In light of intensifying violence near the Thai-Cambodian border, the Indian Embassy in Bangkok has issued an urgent travel advisory, warning Indian nationals against visiting seven eastern provinces in Thailand. These provinces—Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat—have become flashpoints in a renewed wave of conflict involving Thai and Cambodian forces.
According to the Indian Embassy, the advisory was released following reports of deadly cross-border clashes resulting in at least 14 deaths and more than 40 injuries on the Thai side, as confirmed by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health. Cambodian authorities have yet to confirm their official casualty numbers, but the humanitarian impact is already severe.
The embassy emphasized that Indian travelers should avoid all non-essential travel to these areas, follow official alerts, and reconsider any plans that include eastern Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has also advised tourists to stay away from these provinces until the situation stabilizes.
Mass Displacement and Humanitarian Concerns
The border conflict has led to the displacement of over 100,000 people in Thailand, with local Thai authorities setting up temporary shelters in safer areas. In Cambodia, nearly 4,000 villagers in the Oddar Meanchey province have reportedly fled due to ongoing hostilities.
Many affected Thai residents live within a 40-kilometer radius of the Cambodian border, an area now marked by heavy military activity and frequent skirmishes. Thai disaster response agencies, including the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), have been mobilized to assist evacuees and ensure public safety.
Impact on Indian Tourism to Thailand
India remains one of Thailand’s top source markets for tourism. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, over 1 million Indian nationals visited Thailand by mid-June 2025, following a strong rebound from 2024, when 2.1 million Indian tourists traveled to the kingdom.
Indian travelers are particularly drawn to Thailand for its visa-free 60-day entry, affordable luxury experiences, and seamless Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system. Eastern Thailand, while not a mainstream destination for first-time Indian travelers, is gaining popularity among repeat visitors and those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
However, with the holiday season approaching and the current unrest threatening regional safety, Indian outbound travel to the eastern provinces is expected to decline sharply. Major Indian tour operators have begun reviewing itineraries and rerouting packages away from the impacted provinces.
TAT and Embassy Coordinated Updates
The Tourism Authority of Thailand, in coordination with the Indian Embassy in Bangkok, is issuing real-time updates via official channels and travel bulletins. The TAT stressed that while the rest of Thailand remains safe for tourists, travel to Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat should be postponed until further notice.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that the organization is “prioritizing the safety of all visitors” and is in close communication with local authorities and embassies. Emergency hotlines and multilingual support are being made available to tourists in the region.
For travelers already in eastern Thailand, TAT advises minimizing movement, avoiding border zones, and registering with their embassy. The Indian Embassy has set up an emergency response line and is coordinating with Thai officials to assist any Indian nationals in affected provinces.
Advisory for Indian Tourists
Indian tourists planning to visit Thailand are advised to:
- Avoid non-essential travel to the seven affected provinces.
- Monitor updates from the Indian Embassy and TAT.
- Contact travel operators to modify itineraries or reschedule trips.
- Register with the Indian Embassy in Bangkok if already traveling in Thailand.
- Stay away from border zones and local demonstrations or military zones.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated its call for vigilance and recommended that all travelers download and use the MADAD consular app to stay connected with Indian diplomatic missions abroad.
Broader Regional Tensions and Tourism Risks
This latest episode of violence underscores the fragile peace in the Thai-Cambodian border region, a historical hotspot of territorial disputes. While both governments have called for de-escalation, analysts warn that any continued conflict could impact not only tourism but also trade and regional connectivity.
Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports had forecasted a 20% rise in Indian visitors in the second half of 2025. However, the situation in the eastern provinces may dampen those figures if tensions persist.
Conclusion
As conflict intensifies near the Thai-Cambodian border, India’s travel advisory serves as a critical reminder for travelers to stay informed, prioritize safety, and follow official guidance. While Thailand continues to welcome international visitors, the eastern provinces now represent a risk zone where caution is paramount.
Indian nationals are encouraged to stay connected with trusted sources like the Indian Embassy, MEA, and TAT, and consider safer destinations within Thailand for their upcoming holidays.
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