Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have deteriorated over the past week, with the two countries exchanging fire across several disputed border zones on Thursday, 24 July.
The Thai health ministry said 14 civilians and a soldier had been killed in the fighting so far and 46 people wounded. The Cambodian government did not provide any such details but an provincial official in Oddar Meanchey said a civilian had been killed and five wounded.
Tensions have run high between the two countries since a soldier was killed during gunfire in a disputed border area in late May, only to escalate again earlier this week after Thailand accused Cambodia of laying landmines in a disputed territory.
Both countries attract large numbers of tourists each year, with Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex and its capital Phnom Penh major draws, while Thailand sees many visitors in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, along with islands such as Phuket and Koh Samui.
While these hotspots are not located near the border clashes, tourists should be aware of the closure of the crossings between the two countries as tensions escalate.
Where have clashes occurred?
Gunfire began early on Thursday morning near the ancient Prasat Ta Moan Thom temple, found along the border between Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey. Both sides accused the other of firing the first shots, initiating the attack.
Further clashes were reported near the Prasat Ta Krabey site and along the border separating Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani.
Footage in Thailand showed civilians fleeing explosions and seeking shelter in concrete bunkers.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet claimed Thailand had targeted Cambodian military positions in multiple places. One of Thailand’s six F-16 fighter jets launched an attack, destroying what Thai officials described as a Cambodian military target.
Has the shared border closed?
Thailand has ordered the closure of all the crossings along its 817km border shared with Cambodia, areas of which are undemarcated.
What is the UK government's advice?
In its travel advice for Cambodia, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised against all but essential travel within 50km from the border with Thailand in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces.
The FCDO travel advice for Thailand has also been updated to advise against all but essential travel to border areas with Cambodia, specifically within 50km of the border from Cambodia in the provinces of Buriram, Si Saket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani.
“There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire on 24 July between Thailand and Cambodia at several locations along the border,” it wrote for both countries.
“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.
“There are also unexploded landmines in the border area,” the FCDO said. “We advise against all but essential travel to the affected border areas.”
Separately for Thailand, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border, including the Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province and southern Songkhla Province – south of the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and south of the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Padang Besar.
FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces.
Can I cancel my holiday?
As the FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to Thailand or Cambodia, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund.
The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone.
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes.
Check your insurance policies and speak to your insurer to see where you stand.
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