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The tense situation at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, with fierce fighting, has forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate. In response to this complex situation, the Thai government has urgently evacuated over 100,000 residents living along the border with Cambodia to ensure their safety.
The hotspots of the conflict are mainly concentrated around the disputed ancient temples such as Preah Vihear, Ta Moan Thom, and Ta Krabey, located close to the border between the two countries. The security situation there is considered particularly complex and dangerous.
A warning to citizens of all countries regarding the situation at the Thailand-Cambodia border.
To address the crisis, the Royal Thai Army swiftly implemented emergency measures. Several key border crossings were temporarily closed, and nearby tourist areas ceased operations to protect the lives and property of residents and tourists.
In response to these serious developments, many countries around the world have urgently issued high-level travel advisories to their citizens who are planning to travel to or are currently in Thailand and Cambodia.
Earlier, tensions between Cambodia and Thailand escalated after five more Thai soldiers were injured by landmines, one seriously, in the disputed border area of Ubon Ratchathani province.
In Vietnam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promptly issued a warning. The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Vietnamese citizens currently in Thailand and Cambodia should strictly adhere to the regulations of the local authorities and absolutely avoid traveling to areas experiencing complex security situations. The warning also urged Vietnamese citizens to proactively maintain contact with diplomatic missions in both countries to stay updated on consular protection and receive necessary assistance in case of emergency.
Vietnamese citizens in the area should monitor and strictly comply with the regulations and guidelines of the local authorities, including avoiding areas with complex security situations.
Other countries have taken similar actions. The Indian Embassy in Thailand advised Indian citizens to stay informed and avoid certain areas near the Thai-Cambodian border. The UK warned tourists against visiting the border area unless absolutely necessary, particularly noting the risk of unexploded ordnance around the Ta Krabey and Ta Moan Thom temples. The US Embassy in Thailand also warned its citizens to stay away from conflict zones. Canada urged its citizens to exercise extreme caution near the Cambodian border, while Australia advised avoiding border crossings that have been closed since June 24th.
Tourists should maintain contact with the representative offices and embassies.
Currently, all border crossings between the two countries have ceased operations. Thailand has temporarily suspended tourism activities in provinces bordering Cambodia such as Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, and Buriram. This has severely disrupted independent travel, package tours, and cross-border trade, according to information from the Central Steering Committee for Tourism and Trade.
In case of needing assistance or information regarding citizen protection, citizens can contact the citizen protection hotline.
Although major tourist centers like Bangkok (Thailand), Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh (Cambodia) have not been significantly affected, and tourists there report only minor disruptions to their itineraries due to tightened security, those planning to travel to Koh Chang (Thailand) or visit Angkor Wat (Cambodia) by land should exercise particular caution. Cross-border traffic has been completely halted, causing significant difficulties for travel plans.
According to Thai media, at least nine Thai civilians were killed, 14 injured, and approximately 40,000 people have been evacuated from villages near the conflict zone. Cambodia has not yet released casualty figures.
Travel experts recommend that tourists immediately contact their tour organizer or insurance company to update their coverage if they intend to postpone or cancel their trip, in order to ensure their absolute safety.
