Escalating military conflict along the Thailand–Cambodia border has triggered urgent travel advisories from several international governments. The dispute, focused on historical territorial claims, has prompted aerial surveillance, reported shelling, and increased troop movement in the region. Tourists currently in or planning to visit Southeast Asia are being strongly urged to avoid border zones deemed volatile.
As of July 2025, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Israel have all updated their travel advice, citing growing military activity in Thailand’s northeastern provinces and Cambodia’s northwestern frontier.
Thailand’s Northeastern Provinces Under Alert
Four Thai provinces—Si Saket, Buriram, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surin—are now under high-risk alerts due to their proximity to Cambodia. These provinces lie within 20 to 50 kilometers of the contested border and have experienced reduced civilian mobility, military checkpoints, and suspended tourism activities.
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO): Advises against all but essential travel to these border regions.
- Canada: Issued a Level 2 alert, urging travelers to exercise a high degree of caution.
- Israel: Designated the entire northeast Thailand-Cambodia border region as high-risk due to unpredictable military escalations.
- Australia: Officially recommends reconsidering travel to these areas.
According to local Thai media and the Royal Thai Army’s latest briefings, operations in these areas are defensive, but the government has advised all travelers to follow official emergency alerts and avoid travel near military sites or checkpoints.
Cambodia’s Northern Provinces Affected
Across the border in Cambodia, the provinces of Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey are experiencing similar levels of caution. The UK government has extended its advisory to include a 50 km radius from the Thai-Cambodia border on the Cambodian side.
The Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has long been a source of diplomatic dispute, is temporarily closed to visitors. Similarly, Ta Muen Thom, another culturally significant temple near the frontier, is under military watch and not accessible to tourists.
- Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism confirmed military presence and temporary closure of cultural and religious sites near the conflict line.
- The U.S. Department of State, while maintaining a general Level 1 advisory for Cambodia, urges heightened caution in the northwestern provinces due to military risk and residual landmines.
Travelers are further warned that many regions near the Cambodian border remain partially demined and could pose serious risks to overland tourists.
Country-Specific Travel Advisories Summary
| Country | Advisory Level | Thailand Provinces | Cambodia Provinces | Border Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Avoid all but essential travel | Si Saket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram | Within 50 km of Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey | Closed |
| Australia | Reconsider travel | Same as above | N/A | Closed |
| Canada | Avoid all travel to these areas | Same as above | Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey | Closed |
| United States | Level 1 (with caution in conflict zones) | Focus on southern provinces (Yala, Pattani) | Northern areas: caution advised | Partially open |
| Israel | Avoid travel | Entire northeast region | N/A | Closed |
Impact on Travel and Transportation
While international flights to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh remain unaffected, land border crossings like Chong Chom–O Smach and Choam Khsant are subject to sudden closures or restrictions.
Many international and local tour operators in both countries are now rerouting itineraries or cancelling excursions that include border provinces, especially those that normally include jungle trekking or visits to historical ruins in rural areas.
Tourism authorities in both countries have confirmed that areas like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh are currently safe and operating as normal. Popular coastal and central city destinations continue to receive international tourists without incident.
Practical Advice for Tourists
- Avoid all travel within 50 km of the Thailand–Cambodia border until official sources deem the area safe.
- Check real-time updates from your country’s foreign ministry, including the UK FCDO, Australia’s Smartraveller, and Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories portal.
- Verify travel insurance coverage, as conflict zones are typically excluded from standard policies.
- Stay registered with your embassy if you are residing or traveling in Southeast Asia for an extended period.
- Use embassy apps to activate local alerts and travel warnings.
Safer Alternatives in Southeast Asia
For those considering a change in itinerary, Southern Thailand (including Krabi, Koh Samui, and Phuket) and central Cambodia (including Battambang and Phnom Penh) remain stable and tourism-ready. Additionally, regional alternatives such as Vietnam’s Da Nang and Hoi An, or Laos’ Luang Prabang, offer rich cultural experiences without current security risks.
Final Word
As the diplomatic standoff continues between Thailand and Cambodia, the tourism landscape across the border provinces remains tense. Both governments have issued public statements urging peace but continue to reinforce their military presence along the frontier.
Travelers should stay informed, prioritize safety, and avoid conflict-affected provinces until de-escalation is confirmed by multiple governments.
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