Background
The Office of the Council of Ministers convened a technical expert meeting on 3 August 2026 to review a draft sub‑decree on the management of unmanned aircraft (drones). The meeting was held at the Council of Ministers headquarters and was chaired by State Secretary Ly Chantoula, with participation from deputy heads of relevant advisory groups.
A sub‑decree in Cambodia is an executive‑level regulation issued by the government to implement national laws and provide detailed administrative rules. Unmanned aircraft regulations establish administrative procedures for aircraft registration, operator authorization, and designated airspace management to address safety, security, and privacy considerations.
Scope of Application
The draft sub‑decree under review concerns the management of unmanned aircraft and related operational activities within Cambodian airspace. The instrument is intended to define the administrative scope for actors and activities subject to oversight, including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), operators, and payload operations.
Key Provisions or Decisions
On 3 August 2026 technical experts met to examine and discuss the draft sub‑decree; the session included senior Secretariat of the Council of Ministers officials such as State Secretary Ly Chantoula and deputy heads of the legal and economic advisory groups. The document under review was described as a draft sub‑decree focused on unmanned aircraft management, and the meeting served to evaluate its technical and legal elements.
Draft sub‑decrees on unmanned aircraft commonly address issues such as registration requirements, operator authorization and competency, limitations on flights in controlled or sensitive airspace, and procedures for incident reporting. The meeting discussion focused on technical, legal and administrative aspects rather than on final adoption or enforcement measures.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
If adopted, the sub‑decree would create a formal regulatory framework that aviation service providers, commercial drone operators, and firms using UAS for mapping or agriculture would need to follow. Businesses engaged in aerial services will need to monitor the sub‑decree text for specific registration, licensing and operational requirements to ensure compliance with Cambodia’s administrative regime.
Official Source
Source: Office of the Council of Ministers (Facebook post), 3 August 2026. Original announcement posted at: https://www.facebook.com/ocmcambodia/posts/pfbid0B7qN8jrRaywGwYscXKDw9BcYN3LFtoNpKNKGGReLknwbqVeiDmxoSgazp9xge2Y7l
