The APSARA National Authority organised a solemn prayer ceremony for peace and prosperity for Cambodia in front of Angkor Wat on Sunday as a central activity of the Thanks Angkor Festival, reaffirming the nation’s deep spiritual connection to its cultural heart. The event reflected Cambodia’s enduring respect for Angkor Wat as a symbol of identity, faith, and continuity, bringing together cultural leadership and public institutions in a shared moment of reflection and national unity.

National and Provincial Leaders Unite in Cultural Reverence

The ceremony was presided over by Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and President of the Board of the APSARA National Authority, highlighting the importance placed on cultural heritage at the highest levels of leadership. Senior officials from the APSARA National Authority and the Siem Reap Provincial Administration were joined by representatives from relevant departments and institutions, as well as officials and staff of the authority, demonstrating broad institutional support for safeguarding Cambodia’s spiritual and historical legacy.

Honouring Khmer Ancestors and Sacrifice Across Generations

At the heart of the prayer ceremony was a profound act of remembrance for the Khmer ancestors who built Angkor Wat and countless other ancient temples, leaving behind an irreplaceable cultural inheritance for future generations. The prayers extended beyond remembrance to seek lasting peace and prosperity across the country, while dedicating the spiritual merits of the Thanks Angkor Festival to the souls of Khmer ancestors and the heroic Khmer soldiers of all generations who sacrificed their lives in defence of the nation and its territory.

Showcasing Conservation and Sustainable Development at Angkor

Alongside the ceremonial activities, the APSARA National Authority organised exhibition booths that highlighted key achievements in conservation, management, and sustainable development at the Angkor site. These displays provided tourists and members of the public with valuable insight into ongoing preservation efforts, reinforcing awareness of the careful balance between protecting Cambodia’s world heritage and promoting responsible cultural tourism for the future.

Cambodia is taking decisive steps to strengthen its international aviation footprint as the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) finalises three major draft laws designed to significantly expand the Kingdom’s global air connectivity. These drafts soon to be reviewed by the Council of Ministers, reflect the government’s commitment to broadening international air routes and aligning with its open-sky aviation policy. According to the SSCA, this legislative progress represents a strategic milestone in enhancing Cambodia’s global aviation partnerships and improving the country’s long-term competitiveness.

Key Aviation Agreements Aimed at Boosting Regional and Global Cooperation

The three draft laws focus on high-level aviation partnerships with major regional and intercontinental stakeholders. They include the ASEAN–EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement, the ASEAN–China Air Transport Framework, and new service commitments under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services. Collectively, these frameworks are expected to elevate Cambodia’s aviation standards, widen flight networks, and stimulate investment opportunities across the aviation ecosystem.

Strengthening Ties Through the ASEAN–EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement

The first draft law seeks to ratify Cambodia’s participation in the ASEAN–EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement, which aims to deepen cooperation between the regions. Officials highlight that the agreement would allow expanded traffic rights, open additional flight routes, and enhance Cambodia’s aviation reputation. Beyond improved connectivity, the agreement is expected to drive investment inflows, uplift tourism activity, and foster cultural exchanges between Cambodia and European partners.

Enhancing Regional Integration via the ASEAN–China Air Transport Framework

The second draft law focuses on the ASEAN–China Air Transport Framework, a protocol expected to increase the flow of Chinese and regional travellers while boosting overall air activity. This framework would give airlines greater flexibility to operate routes across ASEAN territories, strengthening joint aviation infrastructure and catalyzing broader economic and cultural ties. Increased travel frequency and improved operational freedom are anticipated to benefit both Cambodian airlines and international carriers serving the region.

Aligning Aviation Standards Through the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services

The final draft concerns ratification of the 11th and 12th service packages under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services, which further integrates Cambodia’s aviation sector with regional liberalisation objectives. This alignment ensures the Kingdom remains competitive and compatible with ASEAN aviation regulations, while supporting long-term sectoral modernization.

Government Commitment to Expanding Air Routes and Investment Potential

SSCA Secretary of State and spokesman Sinn Chanserey Vutha emphasised that these legal updates are part of Cambodia’s broader ambition to expand global air links.

He stated, “Expanding international cooperation and strengthening regulatory frameworks will unlock new flight connections and support economic development.” His remarks highlight the government’s proactive approach in positioning Cambodia as an emerging regional aviation hub.

Rising International Air Traffic and Long-Term National Aviation Goals

Recent SSCA data underscores the aviation sector’s continuing recovery and momentum. Cambodia’s international airports collectively handled 5.66 million passengers in the first 10 months of this year, an increase of 14 percent year-on-year. This rising demand supports the government’s strategic direction. Earlier this year, the Royal Government approved the National Policy on Air Transport 2025–2035, a roadmap designed to build a sustainable, resilient, and competitive aviation ecosystem. The policy aims to drive Cambodia toward achieving 25 million annual passengers and 205,000 tonnes of cargo by 2035, while improving connectivity at local, regional, and global levels.

How Long Before Traveling to Cambodia Should You Apply for an e-Visa?

Planning a trip to Cambodia has become increasingly convenient thanks to the country’s streamlined electronic visa system. Yet many travelers still wonder about the ideal timing for submitting their e-visa application. While Cambodia remains one of the easiest destinations in Asia for online visa processing, there are key timelines to understand, especially because requirements differ depending on your nationality, travel preferences, and whether you opt for the standard e-visa or the newer e-arrival system. By understanding these options well in advance, visitors can enjoy a smooth, stress-free arrival without delays or unexpected paperwork at the airport.

Visa on Arrival vs. e-Visa: Understanding the Easiest Path

For many travelers, the simplest option continues to be the Visa on Arrival, which remains efficient and tourist-friendly at major Cambodian airports. As one traveler shared, “Best option is to do visa on arrival, it’s pretty simple – there’s a iPad area where you apply for the visa, pay 30usd and enter.” This direct approach appeals especially to visitors who prefer minimal pre-trip administration. Although Cambodia also offers an official e-visa website, some travelers report a smoother overall experience when completing the process upon arrival rather than online in advance. The Visa on Arrival requires no advance submission, making it a suitable choice for last-minute planners or spontaneous travelers.

Applying Online: The 30-Day Window You Must Know

Cambodia’s e-visa is recognized as one of the easiest online visas in Asia, especially for those who like to prepare before boarding their flight.

As one traveler emphasized of a Cambodian Facebook group that, “It’s the easiest visa to do online in Asia to do in advance. Even I could do it. Just be sure you’re on the official site. you can only apply within 30 days before travelling. I did mine a week in advance.”

The official application site restricts submissions to within 30 days of your intended arrival date, ensuring that visas remain valid and up-to-date. Many travelers successfully secure approval within a few days, but applying at least one week ahead, ideally two, provides extra comfort in case of system delays or document issues.

The e-Arrival System: A Faster Option Before Boarding

In addition to the e-visa, Cambodia now offers an e-arrival option that allows approved travelers to bypass the iPad kiosks at the airport. This process acts as a digital arrival card, helping speed up immigration clearance. Certain nationalities are required to complete both the e-visa and e-arrival forms.

One Canadian traveler explained, “There is visa and e arrival. As a Canadian I had to do both. E visa 2 to 3 weeks before. Approval 5 days or less. E arrival 7 days or less before. Approval in minutes.” Travelers who complete both in advance avoid extra waiting time at the airport, passing directly to the customs officer after landing.

Best Practices: When to Apply for Maximum Convenience

Frequent travelers to Cambodia often choose to submit their e-visa around 2–3 weeks before traveling, early enough to avoid stress, yet still within the official 30-day application window.

One visitor confirmed, “I do mine online about 2-3 weeks ahead of time and do my e-arrival online before I board my flight into Cambodia. No waiting in line at the little iPads just straight to the customs officer.”

For travelers seeking the smoothest possible arrival, this timeline offers the right balance. Whether you choose Visa on Arrival or e-visa plus e-arrival, always ensure you submit through the official government portal: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/application.

A tourism super app is an all-in-one digital platform that brings every essential travel service together in a single, seamless mobile experience from discovering destinations and booking hotels to navigating transportation, finding local experiences, and accessing real-time updates. Instead of switching between multiple apps or websites, travelers can plan, book, explore, and enjoy their trip through one unified system. Tourists need this type of super app because it saves time, reduces confusion, and enhances convenience, especially when visiting a new country where language, navigation, and service access can be challenging. By simplifying every step of the travel journey and offering trusted, verified information, a tourism super app creates a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable experience for both tourists and investors. This is exactly the vision behind Cambodia’s upcoming tourism super app, a major digital step designed to elevate the nation’s tourism sector and attract global visitors through smarter technology.

A Strategic Digital Leap for Cambodia’s Tourism Sector

Cambodia is moving forward with the launch of an ambitious tourism super app designed to elevate the nation’s appeal for both international tourists and global investors. Built to integrate essential travel services into a single digital ecosystem, the initiative is expected to streamline visitor experiences while strengthening Cambodia’s broader digital transformation strategy. This major step aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its tourism infrastructure and position itself competitively in the global tourism market.

A Powerful Partnership Behind the Innovation

The super app is the result of a collaborative partnership between the Ministry of Tourism, Samadhi Property and Hospitality Co. Ltd., and Atmosphere Core Pte. Ltd. Together, the parties aim to harness technology-driven solutions that not only simplify tourism services but also promote Cambodian destinations to a wider international audience. The partnership reflects strong private, public cooperation, an essential driver behind many of Cambodia’s successful development milestones.

High-Level Discussions to Advance Tourism Investment

Tourism Minister Huot Hak recently welcomed Meas Sophearoth, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Samadhi Property and Hospitality and Atmosphere Core, along with her delegation, to explore the company’s long-term investment plans in Cambodia. Their discussion centered on a major investment project in the hotel and hospitality sector and the development of a comprehensive super app offering a seamless, all-in-one digital experience for travelers. These initiatives are expected to significantly uplift service quality and further solidify Cambodia’s reputation as a welcoming destination for travel, business, and leisure.

A Seamless All-in-One Platform for Tourists and Investors

The proposed super app is envisioned to integrate a wide range of digital tourism services, destination listings, travel planning tools, accommodation options, transportation solutions, and promotional features aimed at boosting Cambodia’s visibility on the world tourism map. By offering a unified experience, the platform is expected to support the government’s push to attract long-haul visitors, repeat travelers, and new foreign investors interested in Cambodia’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector.

Government Support for Expanding Tourism Innovation

During the meeting, Minister Hak expressed appreciation for the companies’ contributions to Cambodia’s tourism, hotel, and hospitality development. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s willingness to collaborate closely with the private sector to advance innovation, expand market outreach, and spotlight Cambodia’s tourism potential. Hak also encouraged the companies to promote Cambodian destinations on international platforms and emphasized the Ministry’s readiness to support joint initiatives such as global tourism events, promotional campaigns, and familiarisation trips aimed at boosting international awareness.

A Beauty Queen Under Fire

Miss Universe Cambodia, Thai Neary Socheata,widely known as Fiyata. has found herself at the center of harsh online criticism following an incident involving Thai media commentators. Despite the negativity, she remains resolute, declaring that “No matter what happens, I will never back up”, a statement that has captured the attention and admiration of supporters across the Miss Universe community.

The Incident That Sparked Controversy

The backlash began when some Thai commentators accused Fiyata of disrespecting cultural norms after an incident where she was seen not removing her shoes before entering what they claimed was an ancient site. Negative comments quickly circulated, including harsh insults such as:

• “Miss Cambodia, go back to Cambodia. They told you to take off your shoes before entering the ancient place. Other beauty queens did it too, but this one refused to do it. She chose to create drama, this beggar.”
• “Can I say ‘you deserve it’ Talk about Thai, scold Thai a lot. Come to Thailand, play the victim to poor people to get high points.”

Despite the personal attacks, Fiyata maintained her composure and reaffirmed her commitment to representing her country with honor.

Fiyata’s Empowering Response

In her public message addressing the issue, Fiyata expressed both resilience and determination:
“Don’t worry, it won’t be long now. We will meet again. Even though something has touched my heart, believe me, the more I do, the more the world will see me as a Cambodian. No matter what happens, I will never get back up. I ask you to walk and fulfill this role to the end and do your best. We will meet again soon.”

Her heartfelt words resonated across the pageant community, inspiring fellow contestants to stand by her side.

Global Sisterhood: Miss Universe Contestants Rally Behind Cambodia

Following the incident, beauty queens from around the world expressed their solidarity with Fiyata. Miss Universe Mexico, Fatima Bosch, shared a message of affection and encouragement on Instagram:
“Love you so much! You are the most beautiful beauty queen! Keep shining bright.”

Other contestants joined in posting photos and messages of unity, reinforcing the idea that the Miss Universe platform promotes inclusivity, dignity, and respect, values often overshadowed by trending controversies.

Miss Universe Singapore Speaks Out

Miss Universe Singapore, Annika Sevy Saker, further amplified the message of solidarity by posting a video accompanied by a powerful reflection:
“All the contestants of Miss Universe do not just represent their country. But they also represent the values we all share! Dignity, compassion, and sisterhood of women around the world.”

She added an extended message supporting Cambodia and all women who face unfair criticism:
“I recognize the situation Cambodia has dealt with. No one should feel disrespected, undervalued, or targeted in any field, especially in a competition that celebrates diversity and strength. I stand with her and all women who choose to speak out against inappropriate behavior. She has always been kind, respectful, and compassionate to everyone and deserves to be treated with the same respect that she has shown others.”

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Annika’s message also touched on the growing influence and hazards of social media. She emphasized that the digital world can uplift but can also distort reality, spread misinformation, and cause emotional harm.

Despite the controversy, anticipation for the upcoming Miss Universe 2025 competition continues to build. Scheduled for 21 November 2025 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand, the event is set to bring together global ambassadors of beauty, culture, and advocacy. For Cambodia, Fiyata’s courage and resilience have already made a strong impression on the international stage.