French Traveler Claims Thailand Denied Entry Over Cambodia Ties
French Traveler Claims Thailand Denied Entry Over Cambodia Ties
PHNOM PENH, 25 July 2026 — — A French citizen living in Cambodia has alleged that Thai immigration authorities denied him and his daughter entry into Thailand before sending them back to Phnom Penh, claiming officials told him, “If you love Cambodia, then you should stay there.”
The allegations were made in a Facebook post that has circulated widely on social media. The claims have not been independently verified, and Thai authorities had not publicly responded at the time of writing.
According to the post, the man was accompanying his daughter, who had been visiting him in Cambodia and was scheduled to travel as an unaccompanied minor (UM) on a flight from Bangkok to France.
He said Thai immigration officials refused them entry into Thailand, preventing his daughter from boarding her onward flight and requiring them to return to Phnom Penh at their own expense.
The French national alleged that they spent approximately six hours inside a Thai immigration office, describing the experience as feeling “like a prison,” and said officials did not provide a clear legal explanation for the decision.
He further claimed that the only reason repeatedly given by immigration officers was: “If you love Cambodia, then you should stay there.”
The man said he holds a French passport and has been living in Cambodia, adding that he respects and loves the country.
Expressing frustration in the post, he said he would no longer travel to Thailand or spend money on Thai products or services, accusing Thai officials of lacking compassion toward his daughter.
The Facebook post has generated discussion online, with many users calling for clarification from Thai immigration authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
Thai authorities have not publicly commented on the allegations, and the reasons for the reported denial of entry could not be independently confirmed.
