by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:55 AM ET, Tue December 16, 2025
As a border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia worsens, the two countries claim that tourism is operating as usual.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) told the Economic Times India that nationwide travel remained unaffected, especially in places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, though there is an increased security presence in seven eastern and northeastern provinces. Martial law is in place in Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo and Trat. Border areas might see suspended train services and adjusted bus service.
TAT also told the news site that travelers should avoid restricted border zones and closed checkpoints.
The U.S. State Department classifies Thailand as a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution destination, but has added a Level 4: Do Not Travel notice to Thailand’s border with Cambodia due to the conflict. The advisory is the same for Cambodia, too.
“Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces,” said the advisory. “Periodic violence between Thai security services and armed insurgents has been known to occur in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. Seventeen districts in these provinces remain under a declared state of emergency due to ongoing violent conflict. There is a collateral risk of violence for U.S. citizens in Thailand’s southernmost provinces due to low intensity conflict.”
The State Department also explained the situation: that rocket and artillery fire between Cambodian and Thai forces have led to civilian casualties and evacuation of conflict zones. Americans are advised not to travel within 50km of border areas.
An update made today, December 16, warned Americans that the U.S. has a limited ability to provide support for those who do visit the border regions of Thailand and Cambodia.
While Cambodia also maintains it’s safe to visit, beyond its border zones, a report from yesterday, December 15 by France 24 announced that a Thai fighter jet bombed a civilian camp around two hours’ drive from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat, considered one of the most magnificent wonders in Asia.
Since the attack happened over 70 km away from the border, it’s already prompting travelers heading to the region to reconsider.
So what’s been happening?
According to the Associated Press, the two countries have had a long dispute over the countries’ borders, each claiming the region, some of which has temples. A skirmish began December 7, leading to two wounded Thai soldiers, and it hasn’t abated.
The first civilian casualty happened this past weekend after Cambodian forces launched a rocket into Thailand, while two dozen people on both sides have been confirmed to be killed. Nearly 800,000 people have been displaced, according to France 24.
The countries had been under a ceasefire promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump and nearby Malaysia since July, but that has now been forgotten. Cambodia claims it is fighting in self-defense against a neighboring aggressor, while the Thai prime minister has not promised to renew the ceasefire.
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