Cambodia has confirmed it continues to be a safe destination for international travellers, but Cambodia officials have requested that tourists do not transit through Thailand until tensions ease and travel inconveniences cease to exist. Cambodia is fully functioning and remains open to tourists.
Reports of Strange Behaviour at Airports in Thailand
Reports of strange behaviour at Thai airports by European travellers and complaints submitted by these European travellers to the Cambodian Embassy, followed by recommendations to avoid Thailand, were the basis of this travel advisory.
Examples of passengers experiencing different inspection levels and Tensions at Thailand airports included extended delays, requests for proof of funding, requests for hotel confirmation in Cambodia, and many questions issued to the passengers without any clarity on why or where the questions were coming from (i.e. an excessive level of questions).
What Rises Above Everything Else
There were also reports that the excessive number of questions had nothing to do with documentation, but some reports included bags being searched thoroughly, and some arrivals at Phnom Penh were missing their luggage.
Advice to Rethink Travel Route
The Cambodian authorities have provided a travel advisory urging travelers to consider changing their international travel route when traveling to Cambodia.
Recommendations from the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia include avoiding travel through Thailand when coming to Cambodia and using other airlines and routes that do not link with airports in Thailand. The intent is clear: reduce the uncertainty and anxiety levels associated with convenience and unpredictability.
Not Just for Foreign Tourists
It is important to note that this advisory is not limited only to foreign tourists. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Cambodia has advised Cambodians residing abroad to avoid using Thailand as a transit location until further notice.
Government and Diplomatic represenatives in various nations have been advised to keep a watchful eye on the situation and continue to provide travelers with timely information as it relates to recent escalating violence concerns between Thailand and Cambodia.
Border Tension – What is Affecting Airport Issues
Cambodia has stated that the current airport issues are connected to ongoing tension at the border. Since there have been several violent incidents at the border of the two countries, they believe there has been a marked increase in the already high security measures and increasingly aggressive nature of the controls of Thailand towards both Cambodia nationals and foreign travelers.
Long interrogations, multiple document checks etc. All are possible contributing factors creating travel uncertainties and anxieties in travelers.
When there is calm at the border, travelling tends to be a simple thing. However, when there are tensions due to politics, even a brief layover can become an issue. The recent travel advisory from Cambodia is a reminder that when planning a trip based on your destination, you must remember the routes you travel to get there!
Despite recent political events, Cambodian officials want to assure everyone that Cambodia is still considered a secure, stable, and welcoming destination for tourists. All tourist attractions remain open and available, the hospitality has not changed, and tourists will still be provided with a warm welcome upon arrival in Cambodia.
The advisory from Cambodia is not about entering the country, but rather how you will be travelling to the Country Of Cambodia.
This is not a travel ban or panic warning from Cambodia, but rather a friendly reminder to all travellers planning on travelling to Cambodia, to always choose a travel route that will ensure ease of travel.
Cambodia welcomes you to visit, but asks that you please take the most convenient route of travel to get to Cambodia!
