After residents became alarmed on the night of January 9, 2026, and reported numerous drones flying across the sky, Deputy National Police Commissioner and Phnom Penh Police Commissioner Chuon Narin dispatched specialist officers to inspect and monitor the situation closely. They found that residents were flying kites fitted with lights at night, not drones.
The police commissioner called on residents to stop modifying kites with lights in this way, saying that they could cause confusion and affect safety, security and public order, especially in Phnom Penh. He stressed that if violations continued, the authorities would tighten enforcement measures, including fines and legal action as prescribed. He hoped residents would understand and cooperate with local authorities and law-enforcement officers to help maintain safety, security and order in society.
The Ministry of National Defence had previously called for and imposed a ban on flying drones of any kind nationwide, particularly in the seven provinces bordering Thailand: Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Pailin. Anyone flying drones without the ministry’s permission would face legal measures.
By: Nget Pisant
