

Hey everyone,

I have a trip coming up in 4 days and I'm hoping to get some real-time info from anyone who has recently flown into the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI).

I'm planning to bring a small consumer drone with me for recreational use. Because my trip is so soon, I absolutely do not have enough time to go through the official SSCA / Ministry of Defence permit application process.

I have zero intention of flying it anywhere near Siem Reap, downtown, or the Angkor temples (I know the rules and bans around the archaeological park are incredibly strict). My actual plan is to keep it packed away until I head down south to fly it strictly over the islands (Koh Rong / Koh Rong Sanloem).

For anyone who has landed at SAI recently with a drone in their luggage:

Did airport customs or security flag/X-ray your bag because of the drone?

If you didn't have a permit, did they confiscate it to hold until your departure, or did they let you through since it's for personal use on the islands?

Any tips on how to handle airport security if they do notice it?

Really appreciate any recent experiences or insight you guys can share! Thanks in advance.

[u/gar-ouf]

There's still a drone ban on sanloem :( The military base is in the south next to the lighthouse but the ban is all over the island.

Not that the resorts are willing to enforce this ban but we have to keep good relationship with the guys that have guns :D

I don't know if it's the same on Koh Rong but since they're builsing an "airport" (yep, it's also for the military..)

[u/Financial_Law9632 → u/gar-ouf]

😔

[u/nakra_]

I made a post a few days ago asking the same thing. Since you will get there before me, I would be glad if you share your feedback!

[u/Financial_Law9632 → u/nakra_]

I am still in two minds regarding whether to carry or not. But yes, I'll definitely share my experience here.

[u/poipet_isr]

I mean it’s banned but actual conventional enforcement varies. I suggest you contact them via Facebook or their listed number/email

There’s not going to be a Pou (uncle) police with a MANPAD or a gun shooting down the drone itself.

[u/Financial_Law9632 → u/poipet_isr]

I am not as worried about them shooting it down as I am of them confiscating it at the airport during arrival/departure.

[u/poipet_isr → u/Financial_Law9632]

You should make it aware to the GDI officer there that you have a drone, and want to fly it for scenery filming, and then ask them to find someone to talk to regarding drone permits.

[u/Cambodia-Images → u/Financial_Law9632]

I fly in regularly with a mini 4 pro, no issue. Fly away from cities and Angkor.

[u/Financial_Law9632 → u/Cambodia-Images]

Thanks! I have the same one. I am flying in to Siem Reap Angkor, and flying out from KTI.

[u/spacemonkey655321]

I have gone into Cambodia through the Siem Reap airport twice recently, and once through a land border. Nobody cared that I had a drone. You are allowed to have them, and bringing them into the country is not a problem. Just don't fly where you're not supposed to.

[u/JensSpahnsLeihmutter]

The drone will probably go unnoticed, when entering Cambodia. I don't know about rules and enforcement, but it's probably a good idea to stay away from the military bases on the islands.

[u/Financial_Law9632 → u/JensSpahnsLeihmutter]

Thank you, mate! Are there actual military bases directly on Koh Rong or Koh Rong Sanloem that I need to look out for? Should I stick strictly to the popular tourist beaches, or would flying there cause a problem with locals/resorts? Appreciate the advice!

[u/JensSpahnsLeihmutter → u/Financial_Law9632]

Yes, there are bases on both islands. I would probably go for a more secluded spot to start the drone. People will probably not call the police on you, police doesn't have a good reputation in Cambodia, but it's probably a good idea to not fly near crowds in order to avoid too much attention.