As deadly violence erupts along the Thai-Cambodian border, the Indian Embassy in Bangkok has issued an urgent travel advisory for Indian nationals, urging them to avoid visiting seven eastern provinces in Thailand. The advisory, published on July 25, 2025, comes in the wake of escalating clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces, which have resulted in fatalities and forced evacuations on both sides of the border.
The affected provinces include Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat—regions that are now considered volatile due to the proximity of military activity and cross-border shelling. The embassy has recommended that Indian tourists stay up to date with real-time updates from verified sources, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and reconsider any travel plans to these regions.
High Alert Across Thai Border Provinces
According to the Thai Ministry of Interior, clashes intensified on July 24 in areas close to the Oddar Meanchey province of Cambodia, triggering a state of emergency across multiple Thai districts. The conflict, reportedly linked to disputed land near ancient temple sites, has already led to the death of at least 14 Thai citizens and injuries to more than 40 others, as confirmed by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.
The Indian Embassy’s travel alert strongly discourages travel within a 40-kilometer radius of the Thai-Cambodian border, particularly in the eastern provinces identified. Thousands of Thai residents have already been evacuated from their homes and are being housed in government-run shelters.
On the Cambodian side, authorities in Oddar Meanchey province have reported that nearly 4,000 villagers have also been displaced, and humanitarian agencies are mobilizing to provide aid.
Thailand’s Eastern Region Now High-Risk
Thailand’s eastern provinces are generally popular with both regional tourists and cross-border travelers. Trat, Chanthaburi, and Sa Kaeo often serve as transit points for travel between Thailand and Cambodia, while Surin, Buriram, and Sisaket attract cultural tourists and heritage enthusiasts.
However, with the border conflict escalating, access to these areas now poses significant safety concerns. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has supported the Indian Embassy’s guidance and has launched a coordinated campaign to inform travelers via its website and international tourism offices.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated in an official press release:
“The safety of all visitors is our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation and working with local authorities to provide timely updates. Tourists are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the affected provinces.”
Indian Tourism in Thailand: A Vital Market at Risk
India remains one of Thailand’s largest tourism markets. Between January and mid-June 2025, over 1 million Indian nationals visited Thailand, according to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This follows a record 2.1 million Indian visitors in 2024. Thailand’s visa-free policy for Indian citizens, allowing up to 60-day stays, combined with streamlined immigration via the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), has made it an accessible and appealing destination for Indian travelers.
The new advisory comes just as Thailand enters its monsoon tourism season, traditionally a quieter but still significant travel period for wellness, beach, and cultural tourism. With many Indian travelers already holding bookings for trips to Thailand in August and September, this warning could shift travel patterns away from eastern Thailand and into safer western or central regions such as Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai.
Real-Time Updates and Government Coordination
The TAT has set up an online portal offering multilingual safety alerts and area-specific updates. Indian travelers currently in Thailand can also register with the Indian Embassy in Bangkok or contact the embassy’s emergency hotline for assistance or consular support.
Meanwhile, Thai national security forces have deployed reinforcements along the eastern border to secure local infrastructure and prevent the conflict from spreading further inland. Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called for bilateral talks with Cambodian authorities to de-escalate tensions.
While no commercial airports in the affected provinces have reported closures, land border checkpoints remain under heavy surveillance, and some crossings have been temporarily closed to civilians.
Advisory Guidelines for Indian Tourists
The Indian government urges all nationals to follow these guidelines:
- Avoid non-essential travel to the provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
- Regularly check updates on the Embassy of India in Thailand’s official website and social media.
- Use verified sources like the TAT and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs for region-specific information.
- In case of emergency, contact the Indian Embassy in Bangkok at +66 2 258 0300 or via [email protected].
Indian travelers currently in Thailand are advised to stay connected with local authorities, avoid travel near the Thai-Cambodian border, and be prepared to alter their plans if the security situation worsens.
Impact on Regional Travel and Future Outlook
The conflict threatens to disrupt not only local tourism but also overland travel routes between Thailand and Cambodia, especially for Indian travelers exploring multi-country Southeast Asia itineraries. Popular circuit tours that include Bangkok, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh may need to be rerouted through air travel rather than road.
The TAT has reassured international travelers that most of Thailand, including its main tourism hubs—Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and the southern islands—remains safe and fully operational.
Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Safe
As tensions escalate near the Thai-Cambodian border, Indian nationals are strongly advised to exercise caution and prioritize safety. The travel advisory highlights the importance of staying informed, avoiding conflict zones, and remaining flexible with travel plans. While the broader Thai tourism sector remains open and welcoming, vigilance is essential for those with upcoming visits.
With thousands displaced and casualties mounting, the situation underscores the fragile nature of regional stability and the need for responsive, well-informed travel planning. Indian travelers are encouraged to remain in contact with official sources and reconsider routes that pass through high-risk zones until the conflict subsides.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
