TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Several countries have issued travel warnings to Thailand and Cambodia following tensions at the border. As reported by Travel and Tour World, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Hong Kong have issued travel warnings and advisories for their citizens planning to travel to Thailand and Cambodia.
The recent conflict, which occurred on Thursday, July 24, 2025, centered around ancient temples near the border. This conflict has not only impacted the armed forces of both countries but also civilians and tourists. Tourists planning to visit these destinations are in a situation that requires immediate attention, as border conflicts escalate, border crossings are prohibited, and security issues intensify. Tourists should exercise extreme caution before deciding to travel to the affected areas.
Military clashes occurred near two important temples, Ta Moan Thom and Ta Muen, which are part of the Preah Vihear temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These temples are primary historical tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year to experience Cambodia’s cultural and historical richness.
However, the ongoing battle has led authorities to close these areas to visitors. Tourists are advised to avoid visiting border areas and seek alternative destinations in Thailand and Cambodia that are further away from the conflict zone.
Warnings for Tourists
As of July 24, 2025, several countries and territories, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Hong Kong, have issued travel warnings or advisories regarding the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. These warnings primarily focus on the disputed border areas near ancient temples such as Ta Moan Thom, Ta Muen Thom, and Preah Vihear.
The United States Embassy in Thailand has issued a security warning urging U.S. citizens to increase vigilance due to the ongoing border clashes. The embassy recommends that tourists avoid the affected border areas and follow instructions from local authorities.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom has also updated its travel advisory. The UK government is urging tourists to exercise caution in border areas and to follow the instructions of local authorities. The FCDO also noted the presence of unexploded landmines in the region.
Additionally, the Canadian government advises tourists to exercise increased vigilance in Cambodia, particularly near the border with Thailand. This advisory highlights the ongoing border disputes and the potential for sudden changes in border crossing status.
From Australia, the government-managed Smartraveller service recommends applying normal security precautions in Cambodia and warns of the closure of all land border crossing points starting June 24, 2025.
The Outbound Travel Alert System of the Hong Kong government has issued a yellow alert for Thailand and Cambodia. Citizens are advised to monitor the situation and exercise caution when traveling to these countries.
Impact on Tourist Sites
Tensions have arisen at the Thailand-Cambodia border. However, it has also affected the travel and tourism sector in both countries. Tourists in cities such as Bangkok, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh have reported increased security and minor disruptions to their schedules. For the time being, there are no impacts on major tourist centers.
Nevertheless, the closure of the border is likely to pose difficulties for tourists planning to cross the Thailand-Cambodia border. The battles have led to the closure of all border checkpoints between the two countries, including major crossings in northeastern Thailand. This presents specific challenges for tourists planning to visit places such as Siem Reap, where the Angkor Wat temple is located, and Koh Chang in Thailand, which is situated near the border.
Editor’s Choice: ASEAN Chair Contacts Thai and Cambodian PMs, Cites ‘Worrying’ Situation
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
