France: Opposition leader Rainsy, in exile, was refused to board a flight from Paris to Bangkok by Thai Airways staff.

"I was not allowed to board. They said they had received instructions from their superiors to ask me not to board. I was very shocked, very disappointed. I wanted to return home, supporters were waiting for me." Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy, co-founder of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), said at the Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France on November 7.

Rainsy accused Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen of stopping him from returning home. "I did nothing wrong. This is purely political. I am a citizen, I did nothing wrong so I have to go back to Cambodia. Let me buy tickets from another company," Rainsy added.

Rainsy was blocked on board just a day after CNRP vice president Mu Sochua was arrested on landing at Kuala Lumpur airport in Malaysia. Ms. Mu has been released, but Malaysia has not decided whether to deport her to Cambodia or not. Mu Sochua last month was denied entry by Thailand.

Thai Airways representatives declined to comment on the incident due to passenger information security reasons.

Rainsy has lived in exile in France since 2015 to avoid a prison sentence in Cambodia. He recently announced he would return home on the National Day of 9/11 to challenge Prime Minister Hun Sen and "promote change". Cambodia has deployed troops and organized live fire drills near the Thai border following Rainsy's announcement.

Cambodian Prime Minister Rainsy warned Rainsy will be arrested upon returning home. Observers think Rainsy will not be able to return without Prime Minister Hun Sen's approval.