Cambodia urges European travelers to avoid transit via Thailand amid reports of harassment, lost luggage

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec.24, 2025) — The Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Dili advised European travelers Tuesday to avoid transiting through Thailand after receiving reports of excessive checks, prolonged interrogations and baggage handling problems at Thai airports.

In an official advisory, the embassy said European passengers traveling to Cambodia faced heightened scrutiny during transit in Bangkok, including lengthy questioning before boarding, demands for proof of financial resources and detailed verification of accommodation reservations in Cambodia.

In some cases, the embassy said, the checks were followed by searches and baggage issues, with travelers reporting the loss of checked luggage upon arrival in Phnom Penh.

As a precaution, the embassy urged travelers to choose itineraries that do not include transit through Thailand and to consider alternative airlines and routes to Cambodia.

The embassy noted the incidents occurred outside Cambodian territory and were not the responsibility of Cambodian authorities, but warned they could disrupt travelers’ plans.

The advisory reaffirmed that Cambodia remains a safe and welcoming destination for international visitors.