It's an unusual announcement from an ambassador. Nevertheless, Cambodia's ambassador to France recently posted an official letter on his website advising travellers to his country to try to avoid a transfer via Bangkok.
Here's a recommendation that won't please Thai Airways International. Bangkok is the first choice for transfers to Cambodia. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport has the best connections to Cambodia. There are 62 flights a week to Phnom Penh operated by seven airlines. And 31 flights a week to Siem Reap/Angkor.
However, there are a number of reasons for this, Thailand and Cambodia are now involved in a conflict which has all the hallmarks of a real war.
The message from Cambodia's ambassador to France, David Luy, is unequivocal. According to his statement, he is advising travellers to avoid transiting through Bangkok because some travellers have been subjected to prolonged questioning, proof of their solvency and details of their journeys. Some travellers are reported to have missed their connections as a result of these interrogations, which are considered to be effectively intrusive.
The embassy states that it is not questioning the security in Bangkok but only the anxiety that the interrogation could cause. The ambassador's letter also mentions the disappearance of luggage on arrival in Cambodia. It therefore suggests that other connecting platforms be used.
For their part, the Thai authorities have also indicated that they are scrutinising certain foreign passengers arriving in Thailand more closely for security reasons. The country suspects that some people may be travelling to Thailand for reasons other than tourism. The airport authorities say that this increased scrutiny could slow down entry into the kingdom.
