Advisors to French Citizens Abroad; Éric Bouhelier, candidate on the Cendy Lacroix list — Interview with a Frenchman deeply rooted in Cambodia

Having lived in Cambodia since 2012, Éric Bouhelier is one of those often referred to as “the French who stay.” After a career as an entrepreneur and manager in the hospitality and restaurant sector, he chose to settle in a country he fell in love with, moving from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh while maintaining strong ties with different regions of the Kingdom.

Éric Bouhelier

Now an active retiree, he dedicates his time to helping fellow French citizens with administrative procedures and everyday practical matters. Drawing on this experience and his deep knowledge of the local context, he is running in the election for Advisors to French Citizens Abroad on list No. 5, led by Cendy Lacroix. A meeting with a man whose commitment is measured not in words, but in years spent at the heart of the French community in Cambodia.

Can you briefly introduce yourself — your background, education, and personal story?

My name is Éric Bouhelier. After studying economics and then attending a hotel management school, I worked as a business owner and manager in tourism and the hospitality and restaurant sector in France, abroad, and in Cambodia.

How long have you been living in Cambodia, and what brought you here?

I have lived in Cambodia since 2012. I fell in love with the country and its people, which led me to settle here.

Where do you live in Cambodia, and have you lived in other regions?

I first lived in Sihanoukville for several years. I now live in Phnom Penh. I am sociable and enjoy talking with people and listening to their life stories. Through these encounters—both in the capital and during my frequent travels across the provinces—I meet French citizens with a wide range of concerns.

What is your family situation? Is your family also based in Cambodia?

I am married and live with my French wife in the capital.

What is your current professional activity in Cambodia?

I am retired and dedicate my time to helping French citizens with administrative and even IT-related matters.

How would you describe your integration into the local and French expatriate communities?

My integration into the local community is excellent; Cambodians are extremely kind and welcoming. I was invited to participate in the SEA Games three years ago for Kun Khmer and obtained my international referee certification. Over 14 years in Cambodia, I have built strong friendships with French nationals, Franco-Khmers, and Khmers.

How do you experience daily life as a French person in Cambodia — administrative, cultural, and practical challenges?

I enjoy living in this beautiful country. When I arrived, administrative procedures were somewhat difficult to understand, but now I no longer face any difficulties. I encountered no particular challenges upon arrival. The key is to surround yourself with the right people, work seriously, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and avoid distractions such as gossip or unnecessary controversies.

What motivated you to run in this election? What was the trigger?

I am running on Cendy Lacroix’s list because I know her commitment to helping French residents in Cambodia over the past 12 years. I decided to put my skills at the service of the community by joining this strong team of authentic and committed individuals. It was essential that our team members live in different regions of Cambodia and include dual nationals, whose experience is invaluable.

What I appreciate is that none of the people on our list have personal political ambitions. Our shared goal is to be present in Cambodia and find concrete solutions to improve daily life for our compatriots.

For example, regarding the CFE (French Social Security Fund for expatriates), the 2025 measures are unacceptable and offer no recourse: coverage for hospitalizations in Vietnam dropped from 100% to 80%, and since last June, holders of older contracts must choose between only 66% reimbursement without third-party payment or having their contributions quadrupled to retain that essential option.

Moreover, despite what has been said, nothing has been effective: no case or major negotiation has benefited us. As of April 1, we were hit with an additional 11% increase.

In your view, what are the three main challenges facing French citizens in Cambodia today?

The three main challenges are the high cost of health insurance, the need for school scholarships, and difficulties related to retirement applications for seniors. It seems unfair that after contributing for 30 years in France, no retirement assistance is granted simply because one lives outside France and Europe.

How do you assess access to consular services in Cambodia? Are they sufficient and accessible?

Access and efficiency often depend on the consul in place. It can sometimes be difficult to obtain appointments, although the situation seems to have improved significantly.

The French community in Cambodia is diverse. How will you represent this diversity?

The diversity of our list is a major strength. It includes entrepreneurs, a retiree, a young sales professional, a young Franco-Khmer business owner, and a Franco-Khmer woman. Franco-Khmers also face specific issues we are ready to address. Young people do not only live in the capital, and other regions are too often overlooked.

What are the most urgent issues to bring before the Assembly of French Citizens Abroad (AFE)?

The most urgent issue is the excessive cost of CFE, which has increased sixfold since 2016. It remains the only viable option because it does not require medical screening and does not terminate contracts after age 65.

School fees at French schools are also a major issue. Scholarships are a solution but are not always granted, especially upon arrival. All French and dual-national children must have access to education equivalent to that in France.

How do you view relations between the French community and Cambodian authorities?

Cambodian authorities respect French citizens who follow the rules. Francophonie plays an important role, and many ministers speak excellent French. Hosting the Francophonie Summit later this year will be a major event.

Do you have proposals regarding French education in Cambodia?

School fees are high, pushing many toward international schools. Scholarships should ensure no French child is excluded from a French-language education.

Not all business owners are wealthy, contrary to outdated assumptions, and this perception prevents some children from receiving needed support. Assistance should also extend to the FLAM program (French as a Mother Tongue), which supports children not enrolled in the official French education system.

Éric Bouhelier

What about social protection and health coverage?

Marc, a member of our list, will contribute expertise in insurance and play a key role in this area.

How will you support French entrepreneurs and economic actors?

I have long supported French entrepreneurs. Cendy created a business club for French SMEs and leads the French-speaking branch of Global G1%, an international entrepreneurs’ association. She was also recognized among Asia’s top 50 CEOs last year.

What is your vision for promoting French culture and language?

Strengthening cultural and linguistic influence is a priority. French Alliances, the French Institute, and educational centers contribute actively. The Francophonie Summit will boost interest in French, which has deep roots in Cambodia. Cultural, gastronomic, and sporting events also play a role.

How will you maintain communication with French citizens?

We will organize regular meetings and events and maintain a presence across Cambodia (Kep, Battambang, Siem Reap, Pursat, Phnom Penh) to stay connected.

What role do French citizens abroad play globally?

They promote French culture, lifestyle, language, and gastronomy. Many skilled artisans and artists also contribute significantly.

How do you balance your attachment to France and life in Cambodia?

France is my homeland and remains one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Balancing both is natural, especially for those who have chosen to settle here permanently.

“Some pass through, others stay.”

What message do you have for French voters in Cambodia?

I share your realities and believe we can improve many things with concrete solutions and strong local knowledge. My life is in Cambodia, and I want others to be as happy here as I have been for 14 years.

In one sentence, what is your promise?

“Voting for list No. 5 led by Cendy Lacroix means choosing experts at the heart of consular action—and you will see that this reflects exactly what we will accomplish.”

What do you think of the campaign?

It is very “polite,” though a fierce communication battle happens behind the scenes. Cendy Lacroix gets along well with other candidates. She is straightforward and results-oriented.

Trying is not enough—real results matter. Claiming credit without results is misleading. Misrepresenting projects or inflating achievements undermines trust. Some voters will choose based on political alignment rather than programs.

Local issues need solutions, not politics. That is why one should vote for list No. 5.