Avoid Bangkok, Fly Direct: Cambodia Urges Safer Routes as Transit Risks Mount

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 18, 2025) — Cambodia’s tourism and private sector leaders are urging international travelers, particularly from Europe, to avoid transiting through Bangkok and instead fly directly or via alternative hubs, amid growing reports of passenger mistreatment at Thailand’s main international airport.

The call follows a travel advisory issued by the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in France, warning of excessive questioning, financial checks and baggage incidents involving European passengers transiting through Bangkok.

Cambodia’s Pacific Asia Travel Association chapter said the situation risks undermining traveler confidence and called on airlines to expand direct connections or route passengers through safer hubs such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, South Korea or Vietnam.

“Cambodia remains a safe and welcoming destination,” said PATA Cambodia Chairman Thourn Sinan, noting that disruptions are confined to border areas and that major tourist centers, including Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, continue to operate normally.

The push comes as Cambodia expands aviation capacity, opening three new international airports — Siem Reap Angkor, Dara Sakor and Techo International — with a combined investment of $3.6 billion. Officials say the infrastructure positions Cambodia to handle increased direct traffic, including future Europe–Cambodia flights under the ASEAN–EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement.

Tourism data show Cambodia welcomed 4.75 million international visitors in the first 10 months of 2025, down 11.6 percent year-on-year. Vietnam remained the largest source market, while arrivals from China surged 44.6 percent. Thailand, however, saw a steep 42.3 percent decline.