Thailand Launches Subsidised Evacuation Flights for Stranded Thai Nationals in Cambodia

Even as clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border intensify, Bangkok is rolling out a subsidised airfare plan backed by the Finance Ministry to bring home stranded Thai nationals in conflict zones. Thousands remain in places like Poipet and Siem Reap under unpredictable security conditions.

Key points at a glance:

• Ministry of Finance loan underwrites most of the return fare

• Commercial services maintain Phnom Penh–Bangkok and Siem Reap–Bangkok routes

• Charter aircraft in reserve for high-risk locations

• An estimated 5,000–6,000 Thai nationals still in Cambodia

• Daily capacity of 2,600 seats on scheduled flights

• Malaysia summit aims to revive a ceasefire

Subsidy scheme unveiled

A special credit line from the Finance Ministry allows the Foreign Affairs Ministry to purchase seats on existing flights at a fraction of list price. Passengers who meet the eligibility criteria may pay as little as ฿1,200, compared with standard fares that often exceed ฿5,000 in peak season. This arrangement also offers carriers guaranteed fuel and handling fees, easing their risk exposure.

Commercial routes holding the line

Three carriers – Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia and Cambodia Angkor Air – still service the main corridors. On average, the Phnom Penh–Bangkok connection can transport around 1,600 travellers daily, while Siem Reap–Bangkok handles roughly 1,000 passengers. Officials stress that every available seat could help to lower ground-transport congestion at border crossings.

Charter operations for critical cases

Those in direct proximity to combat zones or without reliable ground access may be placed on chartered flights. Planners estimate an initial batch of around 180 seats per flight from Siem Reap airport, with priority given to the wounded, families with young children and elderly citizens. The option reduces overland exposure in towns like Poipet, where checkpoints and sporadic shelling pose serious dangers.

Enrolment process and eligibility

People seeking assistance must register via the online portal or through the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh. Applicants should have a valid passport and proof of presence in Cambodia before hostilities escalated. Embassy staff highlight that priority boarding will be accorded to minors, seniors and those with pressing medical needs.

Safe exit through contested zones

Overland convoys escorted by both Thai and Cambodian Red Cross teams have been arranged to move citizens from border outposts to departure airports. Each morning, at first light, buses depart under armed protection, minimising exposure to sporadic clashes near Sa Kaeo. Medical tents at Siem Reap airport’s old terminal can issue quick-fit certificates to ensure airworthiness.

Geopolitical shuffle and ceasefire bids

Despite calls from regional partners, no binding pressure has halted the exchanges spanning eight Cambodian provinces and adjacent Thai districts. The ASEAN foreign ministers will convene in Kuala Lumpur in a bid to relaunch truce talks, while Washington’s earlier trade-linked intervention yielded only a brief pause. Bangkok maintains it faces no external arm twisting in its defence posture.

Next steps and advisory for travellers

Officials warn that seat availability may tighten once loan tranches are allocated. Those awaiting pickup are urged to keep contact details updated with embassy channels and to watch official notices for confirmed flight assignments. As clashes persist, securing a subsidised seat represents perhaps the swiftest route back to safety.