Ongoing military clashes between Thailand and Cambodia – both popular travel destinations – across disputed border zones have prompted travel and tourism organisations to take safety measures and issue advisories.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) issued a travel advisory on July 24 evening, detailing the closures of several border checkpoints and nearby tourist areas for public safety and national security.
Travel restrictions apply to seven provinces in eastern and north-eastern Thailand: Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Affected attractions include Phu Chong-Na Yoi National Park (Na Chaluai District) in Ubon Ratchathani, Phanom Sawai Forest Park in Surin, Khao Phra Wihan National Park in Si Sa Ket, and more.
TAT said authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as conditions change.
Destination specialist Asian Trails shared an update on the same day, saying that all guests in both countries are safe and located far away from the conflict zones.
“The safety and well-being of our clients is our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the situation through government sources and our local partners on the ground,” noted the company’s statement.
Thailand’s flag carrier, Thai Airways, is presently assessing the situation, according to CEO Chai Eamsiri, and is ready to evacuate staff from Cambodia should the conflict worsen. The airline is maintaining flight schedules at press time.
Thourn Sinan, chairman of PATA Cambodia Chapter, affirmed Cambodia’s continued state of welcome for travellers.
He told TTG Asia that all major tourism destinations in Cambodia – Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang and the coastal zones – are fully secure and operating normally.
Although tourists are safe, destination reputation is at risk. Sinan warned that such conflicts “tend to create a ripple effect because they influence the perception of safety among potential travellers”.
“Tourists often rely on information and impressions rather than detailed knowledge of the situation, and news of conflict – even if it occurs in remote regions – can generate concern about overall safety and stability. This can lead to a decline in visitor numbers, as travellers may choose to postpone or cancel their trips, or opt for alternative destinations perceived as safer,” he said, adding that a country’s image as a peaceful and secure destination is critical for tourism-dependent economies.
For now, the clashes have resulted in “irreparable harm to cultural heritage and inflicted hardship on local communities living along the frontier”.
“Some of the world’s most treasured temples – symbols of human history and spiritual identity – have sustained damage from shelling and military activity,” he said, adding that continued aggressions would erase “centuries-old cultural treasures that belong to all of humanity, not just Cambodia”.
Various news outlets have reported civilian fatalities as well as displacement of civilians on both sides of the border.
“If the situation persists or escalates, it could have longer-term repercussions, including reduced bookings, lower hotel occupancy rates, and diminished revenue for local businesses and communities reliant on tourism,” he said. – Additional reporting by Marissa Carruthers
