Visit of Hollywood star Angelina Jolie ‘positive sign’ for Cambodian tourism.

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, who is well known to Cambodians, has returned to the Kingdom for the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020.

In the past, the American film star directed the film First They Killed My Father here after starring in Tomb Raider, released in 2001, which is considered the first international movie in modern times to introduce the wonder of Angkor Wat to a wider, western audience.

This time, the famous filmmaker and star Jolie has been spotted in front of the Angkor Wat temple, surprising many tuk-tuk drivers and taxi drivers after they saw her walking to see the sunrise early in the morning around 7am on Monday.

Hanging out in front of Angkor Wat, tuk-tuk driver Sen Soeu said yesterday: “I was very surprised to see the American movie star by coincidence on Monday when she walked out from Angkor Wat. I ran up to her and asked to take a photo with her and she took one with me.”

He added that he couldn’t ask her any more questions because he saw two or three people walking with her.

“Actually, I wanted to ask her more questions but I couldn’t do it. Anyway, it was good she allowed me to take a photo,” he said.

Tour guide Mom Sopheaktra said: “I saw Angelina Jolie yesterday in front of Angkor Wat at 8am. I asked to take a photo with her and after doing so she walked away.”

While Jolie took some photos in front of Angkor Wat with Apsara Authority staff and some ticket checking guides, there were questions that she maybe has a new project in Siem Reap.

Apsara Authority spokesman Long Kosal said that Jolie has nothing to do with it.

“If you see our Apsara staff take a photo with her, it is personal only,” he said.

He added that the American film star might have an environment project with UNESCO.

UNESCO did not reply in time with any comment.According to Crossroads Today, Jolie planned to return to Cambodia this year to establish the next Women for Bees programme.