Borders-Bloodshed-Thailand-Cambodia

Borders-Bloodshed-Thailand-Cambodia

26^th November 25:  Synopsis. Welcome to this, our new page offering some practical advice and general information concerning the current border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.

We will keep a close eye on the situation and offer information and advice that we consider helpful to travellers and residents.

The interpretation of early 20th-century border maps has re-ignited bloodshed and disharmony. Whilst not wishing to comment on the rights and wrongs of the conflict, I fail to understand why the current round of hostilities has led to the destruction of schools, medical facilities, temples and other religious sites in Cambodia.

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Updated News

Travel advisory update

3^rd February 26:  The UK Foreign Office in London have advised that the 80km distance from the Thai/Cambodia, Cambodia/Thai border has been reduced to 20km for all but essential travel.

As always, be vigilant and take notice of any local travel advice.

Additionally, the land borders between the two countries remain closed

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13^th January 2026: The general situation in border areas remains somewhat fluid, including, sadly, many thousands unable to return to their homes. Should you intend visiting Thailand or Laos, check with your nearest Thai/Lao Consular office for the latest visa/entry requirements for your particular nationality.

When land crossings between Cambodia/Thailand reopen, we shall resume our travels in this region. In the meantime, however, we will try to keep you updated on matters likely to impact travellers’ plans. Please view this page frequently.

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31^st December 25: 

Good news, we are indeed very happy to learn that the 18 Cambodian soldiers detained in Thailand for some 22 weeks have been allowed to return to their families and friends in Cambodia.

I sincerely hope that any remaining border issues can be resolved in peace and harmony by Cambodia and Thailand, leading to a happier and safer new year for all concerned.

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Updated 24 December 25:

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 80km from the border with Thailand, except where we advise against all travel, in:

• Preah Vihear Province

• Oddar Meanchey Province

• Banteay Meanchey Province

• Battambang Province

• Siem Reap Province

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• Borders-Bloodshed-Thailand-Cambodia

TAT Advice 17^th December 25

Those living in the areas specified below will almost certainly be aware. Nonetheless, this is a heads-up for all visitors.

Martial law remains in effect in Mueang Chanthaburi, Tha Mai, Makham, Laem Sing, Kaeng Hang Maew, Na Yai Am, and Khao Khitchakut districts of Chanthaburi, as well as in Khok Sung, Ta Phraya, Aranyaprathet, and Khlong Hat districts of Sa Kaeo. Curfew measures continue to apply in the four districts of Sa Kaeo, effective 10 December 2025 until further notice, moreover, restricting movement between 7 pm and 5 am

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Travel advisory from the Foreign Office (FCDO) in London

13 December 25

Received by email 22:41   12^th December 2025

Change made to Thailand travel advice:
FCDO now advises against all travel to within 50km of the whole border with Cambodia except for Koh Chang, Koh Kood and the other islands in between them. Moreover, the  FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel.

Moreover,

Change made to Cambodia travel advice:

FCDO advises against all travel to within 50km from the whole border with Thailand.

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11 December 25: Ongoing Thai/Cambodia border conflict

Citing safety concerns, the Cambodian government have withdrawn all their competitors from the SEA Games being held in Thailand.

Rail services from Bangkok Hua Lamphong station to Ban Khlong Luc now terminate at Aranyaprattet, while the international border gate remains closed

Call SRT, State Railways of Thailand, hotline 1690 for the latest information.

Call TAT, The Tourist Authority of Thailand’s Hotline 1672, for further details, including various suspensions and rerouting of bus services.

The Foreign Office in London have reaffirmed its advice as follows: Avoid all but essential travel to within 50km of the whole Thai-Cambodia border, including Koh Chang, Koh Kood and other islands between them.

However, since this is a rather fluid situation, subject to change at short notice, assess your requirements very thoroughly before any travel to or within the contested/affected areas. 

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18^th November 25: Visiting Koh Chang, Thailand

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Although it appears to be possible to visit Koh Chang and other islands in the region, it should be noted that in accordance with UK FCO Thailand travel advice dated 29^th October 25, they advised against all but essential travel to within 50km of the whole border with Cambodia, and have confirmed that this includes Koh Chang, Koh Kood and the other islands in between them. Should you decide to go, make sure that your insurance will be valid.

To go or not to go, that is the question !!

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21^st October 25:

Tourist Authority of Thailand updated travel advice

The Tourist Authority of Thailand have updated their Travel Advisory – Border Safety Measures in Place Across Eastern and Northeastern Thailand

Full details at this link:  https://www.tatnews.org/2025/10/travel-advisory-border-safety-measures-in-place-across-eastern-and-northeastern-thailand/

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16 August 25:  TAT travel update

https://www.tatnews.org/2025/08/travel-advisory-border-safety-measures-in-place-across-eastern-and-northeastern-thailand/

Travel advice for Eastern and Northeastern Thailand. We, of course, strongly recommend that all those in the affected areas take note of this important information.

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3 August 25 Borders-Bloodshed-Thailand-Cambodia

Ceasefire & consequences for those living on the Thai/Cambodia border: Borders-Bloodshed-Thailand-Cambodia

Amongst many contradictory media reports, it appears that fighting on the Cambodia/Thai border has come to an end, at least for the time being. The ceasefire allows those displaced to filter back to what is left of their homes and businesses, to make a fresh start, hopefully in long-term peace and harmony.

Hindu temples and surrounding land situated on/close to the international border, once again became a focus of attention. Although I’m in no position to judge or criticize what has happened and/or is still happening either side of the border, I consider that it surely is about time, after well over 100 years, that both countries come to an agreement to share these invaluable historic assets, within clearly defined rules and boundaries, for the long term good of all who wish to visit, appreciate and enjoy hundreds of years of shared history. 

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26 July 25: Cambodia/Thai border dispute

Update from the Foreign Office, London, 26^th July at 10.33 am

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to border areas as follows:
Within 50km of the entire border between Cambodia and Thailand.

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25 July 25: Update from the Foreign Office, London

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to border areas as follows:

Within 50km of the border with Thailand in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. Also within 50km of the border with Cambodia in the provinces of Buriram, Si Saket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani.

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24 July 25: From the Foreign Office in London

“There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, on 24 July between Thailand and Cambodia at several locations along the border. Casualties have been reported, as well as evacuations of areas close to the border. Land borders/crossings between Thailand and Cambodia have been suspended. Some tourist destinations in border areas, such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple, are currently closed.

Exercise a high level of vigilance in border areas and follow the instructions of local authorities. There are also unexploded landmines in border areas.”

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19^th July 25:  Product shortages, both sides of the border

I have noticed, sadly, that Dutch Mill milk is no longer available, and yesterday, an alternative was being rationed to 2 cartons per customer at the local supermarket. A recent visit to my local 7-Eleven here in Kampot revealed that virtually all products manufactured by CP Foods in Thailand are no longer on the shelf. This alone must be costing someone in Thailand millions of dollars.

Thai Mitr Phol sugar looks OK, so far, but I’m not so sure about MaMa Noodles, although there are many alternatives, some from South Korea and China. Otherwise, I’m managing just fine.

Just curious, does anyone know of shortages of products from Cambodia to Thailand? I would like to make comparisons based on firsthand experiences.

Also, is it my imagination that air fares between Phnom Penh/Bangkok/Phnom Penh have recently increased?

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5^th July 25 Borders-Bloodshed-Thailand-Cambodia

Ongoing land border dispute

Nothing new to report, as all land borders between Thailand and Cambodia remain firmly closed, with very few exceptions allowed, such as medical emergencies.

Updates to follow, as and when available. In the meantime, you may wish to check with your local Thai or Cambodian immigration office for the latest advice.

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Tuesday 24^th June 25: Borders now closed

With very few exceptions allowed to cross, all borders between Cambodia and Thailand are closed until further notice. However, some students may be allowed and medical emergencies. 

For those who have to leave Cambodia and/or Thailand, air travel remains an option, and the Laos border remains open at this time. 

This remains an extremely fluid situation and sensible, therefore, to check thoroughly what your options are, prior to attempting to leave either country by any land shared crossings.

Updates to follow as and when available.

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19 June 25: Thai/Cambodia border dispute; Updated advice

Be aware that crossing land borders may take longer than hoped. 

Have bottled water & snacks with you. I find that having a book to read helps alleviate boredom. However, your phone should be fully charged before setting off. 

“Should you have to make a land border crossing, make sure that you have your passport, paperwork and visas in good order. 

Because delays can happen in either direction, don’t forget your medication

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8th June: Cambodia & Thailand Land border crossings

It is, of course, most unfortunate that, once again, disputes have arisen over territorial rights, often around Buddhist Temples situated close to country borders.

Leave it to the authorities to deal with things as they think fit, and furthermore, avoid commenting or getting involved

Should you have to make a land border crossing, make sure that you have your passport, paperwork and visas in good order. Don’t forget your medication and carry some cash,

Just in case of delays at the border, make sure that you have your passport, paperwork and visas in good order. Don’t forget your medication and carry some cash,

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