In Siem Reap, Cambodia, authorities at the Angkor Archaeological Park are continuing efforts to improve public order and preserve the beauty of Angkor Wat by removing and reorganising illegal vendor stalls around key tourist areas. The latest inspection took place on Thursday as officials from the APSARA National Authority joined local authorities and heritage police to monitor business activities near the world famous temple complex.

The operation focused on maintaining a cleaner and more organised environment for both tourists and local residents who rely on small businesses for their income. Officials said the campaign is part of an ongoing initiative to protect the appearance and cultural value of the UNESCO World Heritage Site while ensuring vendors can continue operating legally and safely. More information about the heritage site can be found through the official APSARA National Authority.

Authorities Target Key Tourist Areas

During the inspection, officials visited three important locations around Angkor Wat including the southern area near the reflection pond, the western parking area, and Trapeang Ses. Authorities worked to clear and reorganise vendor spaces that had expanded into public tourist zones.

The operation was led by Huy Buoy, deputy director of public order at the APSARA National Authority, alongside Siem Reap Deputy Governor Hay Yong and heritage police officers. Their goal was to improve visitor movement, reduce congestion, and create a more welcoming atmosphere for tourists exploring the ancient temple grounds.

Officials explained that these routine campaigns are not meant to remove local businesses completely, but rather to ensure trading activities are conducted in an organised and lawful manner that respects the historical environment of Angkor Wat.

Preserving the Beauty of Angkor Wat

Authorities said protecting the visual appeal and cleanliness of the temple area remains a top priority as visitor numbers continue to grow. Unregulated stalls and overcrowded vendor spaces can affect both the visitor experience and the overall image of the heritage site.

Local shopkeepers were encouraged to help maintain cleanliness around tourist zones and cooperate with officials during future inspections. Authorities also promised to continue joint operations to preserve the ancient surroundings and support long term tourism sustainability in Siem Reap.

The APSARA National Authority believes maintaining order around Angkor Wat is essential not only for tourism but also for protecting Cambodia’s cultural identity and international reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s leading heritage destinations.

Balancing Tourism and Local Livelihoods

While enforcement efforts continue, officials acknowledged the importance of local vendors to the tourism economy around Angkor Wat. Many families in nearby communities depend on selling food, souvenirs, and other goods to visitors throughout the year.

Authorities said the goal is to strike a balance between preserving the sacred temple environment and allowing residents to earn a stable income through legal and properly managed business activities. Organised vendor areas are expected to improve safety, cleanliness, and accessibility for everyone visiting the site.

As tourism in Siem Reap continues recovering and growing, officials are expected to strengthen management measures around major tourist attractions to maintain high standards across the heritage zone.

Conclusion

The latest crackdown on illegal vendor stalls near Angkor Wat highlights ongoing efforts by Cambodian authorities to preserve the beauty, order, and cultural significance of the country’s most iconic heritage site. By reorganising business activities and improving public spaces, officials hope to create a better experience for tourists while supporting local communities in a more sustainable and lawful way.

Cambodia’s aviation industry is continuing to show resilience despite mounting pressure across the global airline sector caused by soaring jet fuel prices and supply disruptions linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. While several countries in Asia are facing flight suspensions, reduced airline capacity, and rising operational costs, Cambodia’s international airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville are still operating normally with no major flight cancellations reported so far.

The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, widely known as SSCA, said it is closely monitoring global oil markets and aviation trends to protect the stability and long term sustainability of Cambodia’s aviation sector. The situation has become increasingly challenging worldwide due to instability surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. More aviation updates can be found through the official State Secretariat of Civil Aviation Cambodia.

Rising Fuel Costs Shake Global Airlines

The sharp increase in jet fuel prices has created serious difficulties for airlines around the world, particularly in Asia where many countries rely heavily on fuel shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Airlines across the region have already reduced routes, cut seat capacity, and cancelled flights as fuel costs continue climbing.

Several neighboring countries are already feeling the impact. Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan, and Vietnam have all reported significant flight reductions. Vietnam Airlines has reportedly scaled back domestic services to control expenses, while some airlines in Myanmar have temporarily suspended domestic operations because of fuel shortages.

Despite the growing uncertainty, Cambodia has so far avoided widespread disruptions that are affecting many regional aviation markets.

Cambodia’s Airports Continue Operating Normally

According to Sinn Chanserey Vutha, Secretary of State and spokesman for the SSCA, aviation fuel remains one of the largest operational expenses for airlines worldwide.

“In the context of international aviation, the price of aviation oil is one of the largest expenses for airlines, which can range from approximately 25 percent to 40 percent of operating expenses,” Vutha told Khmer Times yesterday.

He explained that rising oil prices have already affected ticket prices, flight schedules, and airline business plans globally. However, Cambodia’s aviation sector continues to maintain positive momentum.

“The sharp rise in the price of oil has affected ticket prices, the number of flights, and the operational plans of some companies, but in Cambodia, the aviation sector continues to show positive signs with an increase in passenger numbers, international flight connections, and the launch of new airlines,” he added.

Official SSCA data showed that Cambodia’s three international airports handled 23,204 two way flights during the first four months of the year, marking a two percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Cargo Growth Supports Aviation Industry

Although passenger traffic recorded a slight decline of four percent year on year, reaching 2.42 million travelers between January and April, Cambodia’s air cargo sector posted strong growth during the same period.

Cargo volumes surged by 36 percent to more than 30,000 tonnes, highlighting Cambodia’s growing role in regional trade, logistics, and supply chain activity. Industry observers say this growth reflects the country’s increasing importance as a regional commerce hub despite ongoing global economic uncertainty.

The rise in cargo transportation is helping offset some of the pressure facing passenger airlines while supporting Cambodia’s export and logistics sectors.

Government Pushes Reforms and Support Measures

To help protect the aviation industry from external shocks and volatile fuel prices, Cambodian authorities have introduced several support measures aimed at improving resilience and maintaining investor confidence.

The government and SSCA are expanding aviation cooperation agreements, strengthening international partnerships, and providing economic support programs including tax relief subsidies for affected operators.

Mao Havannall, Minister in charge of the SSCA, acknowledged that the aviation sector continues to face multiple challenges ranging from geopolitical tensions to rising operating costs and lingering impacts from the Covid 19 pandemic.

At a recent meeting, Havannall said Cambodia is moving forward with major regulatory reforms designed to modernize the aviation industry and improve international integration.

Among the key initiatives are the implementation of the 2025 Civil Aviation Law, the ratification of the Montreal Convention 1999, and the adoption of ASEAN aviation agreements that aim to strengthen regional cooperation and align aviation standards across Southeast Asia.

“With these measures, SSCA aims to keep Cambodia securely on track to hit its target of attracting eight million air passengers by the close of the year,” Havannall said.

Cambodia Expands International Air Connectivity

Cambodia currently operates three international airports and is served by 33 airlines, including four domestic carriers and 29 international airlines. The country’s aviation network now connects Cambodia with eight ASEAN member states as well as major international markets including China, South Korea, Japan, Qatar, and India.

This expanding connectivity is expected to position Cambodia strongly as regional and global air travel gradually recovers. Aviation officials believe the country’s stable operations and continued infrastructure development could help attract more airlines, investors, and international travelers in the coming years.

Conclusion

Despite growing instability in global fuel markets and mounting pressure on airlines worldwide, Cambodia’s aviation industry continues to remain steady and operational. Strong cargo growth, expanding international connections, and ongoing government reforms are helping the country navigate the current crisis more effectively than many neighboring nations. While challenges remain, Cambodia’s aviation sector appears determined to stay on course toward long term growth and recovery.