Amid continuing tensions in Cambodia–Thailand relations, entry checks for air passengers travelling between the two countries have tightened significantly, according to this report. After flying from Cambodia to Thailand yesterday, this station’s reporter was questioned for half an hour, substantially extending the time needed to clear immigration.
The reporter had previously been able to clear immigration in just one minute. Yesterday, however, after seeing the boarding pass, an immigration official signalled another officer to take the reporter aside, followed by form-filling, verification and questioning.
File image, unrelated to this article
Thai immigration officials asked detailed questions, mainly routine matters such as the reporter’s occupation and work, whether the reporter was working in Thailand, the purpose of the visit and the place of residence in Thailand. It was also apparent to the reporter that officers were comparing the answers with information in their system.
According to a local friend, anyone travelling between Thailand and Cambodia, including Westerners, was being questioned, while Chinese travellers might receive extra “special treatment”—meaning longer questioning.
The friend said the main purpose was to identify and intercept possible spies and scammers.
The report reminds Chinese citizens planning travel between Cambodia and Thailand to prepare genuine, valid supporting documents such as return tickets, hotel bookings and proof of employment, allow sufficient time for immigration clearance and answer officers’ questions truthfully, to avoid unnecessary difficulties caused by poor communication or insufficient documentation.
Compiled by this station
