Thailand–Cambodia Border Crisis Leads To Major Safety Concerns For Travelers With Indian Embassy Urging Vigilance And Advising Avoidance Of High-Risk Border Areas

Published on December 13, 2025

Thailand has issued an urgent travel advisory as tensions along the Cambodia border escalate, prompting the Indian Embassy to urge nationals to avoid the affected areas. The warning comes after recent clashes near the frontier, including artillery fire that has disrupted the region’s security. While the border areas remain high-risk, major tourist destinations in Thailand, such as Bangkok and Phuket, remain safe, ensuring that most of the country’s tourism infrastructure continues to operate normally. Travelers are advised to stay informed and adhere to safety protocols issued by Thai authorities.

Amid rising tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border, the Indian Embassy has issued a cautionary advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid areas near the frontier and remain updated on official information. The border remains closed, but major cities and popular tourist destinations are not impacted by the situation.

Heightened Security on the Border

The Indian Embassy’s warning follows a series of armed clashes, including artillery exchanges that have damaged properties in areas near the Thailand–Cambodia border. A notable incident occurred on December 11, 2025, when artillery fire struck a house in Surin province, highlighting the ongoing volatility of the region. The Embassy has advised its citizens to carefully monitor updates from Thai authorities before making any travel plans to the affected border areas.

Reassurances for Travelers

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has sought to reassure travelers, stating that the country’s major cities and tourist hubs remain unaffected by the situation. The TAT emphasized that while there are heightened security measures in place along certain border districts, travel across the rest of the country continues without disruption. Popular destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi, Ayutthaya, and Samui remain open and fully operational.

The TAT also reiterated the importance of staying informed about the situation and adhering to guidance from official sources, as conditions on the ground may change. In the face of these border tensions, the Thai government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of both its citizens and international visitors.

Disruptions in Border Regions

While most of Thailand remains safe for tourists, certain areas near the border are facing disruptions. Rail services to Ban Khlong Luek, a station near the border, have been temporarily suspended, while bus routes to Kantharalak are being redirected to ensure the safety of travelers. Route 348 in Buri Ram has also been marked as high-risk due to security concerns.

Despite these localized disruptions, Thailand’s transportation network outside of the affected areas continues to operate smoothly, allowing tourists to freely visit major cities and other regions. No significant travel restrictions have been imposed on domestic flights, and airports in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai remain operational as usual.

Key Points of the Advisory

• Avoid Border Areas: Indian nationals are urged to avoid the eastern and northeastern provinces that border Cambodia, where security has been significantly increased due to ongoing conflicts.
• Monitor Official Updates: Travelers planning to visit regions near the border should stay informed by following updates from the Thai authorities and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The situation is fluid, and new information may emerge quickly.
• Land Borders Closed: All land crossings between Thailand and Cambodia are temporarily suspended for tourism purposes. However, emergency movements related to humanitarian needs are still allowed.
• Comply with Local Instructions: In areas near the border, local authorities may implement martial law or curfews. Travelers are advised to follow these instructions carefully to ensure their safety.

Is It Safe to Travel to These Areas?

• High-Risk Zones: The areas near the border are currently unsafe for travel due to ongoing clashes, which have included artillery fire and airstrikes. The security situation in these regions remains unstable, with the added danger of unexploded landmines in some parts.
• Restricted Access to Sites: Several cultural and historical landmarks close to the border, such as the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temples, have been closed to the public for safety reasons. These sites are located in proximity to the conflict zone and are currently inaccessible.

Safety in Major Cities

Despite the tense situation along the border, Thailand’s major tourist hubs remain safe and unaffected by the unrest. Key destinations, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, continue to welcome tourists without interruption. Air travel to and from these cities remains smooth, and international visitors are still able to explore these iconic locations.

Similarly, in Cambodia, cities such as Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are not impacted by the tensions on the border. Cambodia’s main airports and tourist attractions are fully operational, and there have been no reports of significant disruptions.

Conclusion

The escalating situation along the Thailand–Cambodia border has prompted travel advisories for travelers heading to the frontier areas. While the immediate border regions are unsafe due to military activity and ongoing clashes, Thailand’s major tourist cities and destinations remain secure. Travelers are urged to avoid areas close to the border, monitor official updates from Thai and Cambodian authorities, and comply with any local safety measures in place. By adhering to these precautions, tourists can continue to enjoy a safe and smooth experience in the unaffected parts of both Thailand and Cambodia.