In A New Policy, Cambodia Stops Its Citizens From Visiting Thailand For Non-Emergency Reasons, Sparking Confusion And Discontent Among Travelers

Published on December 22, 2025

In a recent policy shift, Cambodia has implemented a ban preventing its citizens from visiting Thailand for non-emergency reasons. This move has sparked confusion and discontent among travelers, as many are left questioning the rationale behind the decision and the impact it will have on their freedom to travel. The policy, which has left both the public and travel industry in a state of uncertainty, raises concerns about its long-term effects on cross-border relationships and tourism.

A recent incident at Siem Reap International Airport has raised concerns about travel restrictions between Cambodia and Thailand. The situation unfolded when several Cambodian passengers, including some traveling with their Western partners, were denied boarding on an Emirates Airlines flight bound for Bangkok and continuing onward to Dubai. The reason cited by immigration officials was that Cambodian citizens are no longer permitted to travel to Thailand for leisure purposes, except in cases of emergency.

This decision has caused confusion and frustration among travelers, as it came on the heels of the full closure of the land border between Cambodia and Thailand. While the Cambodian government has not formally declared a full travel ban between the two countries, this incident has added to the growing concerns about the state of cross-border travel. It also raises questions about whether the Cambodian government’s policies are aligned with the statements made by its leadership.

According to reports, Cambodian immigration authorities are enforcing a restriction on outbound travel to Thailand, citing concerns that Cambodian nationals might face difficulties when attempting to enter Thailand. The authorities have suggested that the ban is in place to prevent potential problems with Thai officials at immigration control points. Although the reasoning behind this decision might be understandable to some, it has not been accompanied by any official announcements from either the Thai or Cambodian governments about a full ban on travel between the two countries.

Thailand has only mentioned that it is closely monitoring travelers arriving from Cambodia but has not imposed any formal restrictions on air travel. This suggests that, at least for the time being, air travel between Cambodia and Thailand remains allowed, even if passengers are subjected to additional scrutiny. However, the lack of clear communication on both sides has created a confusing situation for passengers, who are left uncertain about whether they will be able to travel as planned.

This confusion is compounded by the ongoing closure of the land border between Cambodia and Thailand, which has been shut for some time due to military activity along the border region. The border closure has already created significant disruptions for those wishing to cross between the two countries overland, but it has not been officially linked to any changes in air travel policy. With the land border closed and the new restriction on outbound air travel, the Cambodian government’s stance on cross-border mobility remains unclear.

On December 14, a social media post from Cambodian officials clarified that the restrictions in place were only related to land border crossings and not air travel. The post specifically noted that the government had advised against using the land border due to security concerns, particularly due to fighting and military aggression along the frontier. The statement explained that these issues made the border crossing unsafe for travelers, but it did not address the confusion regarding air travel.

The apparent disconnect between the Cambodian government’s official statements and the actions of local authorities highlights a lack of coordination between the government and immigration services. Cambodian police and immigration officers at Siem Reap International Airport appear to have misunderstood or misinterpreted the government’s advisory, leading to the denial of boarding for passengers with valid tickets for travel to Thailand.

Furthermore, the Cambodian government has been quick to respond to perceived restrictions on travel to Thailand, particularly after an embassy statement in France highlighted the problems at Bangkok’s airport. Thai authorities later denied the claims made by the Cambodian Embassy, but the situation has only added to the ongoing confusion surrounding travel between the two countries. While the Cambodian government has been vocal in defending its citizens’ right to travel, it has not been as proactive in clearly communicating its own travel policies.

In contrast, Thailand has been cautious in its approach, refraining from imposing any blanket bans on travelers from Cambodia. Thai officials have indicated that they are closely monitoring arrivals from Cambodia, particularly in light of the ongoing security concerns in the region. However, the lack of formal restrictions on air travel suggests that Thailand is still open to welcoming Cambodian travelers, albeit with added scrutiny at border control.

The ambiguity surrounding the travel restrictions has left many travelers in limbo, unsure of whether they will be allowed to board flights to Thailand or if their plans will be disrupted. Cambodian passengers traveling to Thailand for business, tourism, or family visits now face the uncertainty of whether they will be allowed entry, and the lack of clear communication from both governments only exacerbates this issue.

The situation raises broader concerns about the state of cross-border mobility within Southeast Asia, particularly in light of the region’s commitment to promoting free movement among member states. ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has long advocated for the easing of travel restrictions within the region to promote economic growth and cooperation. However, incidents like this one show that political tensions and security concerns can still interfere with the free movement of people, undermining ASEAN’s principles.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the Cambodian government will issue further clarifications regarding its travel policies, particularly with regard to air travel to Thailand. Travelers are urged to stay informed about any updates or changes to the situation, but with the lack of clear communication from both sides, the future of cross-border travel between Cambodia and Thailand remains uncertain.

Cambodia’s new policy banning citizens from visiting Thailand for non-emergency reasons has sparked confusion and discontent among travelers, raising concerns over its impact on freedom of movement.

For now, passengers traveling between Cambodia and Thailand should prepare for potential disruptions and ensure they have all necessary documentation for travel. Whether this incident marks the beginning of more stringent travel restrictions or is simply a one-off misunderstanding remains to be seen, but it has certainly cast a shadow over the future of cross-border travel in the region.