Cambodia Tourism Faces Decline Due to the Border Clashes with Thailand, Impacting Siem Reap Businesses and Heritage Sites, Urging for New Recovery Strategies

Published on December 15, 2025

The recent border clashes in Thailand and Cambodia have affected the tourist activities in Siem Reap, a city in Cambodia known for its famous tourist attractions such as the globally acclaimed Angkor Wat. The current conflict in the region is taking place during a peak tourist time in December, but this did not prevent a lower tourist activity level in the region. The tourists have shown reluctance, especially from border countries.

The local businesses in Siem Reap have not escaped this impact, with local vendors and tour companies noticing a huge decline in tourist numbers. The impact on this sector can be especially considered in terms of the local economy because Siem Reap’s economy is largely driven by tourism.

Tourism Expenditure Declines Amid Border Tensions

Local businesses, particularly those in the Old Market area of Siem Reap, have seen a 40% drop in business since the resumption of hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia on December 8. Pheng Tittararaksmey, a shop owner at the market, expressed her disappointment, noting that before the border conflict, her shop was thriving, with many customers buying souvenirs and clothes. Now, the influx of tourists has dropped significantly, and the local economy is struggling to maintain the same level of activity.

Similarly, Vanchan Nary, a jewelry shop owner at the same market, described how her daily earnings, which usually average $100, have dwindled to as low as $10. “Before the fighting, business was normal because it’s the high season. Now, during the war, it’s very quiet,” she said. This has left many businesses in Siem Reap wondering how to recover if the conflict persists.

Angkor Wat and Local Tourism Faces Decline in Visitors

The decline in tourism has also affected the visitor numbers at Angkor Wat, which is a key attraction for tourists from Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. According to a ticketing office staff member, the UNESCO World Heritage site has experienced a 10% drop in visitors since the border clashes resumed. Chan Syth, a tour guide at Angkor Wat, noted that he usually earns about $30 a day during the high season, but now struggles to make even $1 per day due to the lack of tourists.

The region’s tourism industry is in turmoil, with many tourists opting not to visit Cambodia due to security concerns about the ongoing conflict. Tourism operators and local businesses are now deeply concerned about the long-term impact the situation could have on Cambodia’s tourism sector.

Impact of Border Clashes on Cambodia’s Tourism Economy

The border conflict is not only affecting Siem Reap’s tourism, but it also has broader implications for Cambodia’s tourism economy as a whole. The country had already seen a decline in tourist arrivals before the latest clashes. Cambodia’s state media reported that between January and October 2024, the country welcomed 4.75 million international visitors, marking an 11.6% decline compared to the previous year. Much of this decline is attributed to reduced visits from neighboring Thailand, a key tourism market, due to the instability caused by the border fighting.

Tourism officials and industry experts are now focusing on rebuilding tourism confidence and addressing the security concerns that have deterred travelers from visiting Cambodia. The border clashes have highlighted the need for regional cooperation and diplomatic solutions to restore stability and ensure that tourism remains a viable driver of economic growth.

Future Tourism Outlook: Rebuilding Confidence in Cambodia’s Tourism

As the border conflict continues, the long-term impact on Cambodia’s tourism will depend on the ability of local authorities and tourism stakeholders to rebuild confidence in the region. Immediate steps must be taken to address tourists’ concerns regarding safety and security. Marketing campaigns, collaborations with neighboring countries, and local engagement will be key to ensuring that visitors feel confident traveling to Cambodia once again.

Additionally, tourism businesses will need to adapt quickly to the changing market by diversifying their offerings and targeting new markets. Developing domestic tourism options and focusing on cultural and eco-tourism could help mitigate some of the losses experienced by the industry.

In the longer term, Cambodia’s tourism sector may need to shift its focus toward sustainable tourism and community-based tourism, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are widely shared and that the region’s natural and cultural resources are preserved.

Damage to Heritage Sites: The Threat of Continued Conflict

The potential damage to heritage sites in the border regions, particularly the Preah Vihear temple complex, is also a critical issue. Cambodia has accused Thailand of damaging parts of the complex during the ongoing military conflict. Given that Preah Vihear is a significant tourism attraction and another UNESCO World Heritage site, any damage to its structure could have profound effects on the region’s tourism appeal.

As the International Court of Justice has ruled in favor of Cambodia’s authority over Preah Vihear and the surrounding land, ongoing disputes over the temple’s ownership and potential damage to the site could undermine the appeal of both Preah Vihear and other cultural landmarks in the border regions.

A Path Forward for Cambodia’s Tourism Sector

The border clashes in Thailand and Cambodia have had an immediate effect on tourist numbers in Siem Reap and in the country of Cambodia. As a direct consequence of falling tourist spending and numbers, a tough time can be expected in front of the affected businesses and tourist industry in Cambodia. Nevertheless, this presents a chance for the tourist industry in Cambodia to revitalize with increased focus on sustainability in tourist operations. Cambodia can remain one of the leading tourist destinations in Asia, but this will require a stable and secure environment in order to win back tourist confidence. With a sound strategy being put in place, everything can come together for a bright future in this industry in Cambodia.