Cambodia Issues Travel Advisory Urging Passengers to Avoid Thai Airlines
Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong advisory urging travellers bound for the Kingdom to temporarily avoid booking Thai airlines or transiting through Thailand, following multiple reports of what authorities described as “excessive” and “unacceptable” checks imposed on passengers, particularly Europeans, during transit. The warning comes amid growing concern that such procedures are creating unnecessary disruption and anxiety for travellers, even before they reach Cambodian soil.
Reports of Excessive Checks and Passenger Disruptions
According to an advisory released by the Cambodian Embassy in Dili, Timor Leste, European passengers transiting through Thailand reported being subjected to prolonged interrogations prior to boarding connecting flights to Cambodia. These travellers were allegedly asked to provide unreasonable proof of financial resources and detailed confirmation of accommodation arrangements in Cambodia, despite having valid travel documents. In some cases, the checks escalated beyond questioning, with travellers reporting issues related to searches and baggage handling.
Baggage Handling Concerns Raise Alarm
The advisory further highlighted that some of these transit checks were followed by baggage related incidents, with checked luggage reportedly going missing and only discovered upon arrival in Phnom Penh. As stated in the advisory, “In certain cases, these controls have been followed by incidents related to searches and baggage handling, resulting notably in the loss of checked luggage, which has been observed upon arrival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia,” raising further concern about the reliability and fairness of the transit process.
Embassy Recommends Alternative Routes and Airlines
In response to these developments, the Cambodian embassy urged travellers to take precautionary measures by selecting flight itineraries that do not involve transit through Thailand. Travellers were advised to opt for alternative airlines that provide more direct or neutral routes into Cambodia. The advisory underscored that these incidents occur entirely outside Cambodian territory and stressed that “Cambodia remains a safe and welcoming destination” for all visitors.
Clarifying Responsibility and Protecting Traveller Experience
The embassy also made clear that such situations do not fall under the jurisdiction of Cambodian authorities, noting that “Do not fall under the responsibility of the Cambodian authorities; however, they may adversely affect your trip.” This clarification aims to reassure travellers while also emphasizing the importance of informed travel planning to avoid disruptions that could undermine their overall travel experience.
Foreign Ministry Expands Advisory Worldwide
Following these revelations, Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry instructed its diplomatic missions worldwide to inform both Cambodian citizens and foreign travellers of the advisory. The ministry called for travellers to avoid transiting through Thailand and to temporarily suspend the use of Thai Airways services when planning trips to Cambodia, signaling a coordinated and proactive response to protect travellers’ interests.
Conclusion
Cambodia’s advisory reflects a broader effort to safeguard the travel experience of visitors and ensure smooth access to the country amid growing tourism recovery. By encouraging travellers to choose alternative routes and airlines, Cambodian authorities are reaffirming their commitment to hospitality, transparency, and traveller confidence, while clearly distancing the Kingdom from transit issues occurring beyond its borders.