Thailand Joins Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Laos in Security Crisis: Border Clashes and Armed Conflicts Trigger Urgent Travel Warnings for Southeast Asia

Published on December 15, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Thailand has now joined Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Laos on the growing list of countries issuing heightened security measures and travel advisories across Southeast Asia. The latest travel warnings come as ongoing armed conflicts, border clashes, and the presence of landmines continue to disrupt the stability of the region, particularly along the Thailand-Cambodia, Thailand-Myanmar, and Thailand-Malaysia borders. These conflicts, involving military strikes, insurgency movements, and the threat of unexploded ordnance, have prompted multiple nations, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, to issue Do Not Travel advisories for the affected areas.

The situation in Southeast Asia has grown increasingly volatile, with Myanmar’s internal conflict spilling over into its borders with Thailand, while Cambodia shares the same conflict zone, as both countries face the same security challenges. Thailand’s ongoing efforts to control armed criminal groups along its borders with Myanmar and Cambodia have raised significant concerns about traveler safety. Travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand are specifically advised to reconsider their travel plans and avoid all but essential travel in these conflict zones.

What’s Happening?

In response to the armed clashes, military conflict, and the confirmed presence of landmines in the disputed border areas between Thailand and Cambodia, multiple international governments have issued heightened security warnings for these regions. Myanmar, which shares a similarly volatile border with Thailand, has also been identified as a region with substantial travel risks due to internal military conflict.

As a result, travelers to Southeast Asia are urged to avoid all non-essential travel to these high-risk border areas, with government agencies, such as Australia’s Smartraveller, Canada’s Travel Advisory, and the UK Foreign Office, providing real-time updates and safety instructions for those in or near Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Malaysia.

Where Are the Warnings Active?

The heightened travel warnings cover critical border zones where ongoing armed conflicts, landmine risks, and violent clashes between military forces and armed groups are frequent. The following regions are the primary areas of concern:

• Thailand-Cambodia Border: Conflict continues on both sides, with landmines and military strikes presenting significant dangers to civilians and travelers.
• Thailand-Myanmar Border: Escalating clashes between Myanmar military forces and armed ethnic groups near the border have led to sporadic border closures and armed crime incidents.
• Thailand-Malaysia Border: The southern provinces of Thailand bordering Malaysia are heavily affected by insurgency and separatist movements, resulting in frequent violent attacks.

When Did These Alerts Begin and How Long Will They Last?

The travel advisories for Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Malaysia have been progressively updated since the beginning of December 2025, following reports of armed clashes and escalating violence along the borders. These travel warnings are expected to remain active indefinitely, as the security situation continues to evolve. With no immediate resolution to the armed conflicts in Myanmar and ongoing insurgency in southern Thailand, governments advise travelers to monitor official sources for up-to-date alerts.

Why Are These Warnings Being Issued?

The border security risks in Southeast Asia are directly related to armed conflicts between military forces and ethnic armed groups, as well as the spillover effects of internal conflicts in Myanmar. The presence of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) further complicates travel in these areas, making border crossings extremely dangerous for civilians and foreign nationals.

In Myanmar, the situation is exacerbated by violent clashes between the military and ethnic militias in regions such as Shan State, Rakhine State, and Kachin State, while Thailand deals with armed criminal groups engaged in smuggling and drug trafficking across its borders with Myanmar and Cambodia.

How Are These Disruptions Impacting Travel?

The border closures and armed conflicts in Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar are severely affecting travel infrastructure and creating unpredictability for travelers. The primary land crossings between these countries are subject to unpredictable closures due to the ongoing military operations and armed confrontations.

Major Affected Border Crossings:

1. Mae Sot (Thailand) ↔ Myawaddy (Myanmar):
   • Status: Highly volatile, frequently closed due to conflict in Myawaddy, where fighting between Myanmar military forces and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) has intensified.
   • Impact: The crossing is often closed without notice, and foreigners are advised to avoid this route entirely due to conflict risks.
2. Ranong (Thailand) ↔ Kawthoung (Myanmar):
   • Status: Occasionally open but with severe travel warnings due to fragile security in the Tanintharyi Region of Myanmar.
   • Impact: Day trips are allowed, but travel beyond Kawthoung is highly discouraged due to security threats.
3. Other Major Crossings (e.g., Mae Sai ↔ Tachileik):
   • Status: Unpredictable, heavily restricted.
   • Impact: Even when open, this region is plagued by ethnic conflict and criminal activity, presenting a high security risk for foreigners.

How Should Travelers Respond?

Travelers are advised to:

• Avoid all non-essential travel to the border areas in Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
• Monitor government advisories from Australia, Canada, and the UK for real-time updates.
• Use air travel whenever possible, as land border crossings are subject to unpredictable closures and security risks.

Conclusion

As Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Laos face escalating security threats and border disruptions, travelers must stay vigilant and heed the warnings issued by government agencies. With armed conflict and insurgency movements disrupting both border crossings and regional stability, the Southeast Asia region remains a high-risk area for travel. Travelers are urged to plan alternative routes and regularly check official government advisories to ensure safety during their time in the region.