Authorities Confirm Angkor Incident Was Private Dispute, Resolved Amicably in 2024
Authorities Confirm Angkor Incident Was Private Dispute, Resolved Amicably in 2024
Siem Reap, 5 January 2026 — The APSARA National Authority has issued an official clarification in response to a video recently circulated on a YouTube channel named “The Country Collectors”, which alleged that its creator were victims of violent assault at the Angkor World Heritage Site in Cambodia.
In a press statement released to the public, the APSARA National Authority categorically rejected the claims presented in the video, clarifying that the incident in question occurred on 7 February 2024 and was not an act of violence involving Cambodian authorities or law enforcement agencies.
According to the Authority, the incident stemmed from a private dispute between two foreign tourists, one American and one Russian, arising from a disagreement over a photography location near the eastern side of the Dance Hall at Ta Prohm Temple. The confrontation involved verbal aggression between the two individuals and bore no connection whatsoever to Cambodian institutions or officials.
APSARA tourism officers on duty immediately intervened, provided initial assistance to the individuals involved, and referred the matter to the Tourist Police of Siem Reap Province for facilitation and resolution. The dispute was amicably settled on the same day, with both parties reaching mutual agreement, as documented in the official record of the incident.
The Authority further stated that both individuals formally apologized to the relevant authorities and to the Cambodian people, expressing regret for their actions and for causing a disturbance at Angkor, a site of profound cultural, historical, and spiritual significance to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
In light of the facts established and the case having been resolved for nearly a year, the APSARA National Authority called on the public to refrain from sharing or further disseminating the misleading video, emphasizing the importance of responsible communication and respect for Cambodia’s cultural heritage and international reputation.
