PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian embassy in France has noted restrictions placed on air passengers transiting through Thailand en route to Cambodia, with Thai immigration authorities “harassing” passengers with unusual questions, wasting their time.
In a Dec 16 letter, the embassy stated that a number of passengers travelling from Europe to Cambodia encountered difficulties while transiting at Bangkok airports. The issues included being questioned for many hours and facing excessive demands to produce documents proving financial resources.
Passengers were also subjected to checks regarding their hotel reservations in Cambodia and faced an atmosphere of anxiety and other unreasonable suspicions. The embassy added that in some cases, passengers even found their luggage missing upon arrival in Phnom Penh.
“As a precaution, passengers are requested to avoid transiting through Thailand or using Thai airlines when traveling to Cambodia,” it said.
“There are other airlines and international flight routes that offer better services and transit options without discrimination and with respect for passengers,” it added.
The embassy acknowledged that although these issues are occurring outside of Cambodian territory, they can negatively affect the travel experience of foreign visitors to Cambodia, which remains a safe destination that provides a warm and friendly welcome to tourists.
Choengron Rimpadee, spokesperson for the Thai Immigration Bureau, was quoted in the Bangkok Post as saying that Thai authorities claim the restrictions on passengers are for safety reasons amidst the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, specifically noting that Thai authorities remain suspicious regarding the alleged hiring of foreign mercenaries to conduct related operations.
The foreigners which are subject to strict inspections are reportedly primarily from Eastern Europe and countries in northern Asia.
Cambodia has rejected various accusations suggesting that it has hired foreigners to be involved in the conflict. Senate president Hun Sen recently clarified that since 1993, there has been no foreign military presence on Cambodian soil, other than for joint training exercises.
Thai authorities have also imposed restrictions on Cambodian citizens entering Thailand by air under the visa exemption programme. These restrictions are being implemented at major airports such as Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Hat Yai.
Cambodian nationals travelling to Thailand for business purposes must apply for the appropriate visa from the embassy in advance, according to same media outlet. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
