Thailand's Bangkok Airways began direct flights from Bangkok to the northern Cambodian

tourist town of Siem Reap on Jan 9.

Bangkok Airways is the first carrier to take advantage of Cambodia's new open skies

policy.

A Bangkok Airways spokesman in Phnom Penh said the carrier was providing four flights

weekly with an ATR-72 this month but expected to expand to daily service in February.

The first flight had 51 passengers, officials said.

Previously only the Cambodian flag carrier, Royal Air Cambodge, was permitted to

service domestic routes, with international carriers strictly limited to service

in the capital.

But last year, co-premier Hun Sen announced an open skies policy, clearing the way

for foreign airlines to serve Siem Reap, home to the fabled Angkor Wat temple complex.

- Reuters.