Global geopolitical tensions and the negative impacts caused by Thai aggression along the Cambodia–Thailand border have led to a noticeable decline in the number of international tourists visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park in early 2026.
According to Angkor Enterprise, between January and February, a total of 188,885 tickets to the park were sold, a 32.45% fall from the same period in 2025. Revenue from ticket sales was $9.17 million, down 30.32%.
In addition to Angkor tickets, the enterprise also earned revenue from four other sources. Koh Ker Temple generated $65,295, Beng Mealea Temple $42,650, Kbal Spean $1,770 and Chong Kneas Port $191,172.
In 2025, it earned $44.7 million from Angkor ticket sales, a decline of 6.5% compared to 2024.
Angkor Enterprise, a public administrative body, was established in 2016. It operates under the technical supervision of the Ministry of Tourism and the financial supervision of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Ticket prices for the park are $37 per person for one day, $62 for three and $72 for seven. Ticket sales apply exclusively to international tourists.
Khiev Thy, president of the Khmer Angkor Tour Guide Association, told The Post on March 2 that crises stemming from geopolitical conflicts, slow global economic growth, the impact of armed clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border and issues related to online gambling contributed to the decline in international tourist arrivals to Cambodia since the second half of 2025.
He added that because international tourism is closely linked to global political and economic trends, it is difficult to predict how the situation will evolve.
“In the current context of global uncertainty, it is hard to forecast how the global tourism sector will develop,” he said.
“International tourism in Cambodia at present is not in good condition. For example, a group of 20 Israeli tourists who had booked me for a tour in Cambodia scheduled for March 19–20 have just informed me that they cancelled their trip due to their country being at war with Iran,” he added.
He asserted that, for now, the only feasible measure is to promote domestic tourism.
A report by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) shows that in 2025, Cambodia welcomed nearly 5.6 million international tourists, a decrease of 16.9% from the 6.7 million recorded in 2024. However, revenue from international tourism amounted to approximately $3.7 billion, up 3% compared to 2024.
