New Travel Alert As Thailand Shuts Borders In Six Provinces Amid Cambodia Dispute, Blocking Aranyaprathet-Poipet Route And Severely Disrupting Land Travel To Angkor Wat

Published on June 30, 2025

Thailand has issued a new travel alert following the sudden closure of border crossings in six provinces due to escalating tensions with Cambodia, triggering widespread disruption for tourists relying on overland routes to Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat. The shutdown of the critical Aranyaprathet-Poipet checkpoint—a key gateway for travelers headed to the UNESCO World Heritage site—has forced many to reroute their journeys or opt for costly flights, particularly affecting budget-conscious visitors. This move comes in response to a recent military clash and political fallout between the two nations, sparking concerns over regional stability, cross-border trade, and Southeast Asia’s interconnected tourism sector.

Ongoing political tensions and territorial disputes between Thailand and Cambodia have led to the closure of key border crossings in six Thai provinces, significantly affecting regional tourism and cross-border mobility. Among the most impacted areas is the Aranyaprathet-Poipet checkpoint, a crucial land route for travelers heading to Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat temple complex. The closure is the latest consequence of a spiraling diplomatic crisis, one rooted in historical grievances, military confrontation, and newly ignited political scandals, leaving both nations grappling with the fallout.

Longstanding Border Dispute Reignites

At the heart of the current unrest lies the century-old border disagreement between Thailand and Cambodia, concerning the demarcation of their shared eight-hundred-kilometer boundary. Although past diplomatic efforts had occasionally calmed tensions, recent incidents have brought the issue back into the spotlight.

The situation deteriorated in late May 2025 when a deadly clash erupted between military forces from both countries. The clash led to the fatality of a Cambodian soldier and reignited a surge of nationalistic fervor in both Thailand and Cambodia, further intensifying the already volatile atmosphere along the contested border. In response, Cambodia swiftly imposed a ban on the import of Thai-produced goods, including food, fuel, and gas — a move seen as a direct economic countermeasure.

What followed further inflamed the situation: a leaked recording emerged, allegedly capturing a private exchange between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. In the recording, Shinawatra refers to Hun Sen as her “uncle” and describes a Thai military officer as her “enemy.” The implication that she was aligning with a foreign leader’s guidance rather than prioritizing national interests caused widespread political backlash in Thailand.

Domestic Turmoil Erupts in Thailand

Although the Thai Prime Minister issued a formal apology and clarified her remarks, the fallout was immediate. The Bhumjaithai Party — a prominent coalition member in the ruling government — announced the withdrawal of its support. This destabilized the administration and emboldened opposition voices. Protests erupted in major Thai cities, with demonstrators demanding Shinawatra’s resignation and fresh national elections.

The combination of public unrest, internal political fractures, and military unease has sparked fears of another political intervention by Thailand’s powerful armed forces. Discussions in political circles and media have hinted at the potential for military involvement if the crisis remains unresolved.

Tourism Sector Faces Major Setbacks

The closure of border crossings could not have come at a worse time for Thailand’s tourism sector, which is still in recovery mode following global travel disruptions over recent years. The Aranyaprathet-Poipet land bridge had long served as a cost-effective and popular route for tourists entering Cambodia to visit Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts millions annually.

With the border sealed, travelers are now left with two options: cancel their overland journey or opt for costly international flights. Many backpackers and budget-conscious travelers have voiced their frustration over increased expenses, disrupted itineraries, and travel uncertainty.

Local tourism operators, transport companies, and hospitality businesses near the border are bearing the brunt of the impact. Reduced foot traffic and canceled bookings are already being reported across border towns, indicating a sharp dip in revenue that could ripple throughout the region’s economy if closures persist.

Strategic and Economic Ramifications

Beyond the tourism industry, the closure of the border and Cambodia’s retaliatory import bans pose serious economic risks. Cross-border trade — including agricultural goods, petroleum, and consumer products — plays a significant role in the economies of both nations. With supply chains interrupted, small businesses and exporters on both sides are now facing reduced income and escalating losses.

Diplomatic analysts warn that if tensions are not defused promptly, the conflict could escalate into a larger regional issue. With Thailand’s domestic politics in flux and Cambodia adopting a hardened stance, the path toward peaceful resolution remains fraught with challenges. International observers have urged both governments to engage in diplomatic dialogue before the standoff causes irreversible damage to regional ties.

Growing Concerns Over Security and Military Involvement

As anti-government protests gather momentum in Thailand, the risk of political instability remains high. Military officials have remained tight-lipped, but speculation about potential intervention has intensified. Thailand’s history of military coups — with the most recent one occurring in 2014 — adds weight to concerns that the armed forces may once again step in to restore order.

If such a scenario unfolds, it would likely have broader consequences for investor confidence, diplomatic relations, and Thailand’s global image as a tourism-friendly nation. The uncertainty could further deter visitors, especially those seeking safe and seamless travel across Southeast Asia.

Implications for International Travelers

For tourists currently in Thailand or planning to travel to Cambodia via land routes, the disruptions are significant. Travel agencies have begun rerouting clients through alternate air connections, though this has caused confusion, added expenses, and delays.

Moreover, travelers from Europe, Australia, and Asia who often combine visits to both countries in one trip are now rethinking their itineraries. The once-popular Bangkok-to-Siem Reap route, celebrated for its affordability and convenience, has become a logistical challenge.

Students and patients requiring medical attention are currently the only groups exempt from the closures, indicating that authorities are prioritizing humanitarian considerations while still maintaining strict travel restrictions.

Outlook: Navigating a Complex Crisis

The escalating dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has evolved into more than a simple border disagreement. It now embodies the intersection of geopolitics, economic policy, tourism dynamics, and internal political instability. How both nations respond in the coming weeks will shape not only bilateral relations but also the trajectory of Southeast Asia’s post-pandemic recovery.

Thailand must now strike a delicate balance — resolving its territorial disagreement with Cambodia while stabilizing its volatile political environment and protecting its vital tourism economy. Cambodia, in turn, faces pressure to manage public sentiment and economic fallout while navigating a diplomatic minefield.

Thailand has shut border crossings in six provinces amid rising tensions with Cambodia, prompting a new travel alert as political and military disputes force the closure of the vital Aranyaprathet-Poipet route. This has severely disrupted affordable land travel to Angkor Wat, leaving tourists with limited and more expensive alternatives.

The current crisis between Thailand and Cambodia underscores the fragile interdependence between politics and tourism in Southeast Asia. With borders closed, economic ties strained, and trust between governments shaken, both nations — and countless travelers — face a period of uncertainty. Swift diplomatic resolution, transparent governance, and renewed cooperation will be key to restoring normalcy in one of the world’s most vibrant and interconnected travel regions.