Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Cambodian authorities have announced additional airport security screening for Thai passengers entering Cambodia for the first time, a move that could affect travel procedures for new visitors. The measures may include questioning on arrival and a requirement to provide a local guarantor, potentially lengthening arrival processing times for some travellers.

The policy was reported by Khmer Times on 8 January, citing officials from Cambodia’s aviation authorities. According to the report, the screening applies only to Thai nationals who have no previous record of entering Cambodia and whose travel history does not appear in the country’s immigration system.

Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Sin Chansereyvutha said the measures are part of standard safety and security procedures at international airports rather than acts of harassment. He explained that the checks are designed to ensure proper verification of first-time entrants and to maintain airport security standards.

The spokesman stated that Thai passengers with a clear and verifiable travel history in the system are not subjected to additional questioning. He added that the measures are narrowly targeted and do not extend to all travellers arriving from Thailand.

Non-Thai foreign travellers who enter and exit Cambodia via Thailand are not affected by the additional screening requirements, according to the same report. This distinction was highlighted to clarify that the policy is specific to first-time Thai visitors and is not applied more broadly to international passengers.

The requirement for a local guarantor may pose practical challenges for some first-time Thai travellers, particularly those visiting Cambodia independently or without established local contacts. However, Cambodian authorities have emphasised that the procedures are administrative in nature and linked to security oversight rather than changes in diplomatic relations.

There has been no indication that the policy alters existing visa rules or entry permissions for Thai nationals. The report did not mention any changes to bilateral travel agreements or border arrangements between Cambodia and Thailand.

Khoasod reported that Cambodian officials have not specified how long the additional screening measures will remain in place. The Civil Aviation Authority has indicated that assessments are based on travel history records, suggesting that repeat visits would reduce the likelihood of further questioning for affected travellers.

Key Takeaways

• First-time Thai visitors to Cambodia may face extra airport screening, including questioning and a local guarantor requirement.

• Cambodian authorities say the measures are standard security procedures and not harassment.

• Travellers with prior Cambodian travel records and non-Thai foreigners are not affected.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-11

 

 

Stupid......