SIEM REAP: APSARA Authority spokesperson Long Kosal reassured the public that taking photos and videos for personal memories does not require prior permission.

On October 5, Long Kosal clarified that prior authorization is required for traditional clothing shoots, pre-wedding photography, YouTube videos, live recordings for guides, singing, and business photography purposes.

He added that prior permission is required to adhere to the professional code of the Ministry of Culture as well as the APSARA Authority who review requests to help correct content or make suggestions for improving it so that it is an accurate reflection of history and art forms to avoid public criticism of false information.

The spokesperson defended the policy as necessary to protect the ancient city of Angkor as the heart and soul of the nation and said that the Cambodian public will not tolerate anything that takes away from its value.

He emphasized that in order to avoid any unintentional mistakes in the use of Angkor images, the APSARA Authority and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts need to review the purpose of distributing Angkor images to the public. He asked the public and private companies comply with the law.

Long Kosal said that the APSARA Authority intends to speed up the application process for permits and make it more efficient by setting up a call center, online communication and an online application system so that those who wish to film at Angkor can save some time.