In the early hours of Thursday 24 July, tensions between two of South East Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, Thailand and Cambodia, have reignited. Reports of gunfire, rocket strikes and multiple casualties have been reported, while tens of thousands of residents along the border have been evacuated or encouraged to leave while fighting continues.
Koh SurinChris Schalkx
Is it safe to travel to Thailand?
At the time of writing (GMT 11.30am on Thursday, 24 July), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not updated the official travel advice for UK citizens planning to visit Thailand. The last update, published on Wednesday 9 July, concerned new information on the legal status of drones and playing cards.
Conflict at the border is a considerable distance from Bangkok, currently the world’s most-visited city, where millions of people arrive and transit through each year.
Popular Thai islands, such as Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Tao, are equally a vast distance from ongoing conflict at the time of writing, with tourists unlikely to be affected by anything happening along the country’s eastern border.
Bangkok, ThailandAlexander Spatari/Getty Images
However, there are areas the FCDO advises against all but essential travel, besides the reignited tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Due to regular attacks in southern provinces along the Thailand-Malaysia border, official advice warns against travel to Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province and southern Songkhla Province. The FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces.
Is it safe to travel to Cambodia?
While the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s advice for travel to Thailand remains unchanged, the conflict is acknowledged in their Cambodian travel advice.
At the time of writing, the FCDO states: “Land borders/crossings between Cambodia and Thailand are temporarily suspended. The line of the international border near the Preah Vihear temple (‘Khaoi Pra Viharn’ in Thai) has been in dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, with occasional clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops. There have also been disputes over control of the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which are close to the Cambodia-Thailand border.
“Take extra care when travelling in this area, and follow the instructions of the local authorities.”
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