Is Cambodia Safe For Thais?

[newsite12]

Need to go to Phnom Penh next week for a couple of days. Would love to take my Thai girlfriend with me. But with the obvious border tensions / skirmishes at the moment, I was wondering if it was safe for her. Or are Thais even welcome in Cambodia?

[newsite12]

OK. I am assuming you have this information on 'good authority'?

Can you point me to any sources or reliable material to back up your advice, that would be helpful.

[Travel2003]

Just make sure she doesnt mention Angkor Wat, which caused the last friction between the countries.

[jombom]

Perfectly safe. --- but she should be advised not to engage in nationalistic discussions. There are lots of Thais living in Cambodia, and many Khmer people have worked in Thailand so it is quite possible she will meet people who can speak Thai. At present Thai citizens don't need visas any more --- as far as I know.

[Travel2003]

Perfectly safe. --- but she should be advised not to engage in nationalistic discussions. There are lots of Thais living in Cambodia, and many Khmer people have worked in Thailand so it is quite possible she will meet people who can speak Thai. At present Thai citizens don't need visas any more --- as far as I know.

Well that information is a lot more encouraging than NOCTURN supplied. She is actually a very shy person, and talks very little to anyone she doesn't know.

I wonder why someone would say that she would be beaten to a pulp unless they know for sure. Unless they don't want me to take her, for whatever reason best known to them.

"I think I will go on thaivisa and see if I can give misinformation, and cause inconvenience to other members who normally positively contribute to the forum".

This kind of person totally undermines the value of information given on the forum, the vast majority of members here joined to contribute or get good information.

The forum could do a lot better without him.

I have a strong feeling it was just a joke.

You might find it silly, but still it was a joke.

Im pretty sure about that.

[craigt3365]

One over the top post removed as well as some replies. Sorry to the members who replied to that post. Hope you understand. :jap:

[samran]

I go there a couple of times per year for work.

Perfectly fine. Thai citizens don't need a visa, and just get stamped in for 2 weeks.

People are friendly, a suprising amount speak a smattering of Thai. Lots of familiar Thai companies there, out and proud. You'll see PTT service stations (the av gas tanks at the airport there are all PTT - first thing you'll see when you land), SCB banks, Thai TV channels on at hotels etc.

[bangkokburning]

Perfectly safe. You may even run into people who can speak Thai. As my Khmer is worthless now, last few trips I have been lucky enough to have had motodops from airport could could speak great Thai. My hunch is you might find more Thai speakers up in SRP as it is closer to the border.

Cambodia is a far happier place than when I left it in 96. People are working, belly's are full.

If you are bringing your girlfriend/wife I would see her clothes are conservative and a bit upmarket but not flashy.

[Atmos]

We were in Cambodia (2 weeks ago), my partner had been a little reluctant unsure how the locals would react to her; now she wants to come back with me on my next trip in November.

People were extremely welcoming, once they knew she was Thai it was 'sawasdee' with a smile from hotel/restaurant staff, tuktuk drivers, even the grim-faced lady at the museum . . . we went out of the city on a cycling tour and it was the same 'welcome' in more rural areas. As she is from 'just over the border' in Sa Kaeo province it was pointed out that it's all old Khmer-country, a few of the people we met knew of the border provinces/crossings but little else about Thailand.

It was a very good holiday for us both.

And a little humour here: we went through Cambodian immigration together, man at counter looked at me, my passport, and said 'I remember you from last time. What happened to your other girlfriend?' then broke down laughing at the look on my face. Nice joke, smiles all round and we walked away until I got: "You said you went on your own"

[newsite12]

Thanks for the positive info.

We will only be staying a day or so. Maybe go and see the killing fields.

Anyone recommend any must see places around PP?. I suppose we will go to the national museum seeing as the hotel is just around the corner from it.

[lovelaos]

Will it be safe for her? Probably.

Are Thais welcome? Yes, they are spending money.

Will she be liked? Probably not, Cambodians, like all ASEAN nations are not really keen on Thais in my experience.

Wonder why?

[Travel2003]

Will it be safe for her? Probably.

Are Thais welcome? Yes, they are spending money.

Will she be liked? Probably not, Cambodians, like all ASEAN nations are not really keen on Thais in my experience.

Wonder why?

Thailand is looked upon as a bit arrogant, by her neighbours.

Historically, together with Burma, Thailand was also a bully towards her neigbours.

Not that long ago (WWII) Thailand annexed several regions from her neighbours, with endorsement from the Imperial Japanese army.

Looking at a long history, the last one (WW II) is not that long ago.

[sunnyhor]

It's safe and not safe!! Well, practice common sense and she'll be alright. Every where is the same.....and it's true, don't have any Angkow Wat within conversation! Or.....try not to speak Thai there. Be paranoid is good but if you guys practice normal common sense, you'll be fine. Travel safe!

[cardholder]

We were in Cambodia (2 weeks ago), my partner had been a little reluctant unsure how the locals would react to her; now she wants to come back with me on my next trip in November.

People were extremely welcoming, once they knew she was Thai it was 'sawasdee' with a smile from hotel/restaurant staff, tuktuk drivers, even the grim-faced lady at the museum . . . we went out of the city on a cycling tour and it was the same 'welcome' in more rural areas. As she is from 'just over the border' in Sa Kaeo province it was pointed out that it's all old Khmer-country, a few of the people we met knew of the border provinces/crossings but little else about Thailand.

It was a very good holiday for us both.

And a little humour here: we went through Cambodian immigration together, man at counter looked at me, my passport, and said 'I remember you from last time. What happened to your other girlfriend?' then broke down laughing at the look on my face. Nice joke, smiles all round and we walked away until I got: "You said you went on your own"

Nice story

Three of us are taking wives next week. I don't envisage any issues having a undertaken a reconnaissance visit 2 months ago. Siem Reap will welcome tourists, I am sure.

[yippz56]

nothing to worry.... try saying any issue that still have conflict like ankor wat or political issues .... overall everything is safe

[Atmos]

Thanks for the positive info.

We will only be staying a day or so. Maybe go and see the killing fields.

Anyone recommend any must see places around PP?. I suppose we will go to the national museum seeing as the hotel is just around the corner from it.

Hi again - I went to Tuol Sleng S-21 after a 'will I, won't I' discussion with myself; not for everyone, and I didn't go to the Killing Fields afterwards.

A few places within easy walk of the National Museum (US $2); the Grand Palace (opens 2pm, US $6.25), the waterfront itself (free!!), Wat Phnom ($1) and an extra $1 for the little museum there which is probably not worth seeing, very basic/small, especially if you have limited time.

Various short river cruises, they'll ask for $20 or $25 but maybe accept $10 each (did for me); also some that offer evening cruise with a light meal/drinks, something we would have liked to do but ran out of time

Nice cafe/icecream shop had opened since my previous visit, Blue Pumpkin on the waterfront, go upstairs nice views and watch the world go by

Numerous bars have 'happy hours', one we liked had Angkor beer at 50c a glass; and plenty of little cafe/restaurants to choose from

Markets - Central Market is close, Russian Markets a tuktuk ride away

The Vicious Cycle pushbike shop offers guided tours if you're energetic, an easy one is a half-day effort, Mekong Islands, a gentle ride through farmland, temples etc with several short river ferry crossings, $29 each includes lunch back at their cafe

enjoy!!