Thailand-Cambodia conflict: 7 border zones tourists must avoid
Crossings and checkpoints may close without warning, tourists urged to reroute
DUBAI: Travellers planning a visit to Thailand this summer may want to revise their itinerary.
Thai authorities have issued a formal warning against travelling to seven eastern provinces near the Cambodian border, following a spike in cross-border violence. As of July 24, Thai forces launched airstrikes targeting Cambodian military positions, reigniting long-standing territorial tensions and prompting evacuations on both sides.
According to Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT), multiple checkpoints, national parks, and border towns have been placed under heightened alert or closed entirely. Over 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand’s border districts, while Cambodia reports 20,000 people displaced from its northern regions.
Restricted provinces listed
The seven affected provinces include Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat. These areas, while known for cultural heritage and natural beauty, are now subject to no-go advisories and should be avoided until further notice.
In Ubon Ratchathani, sites such as Phu Chong-Na Yoi National Park and Chong An Ma Checkpoint are off-limits. Sisaket’s renowned Khao Phra Wihan National Park (Pha Mo I Daeng) and border areas like Chong Sa-ngam and Kantharalak have been flagged for security concerns.
Surin has closed Prasat Ta Muen and nearby temple zones, while Buriram’s Chong Sai Taku and parts of Ta Phraya National Park are now considered unsafe. The TAT has provided provincial contact numbers for tourists requiring further assistance.
Sa Kaeo, home to Ban Khlong Luek Checkpoint and the popular Rong Kluea Market, is also under restricted status. In Chanthaburi, checkpoints like Ban Laem and Ban Phat Kad are affected, while Trat, known for coastal getaways, has restricted access to Ban Hat Lek and neighbouring checkpoints.
Safety and border access
Clashes have resulted in 32 confirmed deaths, including civilians and soldiers from both nations, with over 130 others injured. Martial law has been declared in eight Thai districts, and land border crossings may close at short notice. The conflict reportedly reignited following a landmine explosion that injured five Thai soldiers near the disputed boundary.
Travellers are urged to avoid these eastern provinces and consider alternative destinations like Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Bangkok. Authorities also warn against relying on land routes into Cambodia until tensions subside.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s 24/7 Call Centre (1672) and its official site, tourismthailand.org, are the most reliable sources for real-time updates.
Entry fee postponement
In a separate update, Thailand has postponed its planned tourist entry fee of 300 baht (€7.50) until mid-2026. Initially proposed to begin in 2025, the “stepping onto Thai soil” fee was intended to support tourism infrastructure and offer basic insurance to visitors.
Assistant Tourism Minister Chakrapol Tangsutthitham cited a slower-than-expected rebound in visitor numbers and economic stagnation as key reasons for the delay. The revised timeline comes amid concern from tourism operators about a dip in arrivals – 17 million as of early July, down 5 per cent compared to 2024. Tourism remains vital to Thailand’s economy, contributing nearly 20 per cent to its GDP.
For now, foreign tourists can continue visiting Thailand without the additional entry charge, though conditions near the border demand heightened vigilance and flexibility in travel planning.