Current Status & Key Developments
-
As of late July 2025, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an unconditional ceasefire, following days of intense artillery and aerial clashes along their contested border. The hostilities caused dozens of fatalities and displaced over 260,000 people on both sides.
-
Multiple governments—including the UK, Ireland, India, and the Philippines—have issued travel advisories urging citizens to avoid the border region unless travel is essential.
-
Though the ceasefire took effect midnight July 28, the situation remains volatile. Only regional diplomatic talks and a planned border committee meeting on August 4 offer prospects for stabilization.
Regions to Avoid (Do Not Travel)
Seven eastern Thai provinces are currently designated as high-risk and not recommended for travel:
- Ubon Ratchathani
Avoid: Phu Chong‑Na Yoi National Park, Kaeng Lamduan, Chong An Ma Checkpoint - Surin
Avoid: Prasat Ta Muen Thom, Prasat Ta Kwai, Prasat Ban Pluang, Phanom Swai Forest Park, Chong Chom area - Sisaket
Avoid: Khao Phra Wihan (Pha Mo I Daeng), Chong Sa‑ngam, border zones near Kantharalak & Phu Sing - Buriram
Avoid: Chong Sai Taku, Ta Phraya National Park, border zones near Ban Kruat & Lahan Sai - Sa Kaeo
Avoid: Ban Khlong Luek Checkpoint, Rong Kluea Market, Prasat Sdok Kok Thom, zones near Aranyaprathet & Khlong Hat - Chanthaburi
Avoid: Ban Laem, Ban Phat Kad checkpoints and nearby border areas - Trat
Avoid: Ban Hat Lek, Ban Muen Dan, Ban Ma Muang border zones. Hat Lek crossing—while open—faces strict screening.
Travelers and expatriates residing in or passing through these provinces are urged to defer non-essential journeys.
Where It Is Safe to Travel
-
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui remain operational and safe for tourism and daily life.
-
In Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Angkor Wat are not impacted by border tensions and continue to attract visitors without incident.
-
Flights and domestic journeys continue unimpeded to major cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap remain fully functional.
Practical Advice for Expats and Travelers
1. Use Only Approved Entry Points
All land border checkpoints between Thailand and Cambodia are closed or severely restricted in provinces such as Sisaket, Surin, Sa Kaeo and others. Only Hat Lek in Trat may still permit screened crossing for limited purposes. Travelers must not list closed checkpoints on the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
2. Complete TDAC Carefully
When entering Thailand:
-
Use the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
-
Choosing a land crossing in a conflict zone may trigger High Risk flags and result in entry denial or delay.
-
Required documents: proof of accommodation, onward travel, visa (if needed), valid passport. Land travelers should declare only open and safe checkpoints.
3. Monitor Official Sources
Stay updated through:
-
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT Newsroom)
-
Your country’s embassy or consulate (e.g., UK Embassy in Bangkok, Indian Embassy)
Be aware that land crossings may close without warning, and precautionary evacuation orders may be issued.
4. Insurance and Itinerary Adjustments
-
Confirm that your travel insurance includes conflict-related coverage.
-
Check cancellation and refund policies—especially if cancelled routes involve border areas.
-
Re-route via air or sea if originally planning a land crossing through affected eastern provinces.
5. On the Ground: Know Your Surroundings
-
Avoid political demonstrations or protests in both countries.
-
In northern Cambodia (Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey), risks include military presence, checkpoints, and landmines—even near the Preah Vihear temple area.
-
Keep a low profile, register with embassies when possible, and share your plans with a trusted contact.
Recommended Safe Destinations
| Region | Why It’s Safe |
|---|---|
| Bangkok | Capital city; unaffected by border conflict |
| Chiang Mai | Northern Thailand; far from eastern borders |
| Phuket / Krabi | Coastal, southern regions; safe and accessible |
| Siem Reap / Angkor Wat | Cultural hub in Cambodia; not near conflict zone |
These locations offer reliable access, strong infrastructure, and minimal disruption concerns.
Final Reminders
Avoid: Eastern Thai provinces along the border and Cambodian provinces like Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
Travel safely: Stick to major cities and tourist hubs; use air or non-border routes.
Stay informed: Use TAT Newsroom, embassy alerts, and official travel advisories.
Complete TDAC accurately: Declare only open crossings, carry required documents, avoid high-risk zones.
Protect yourself: Avoid demonstrations, check travel insurance, register your travel plans.
Summary
Traveling within 50 km of the Thailand–Cambodia border remains inadvisable. While a ceasefire is in effect, hotspot provinces—including Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Sa Kaeo, Buriram, Chanthaburi, and Trat—should be skipped for now. Expats and visitors should confine their trips to safe zones like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh. Stay alert, flexible, and prepared.