Drone: operations are prohibited in Cambodia, especially in the areas that border Thailand

Drones : operating without authorization are prohibited in Cambodia, especially in the areas that border Thailand.

In a directive, the Ministry of National Defence stated that it “absolutely prohibits the use of all types of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) without permission in capitals and provinces, especially the border provinces of Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Pailin.”

According to the command, the action is intended to provide civilians and troops with security, safety, and public order at this trying time.

“Anyone who violates or uses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) without permission from the Ministry of National Defence will be punished according to the law,” the order said.

Additionally, it gave military troops permission to utilize the anti-drone equipment as necessary. According to Cambodian media sources, after the first round of border battles with Thailand in late July, Cambodia has prohibited drone operations in all border provinces with Thailand since early August, according to Xinhua news agency.

On Monday afternoon, Thailand said it had “detected more than 250 UAVs flying from Cambodia and violating Thailand’s sovereign territory.” This prompted the action.

The charges were denied by Cambodia, which said that “no such drone launches have occurred.”

“Strict directives to prohibit the launch of any kind of UAV have been issued by the Ministry of National Defense and provincial governments, especially those near the border. In a news statement, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, the spokeswoman for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, said, “We certify that no such drone launches have taken place.”

“The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the Cambodian government reaffirm their strong and sincere commitment to the steadfast implementation of the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand signed on October 26, 2025, and the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee between Cambodia and Thailand dated December 27, 2025,” she said.

The goal of these efforts, she said, is to ensure that the people who live along the border regions of both nations recover quickly and return to normality, peace, stability, and security.

After three weeks of fighting, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate ceasefire in a joint declaration issued on December 27.