Thailand-Cambodia Tension: Should Travellers Cancel Their Trip? Dos & Don’ts, Spots To Avoid

Last Updated:July 25, 2025, 13:41 IST

Thailand-Cambodia Tension: Clashes broke out between the two countries early on Thursday along a disputed area abutting an ancient temple

Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Big Buddha in Thailand's Phuket are among the popular tourist destinations. (AP/PTI)

Thailand-Cambodia Tension: Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in their worst fighting in over a decade, exchanging heavy artillery fire across their disputed border, with at least 16 people killed and tens of thousands displaced.

Tensions began rising between the Southeast Asian neighbours in May, following the killing of a Cambodian soldier during a brief exchange of gunfire, and have steadily escalated since, triggering diplomatic spats and now, armed clashes.

The history of dispute between Thailand and Cambodia & latest flashpoint

Thailand and Cambodia have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817 km (508 miles) land border, which was first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. The map, which Thailand later contested, was based on an agreement that the border would be demarcated along the natural watershed line between the two countries. An 11th century Hindu temple called Preah Vihear, or Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, has been at the heart of the dispute for decades, with both Bangkok and Phnom Penh claiming historical ownership. The Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but Thailand has continued to lay claim to the surrounding land. Tensions also rose in February when a group of Cambodians escorted by troops sang their national anthem at another ancient Hindu temple that both countries claim, Ta Moan Thom, before being stopped by Thai soldiers.

Clashes broke out between the two countries early on Thursday along a disputed area abutting an ancient temple, rapidly spilling over to other areas along the contested frontier and heavy artillery exchanges continuing for a second straight day. Thailand recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh on Wednesday and expelled Cambodia’s envoy, in response to a second Thai soldier losing a limb to a landmine that Bangkok alleged had been laid recently by rival troops. Cambodia called that accusation baseless. Both sides accuse each other of firing the first shots that started the conflict on Thursday, which have so far claimed the lives of at least 15 civilians, most of them on the Thai side.

Some 130,000 people have been evacuated from border areas in Thailand to safer locations, while some 12,000 families on the Cambodian side have been shifted away from the frontlines, according to local authorities, according to Reuters.

Since Thursday’s clashes, Cambodia has written to the United Nations Security Council, urging the body to convene a meeting to stop what it describes as “unprovoked and premeditated military aggression" by Thailand. Thailand, on the other hand, wants to resolve the conflict through bilateral negotiations but says talks can only take place after Cambodia ceases violence.

Thailand, Cambodia popular among tourists

Thailand and Cambodia have emerged as tourist hotspots. A large number of people visit the two countries every year. Tourists are drawn to Thai cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as well as islands such as Phuket and Koh Samui. Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex and its capital, Phnom Penh, are major tourist attractions. These tourist hubs are not located near the border clashes.

Is it safe to travel to Thailand and Cambodia right now?

The two countries have no issued any travel advisory. Popular destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh are far from the disputed zones and continue to operate as usual. Locals have been advised against planning any overland travel between two countries until it stabilizes. Travellers can avoid isolated border regions near Preah Vihear or the Dangrek Mountains.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in a statement on Facebook said: “I appeal to all Cambodian citizens to maintain their morality and dignity, and to avoid discrimination or any actions that could affect the Royal Thai Embassy in Cambodia, Thai companies, and Thai citizens living in Cambodia. For Cambodian citizens who are living, working, or studying in Thailand and may be facing pressure from discrimination and wish to return to Cambodia, please come back to our country."

Has India issued a travel advisory?

India has said that in view of the situation near Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travelers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT Newsroom.

TAT Newsroom in a post on X said: “Due to ongoing unrest along the Thai–Cambodian border, please note that several attractions in 7 provinces are now not recommended for visiting…"

These include: Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat.

Travel advisories issued by other countries for Thailand and Cambodia?

Several countries have warned their nationals against travelling to the border areas between Thailand and Cambodia amid escalating tensions.

United States: It has asked its nationals travelling or living near the Thailand border to “follow direction from Thai security services and consult local government authorities for the latest information."

United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advisory said: “Take extra care and stay alert in border areas and follow the instructions of local authorities, especially at tourist destinations such as the Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai temple and the Ta Muen Thom temple. There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. Stay on marked paths, especially around Ta Krabey."

Thailand’s embassy in Phnom Penh: The advisory said people should leave Cambodia as soon as possible.

China: The embassy has urged its citizens in Cambodia to refrain from travelling to areas near the border and “remain vigilant."

Israel: Issued a travel advisory for its nationals, asking them to avoid the border between Thailand and Cambodia.

Hong Kong: Has issued an amber alert for Thailand and a warning for Cambodia.

With Inputs from Reuters

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