The Apsara Authority wants stricter legal action against those illegally flying drones at the Angkor complex in Siem Reap province.

Hence, it has formed a working group to study the possible implementation of tougher legal action against individuals flouting the current provisions, an announcement on its website said on Wednesday.

The working group has been assembled following a meeting on the issue on Monday between the relevent authorities.

Sok Sangvar, deputy director general of the Apsara Authority, said flying drones at the Angkor complex poses a risk to the temples and the safety of tourists in the area.

Kroch Vandy, deputy director of the Civil Aviation Department, said while it is illegal for individuals to operate a drone in the complex, registered companies are permitted to fly the machines in the area no higher than 150 metres from ground level.

As of now, when the authorities find an individual flying drones illegally in the area, the machine is seized but returned later after a documentation process is completed.