Cambodian Government Cracks Down on Unofficial Border Fees Ahead of Khmer New Year

[geovalin]

KT

 

In a move to protect citizens and ensure smoother travel during the Khmer New Year, Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior has issued a directive aimed at stopping unofficial service fees being demanded at border crossings with Thailand.

 

The announcement, made public on April 8, instructs provincial administrations along the Thai border to prevent, investigate, and take action against any individuals or officials who solicit illegal payments from Cambodians crossing the border for the traditional holiday.

 

Key measures outlined in the Ministry’s letter include:

• Enhancing border security and order before, during, and after the New Year period.

• Boosting staff at immigration checkpoints and possibly coordinating with Thai authorities to extend crossing hours to avoid congestion.

• Deploying support forces to assist citizens with border procedures and respond to any incidents or disruptions.

• Ensuring that transport prices remain stable, calling on transport companies to avoid raising fares during the holiday.

• Working with Thai counterparts to waive visa (Re-Entry Permit) fees for Cambodians and raising public awareness of the exemption.

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The Ministry also signaled that, depending on the situation, special task forces or committees could be formed to coordinate cross-border movement and assist travelers more effectively during the busy holiday season.

 

The directive follows growing public concern over unofficial fees and aims to uphold fairness and accessibility for Cambodians traveling to and from Thailand to reunite with family or take part in New Year festivities.

 

-2025-04-09

[soi3eddie]

 

They tried this on with my Cambodian GF again this week (as they always do), at a Thai/Cambodia land border. She stands her ground politely speaking fluent Thai and Khmer, telling these chancers she already has a Thai visa with re-entry permit (as we often travel by air). They always relent and wave her through with no charge. Other's fall for the scam and pay the requested fee - 100-200 Baht apparently - for whatever supposed "service" they don't provide. Although, she did tell me that the requirement for re-entry permit can be waived - for a fee - when it appears that there is an exemption.