Travel Safety Concerns as Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Escalate

December 22, 2025
 

As conflict between Thailand and Cambodia along their shared border continues into late December 2025, concerns about the safety of international travel have increased. Due to this circumstance, a number of foreign ministries and governments have updated their travel guidelines, advising visitors to the area to exercise caution.

Early in December, a precarious ceasefire broke down and sporadic but fierce violence began. Civilians in border areas have been forced to flee due to artillery exchanges and rocket strikes. The conflict has caused major humanitarian issues, including large-scale evacuations and disruptions to nearby towns. On December 22, foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Kuala Lumpur to find a diplomatic solution to the dispute.

In response to the worsening security situation in border areas, foreign offices in several countries have issued travel advisories. British and U.S. travelers are advised to avoid non-essential travel within about 50 kilometers of the Thailand-Cambodia border due to unpredictable hostilities and the risk from unexploded ordnance.

Despite the conflict, Thai authorities emphasize that major tourist destinations remain safe and open for visitors. Places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and other central and southern areas are running normally, without direct effects from the border disputes. Increased security measures are in place in affected provinces, but the broader tourism sector continues its regular services.

Travel infrastructure remains mostly intact outside the contested border. International flights in and out of Thailand and Cambodia are still operating. However, all land border crossings between the two countries have been suspended for safety reasons and to manage the conflict.

Official advice from several embassies suggests that tourists planning trips to the area should register with their consulates. It's important to keep up with information from the Thailand and Cambodia foreign ministries and local authorities. Travelers should also carefully review their travel insurance terms, especially the exclusion clauses for regions affected by conflict.

Safety Tips for Travelers

• Avoid border provinces near Thailand and Cambodia unless travel is necessary.

• Follow official advisories from your home government and local embassies.

• Plan itineraries that focus on major cities and well-established tourism areas away from the conflict zone.

• Check transport routes and insurance coverage for any changes related to security policies.