Is It Safe to Travel to Thailand or Cambodia Right Now? Here’s What You Must Know About the Border Conflict

 

If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia this summer—especially to Thailand or Cambodia—you need to read this first. A serious armed conflict is unfolding at the border between the two countries, and the situation has escalated faster than most travelers expected.

As of July 26, 2025, the two neighboring nations have been exchanging fire for three consecutive days, leading to the deaths of at least 32 people and forcing more than 200,000 civilians to flee their homes.

Let’s unpack what’s happening and what you, as a foreign traveler from the US, UK, or Europe, should absolutely keep in mind before stepping foot in the region.

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🔥 What’s Going On Between Thailand and Cambodia?

• The conflict started around July 24, when drone surveillance and troop movements along the border triggered a series of retaliatory attacks.
• Thailand declared martial law in 8 northeastern provinces: most notably Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, and Sisaket.
• Cambodia has called for an immediate ceasefire, while Thailand has not publicly responded.
• There are allegations of banned weapons, including cluster munitions, though these claims remain unverified.
• Rocket fire, heavy artillery, and civilian areas targeted—this is no minor skirmish.

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📍 Regions You Should Absolutely Avoid

If you’re already in Thailand or Cambodia, or planning to visit soon, avoid the border zones at all costs. These areas are currently under military control or direct threat of shelling:

BBC

⚠️ Thai Provinces (DO NOT TRAVEL):

Province Why to Avoid

Surin	Martial law enforced, military presence, shelling reports
Ubon Ratchathani	100,000+ evacuees, active firefights
Sisaket	Near disputed Khmer-Hindu temple, troop buildups

If you had plans to explore these provinces for rural tourism, temple exploration, or cross-border cultural routes, postpone them immediately.

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✈️ I’m a Tourist — What Should I Do Now?

If you're already in Southeast Asia:

• Stay in major cities like Bangkok or Phnom Penh—far from the conflict zone
• Follow updates from local news and your country’s embassy or consulate
• Avoid road travel toward the border. Do not rely on GPS routes alone
• Save emergency contact numbers of your embassy and local hospitals

If you're about to fly out:

Before you go, double-check the following:

Checklist Notes

Airline Alerts	Are your flights still operating? Any regional re-routes?
Hotel Location	Is your hotel far from the eastern border?
Travel Insurance	Does it cover conflict zones or force majeure?
Entry Requirements	Any restrictions due to the ongoing emergency?

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🗺️ Should I Cancel My Trip Altogether?

Not necessarily. Cities like Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh remain safe for now. However, if your travel plans involved rural adventures, border crossings, or historical ruins near the Preah Vihear Temple region, reschedule or change your itinerary.

✅ Pro tip: If you're using a travel agent or booking platform, ask about change/cancellation policies due to "armed conflict." Some airlines and hotels are offering flexible options right now.

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🧠 What Sparked This Border Conflict?

• Thailand claims Cambodia deployed drones to spy on its forces.
• Cambodia argues that Thailand violated previous agreements by approaching the sacred Preah Vihear Temple area with armed troops.
• The two countries have had decades-long disputes over unclear borders set during the colonial era (France's occupation of Cambodia).
• Despite some peace years, tensions reignited in May 2025, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a small clash.

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🤝 What Are Global Leaders Saying?

• The United States, Malaysia (ASEAN chair), and the UN have called for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians.
• Thailand, however, has rejected any foreign mediation, claiming the situation is "under control."
• No signs of diplomatic negotiations have emerged as of late July.

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🚨 Final Thoughts: Should You Be Worried?

As a traveler from Europe or North America, you’re probably used to Southeast Asia being a safe and welcoming destination. That hasn’t changed—in most areas. But this border conflict is real, volatile, and deadly, and it deserves your full attention.

If you’re:

• A backpacker heading off the beaten path
• A retiree exploring rural provinces
• A solo traveler or couple on a heritage trail

…you must rethink your plans involving Northeastern Thailand or Northern Cambodia.

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📢 TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)

Yes, you can still visit Bangkok, Phuket, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh

• No, do not visit Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, or Preah Vihear border areas
• Check embassy travel advisories daily
• Consider postponing rural or border-focused itineraries
• Get travel insurance that covers conflict-related emergencies

 

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