News: PM Hun Manet announces no licence required for certain photography in Angkor

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced that certain types of photography in the Angkor Archaeological Park will no longer require a licence or permission from the APSARA authority.

The Prime Minister spoke on Friday during his gala dinner with the Cambodian Oknha Association and the Housing Development Association of Cambodia. He mentioned that the principles of the Code of Conduct of the APSARA Authority and local authorities affect the livelihoods of local residents. He instructed Minister Say Sam Al to address this issue “by finding ways to deal with the root causes rather than just the symptoms”.

The Prime Minister explained that with regard to photography in the Angkor Archaeological Park, APSARA Authority officials have a core duty to preserve not only the character of each temple, but also the cultural values. If photographers were to damage these cultural values, the heritage of the area would be compromised. Some of the policies are outdated and strict due to regulations put in place by the Royal Government since the 1990s.

Samdech Thipadei added that the APSARA authority has issued guidelines for filming since 2017, but the framework dates back to the 1990s, when photography was less common and most regulations were aimed at filmmakers. Therefore, photographers had to apply for permits to ensure the proper use of the footage and to protect cultural values. Another issue is the inspection of clothing by officials to ensure that it is suitable for photography.

On the same occasion, the PM said that having recognised the obsolescence of these principles, he had offered new guidelines to ease the conditions for non-commercial filming. Permission will not be required for personal footage posted online, but commercial filming will still require permission. As for dress codes, tourists should be allowed to wear their national dress out of mutual respect. For example, Korean visitors in traditional dress should be allowed to take photos with Angkor Wat in the background.

"If a person records and transmits provocative or offensive messages, action must be taken immediately, regardless of their attire," the PM stressed.

For pre-wedding photos, modelling, YouTube and Facebook, photos should be allowed to help promote Cambodia's tourist destinations.

Official national and international media wishing to film in the park for news coverage must apply to the APSARA authority for permission, but are not required to pay a fee.

Samdech Thipadei also asked photographers to adhere to a clear code of conduct and to dress appropriately to facilitate other tourists, especially in large groups. Photographers should not obstruct paths and must follow the instructions of APSARA Authority officials at each site, as some areas have special conditions or shrines.