Thailand-Cambodia border conflict: Is it safe to travel to Southeast Asia now?
Preah Vihear dispute reignites fears of regional instability near remote zones
DUBAI: Armed clashes have once again erupted between Thailand and Cambodia, reviving a long-standing border dispute centred around the ancient Preah Vihear Temple region.
The dispute flared up on Thursday after fresh fighting was reported between Thai and Cambodian forces near Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey. The Thai army claimed a Cambodian rocket attack injured three civilians in the Kap Choeng district.
In a strongly worded statement, Cambodia’s Defence Ministry accused Thailand of violating its sovereignty and claimed Cambodian forces acted in self-defence under international law. In retaliation, Thailand expelled Cambodia’s ambassador and recalled its own after five Thai patrol soldiers were wounded by a landmine allegedly placed by Cambodian forces.
Is it safe to travel to Thailand and Cambodia right now?
Despite the military exchanges and mounting political rhetoric, no new international travel warnings have been issued in July. The most recent advisory, released in June, confirmed that both countries continue to operate air and land transport services without interruption.
Popular tourist cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap remain calm and open to visitors.
Tourists in these major hubs have not reported any service disruptions, and the tourism infrastructure – including flights, hotels, and local transport – continues to function normally. Travel industry insiders say operations are being closely monitored, with contingency plans in place should the situation escalate.
Are popular tourist areas affected?
Authorities and travel experts confirm that the affected regions are confined to isolated areas near the border, far from mainstream tourist attractions. The disputed Preah Vihear Temple and the Dangrek Mountains lie in remote locations, where clashes have historically occurred. Travellers are strongly advised to avoid these zones as a safety precaution.
On-ground sources have also advised locals and tourists against undertaking overland travel between the two countries through border areas until the situation stabilises. While the cities remain unaffected, the possibility of unexpected disruption near the borders cannot be ruled out.
Should travellers change their plans?
For now, trips to Thailand and Cambodia remain largely unaffected for tourists heading to well-known destinations. However, travellers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels such as embassy websites, government advisories, or credible news outlets. Given the unpredictable nature of border skirmishes, travel plans near contested regions should be reconsidered or postponed.