Drones Must Be Registered in Cambodia Following Foiled Attack

Synopsis

Cambodia has mandated drone users to register their Unmanned Aerial Vehicles at local police stations after a plot to attack Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen's residence was foiled. This regulation includes details on weight limits and operating hours, aimed at enhancing security and public order.

Key Takeaways

Mandatory registration for drones weighing 2kg or more.
Users must be 18 years or older.
Drones can only be flown 6 AM to 6 PM.
Prohibition on flying near airports.
Violations will result in penalties.

Phnom Penh, Feb 15 (NationPress) Cambodia has mandated that users register their Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) at local police stations following the thwarting of a drone attack scheme targeting the residence of Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

An inter-ministerial Prakas (edict), endorsed by the ministers of interior, agriculture, and civil aviation on Friday and made public on Saturday, states that this initiative is designed to regulate the operation of drones to promote security, public order, and social safety throughout the Southeast Asian nation.

Drones capable of carrying a weight of two kilograms or more must be registered with local police, as indicated in the edict. Users are obligated to provide specific details regarding their drones, including the manufacturer, model, serial number, maximum flight speed, and load capacity.

The edict specifies that drone operators must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, flying is permitted only between 6 AM and 6 PM, with a permit required for nocturnal flights.

It is prohibited to operate a fleet of five or more drones without authorization, and flights are restricted in several critical zones.

Drones are forbidden from operating within a three-kilometer radius of civil and military airports, according to the edict, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

"Any individual who manages, occupies, or operates drones without adhering to the stipulations of this inter-ministerial Prakas will face penalties in accordance with relevant laws and regulations," the edict stated.

This legislation follows remarks made by Hun Sen, 72, on Tuesday, who disclosed that security forces have recently blocked a plot to conduct a drone attack on his residence located in Kandal province's Ta Khmau City.

Hun Sen shared an audio recording of a clandestine discussion among a group of suspected extremists who intended to discharge gasoline from an agricultural drone onto his home and ignite it.