The Indian Embassy in Bangkok has issued an urgent travel advisory for Indian nationals amid escalating border clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces. The warning specifically urges travelers to avoid seven provinces in eastern Thailand—Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat—citing ongoing violence, civilian casualties, and mass displacement along the Thai-Cambodian border.
This travel advisory comes at a critical moment for Thailand’s tourism sector, especially as Indian visitor numbers surge and the country prepares for peak travel months. The advisory was coordinated with updates from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which is also cautioning international visitors to steer clear of border-adjacent zones experiencing security risks.
Rising Violence Along the Border
Tensions erupted this past week in the borderlands between northeastern Thailand and northern Cambodia, with reports of armed conflict, artillery exchanges, and civilian evacuations. Thai authorities confirmed that at least 14 people have been killed and over 40 injured, while more than 100,000 residents in Thailand have been displaced.
In Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, nearly 4,000 people have fled their homes, according to preliminary local government data. The violence is concentrated in zones within 40 kilometers of the border, prompting both countries to increase military presence and activate emergency response measures.
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has mobilized mobile medical units, while provincial governments have set up temporary shelters for displaced families. Access to some border highways and local attractions in these provinces has been restricted.
Indian Embassy and TAT Respond with Official Advisories
In a public advisory posted on its website and social media platforms, the Indian Embassy in Bangkok strongly advised Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to the seven eastern provinces. The embassy is actively coordinating with Thai authorities to ensure the safety of any Indian nationals already present in affected areas and has urged travelers to stay updated via official channels, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and local media.
The TAT has echoed the advisory, issuing notifications via its regional offices and digital platforms. The tourism body emphasized that while the rest of Thailand remains safe and fully operational for tourism, areas bordering Cambodia should be temporarily avoided.
“The safety of visitors remains our top priority. Travelers are advised to reroute their itineraries and avoid provinces currently under conflict alert,” said a TAT spokesperson.
Indian Tourists: A Vital Market for Thailand
India remains one of Thailand’s fastest-growing and most significant inbound tourism markets. In the first half of 2025 alone, over 1 million Indian tourists visited the country, following a record-breaking year in 2024 with 2.1 million arrivals.
Thanks to visa-free access for Indian citizens and seamless airport procedures via the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, Indian travelers have favored Thailand for quick getaways, destination weddings, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel.
The travel advisory, however, could impact demand for regional travel experiences in eastern Thailand. While most Indian tourists frequent Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi, certain cultural or adventure travelers had begun exploring provinces like Trat and Chanthaburi for off-the-beaten-path itineraries.
Impact on Regional Tourism and Infrastructure
The affected provinces are not only home to cross-border trade routes but also emerging tourism hubs. For instance, Trat is known for gateway access to Koh Chang island, and Chanthaburi has gained popularity for its gemstone markets and riverfront heritage.
With military presence ramping up and infrastructure such as local highways under partial closure, logistical challenges may arise for any tour operators or agencies still routing travelers through eastern Thailand.
The Thai government is working with provincial authorities to ensure that transportation disruptions remain localized and that key tourist corridors in other regions remain unaffected.
What Indian Travelers Should Do
- Avoid travel to Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
- Stay informed through the Indian Embassy in Thailand’s website and X (formerly Twitter) channel.
- Monitor TAT Newsroom and the official websites of Thailand’s provincial offices for updated travel advisories.
- Contact airlines or travel providers if your itinerary involves travel through eastern provinces or connecting airports.
- Register with the Indian Embassy if currently in Thailand, especially near affected regions.
Travelers with urgent needs can reach the Indian Embassy via emergency contact numbers listed on www.indianembassythai.com.
Thailand’s Broader Tourism Landscape Remains Open
While this advisory affects seven eastern provinces, the rest of Thailand remains open for tourism. Popular destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui, and Krabi have not been impacted by the unrest and continue to welcome international tourists.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand reassured travelers that airports, hotels, and transport in unaffected provinces are operating normally. They emphasized that the advisory is precautionary and localized, intended to ensure safety and avoid travel disruption.
Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Safe
As geopolitical tensions flare near the Thai-Cambodian border, travelers—especially Indian nationals—are urged to be vigilant and prioritize safety. The Indian Embassy’s advisory is a timely reminder of the importance of staying informed and flexible when traveling internationally.
For those considering travel to Thailand, the majority of the country remains a safe and vibrant destination. However, travel to eastern provinces bordering Cambodia should be postponed until the situation stabilizes. Tourists are encouraged to consult verified sources and remain alert to new developments as the situation evolves.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
