December 10, 2025, 4:43 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Increased tensions in the middle of peak season: The long-standing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia over the border has reignited. Travelers are now questioning how safe it is to visit the region and what to consider for existing bookings.
In the border region between Thailand and Cambodia, a decades-old conflict has escalated again. According to the Foreign Office, there have been armed clashes resulting in deaths and injuries. Tens of thousands of people from the affected areas have been evacuated to safer regions or have fled to shelters.
The fighting is concentrated in the disputed border area, where the exact boundary has long been contested. Since the summer, there have been repeated military clashes there, which have now flared up again.
The Foreign Office warns against traveling to the affected border regions of both countries. For Cambodia, the warning applies up to 50 kilometers from the border. In Thailand, it affects the provinces of Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani, also within 50 kilometers—for other areas near the border, the limit is 10 kilometers. Given the dynamic situation, these advisories can change at any time.
“Further escalation of the military confrontations cannot be ruled out,” warns the Foreign Office.
Impact on Tourist Travel
Despite the tense situation, the contested regions are far from the main tourist destinations. “It is not a major tourist region,” explains the German Travel Association (DRV). For instance, the Thai capital, Bangkok, is about 250 kilometers from the affected zone. The popular Cambodian destination Siem Reap, with the Angkor Wat temple complex, is also about 150 kilometers from the border.
For package tourists, the DRV gives the all-clear but emphasizes that tour operators are closely monitoring the situation: “Tour operators are keeping a close watch on the situation and keeping package travelers informed.” If the situation worsens, measures will be taken to ensure travelers’ safety. In case of uncertainties, the association recommends contacting the tour operator directly.
What to Consider When Traveling to the Gulf Region
These Are the Rights of Air Travelers When Transiting Through Crisis Regions
Significance of a Travel Warning
A travel warning is not a ban but can have direct impacts on travel plans. Tour operators often rely on the Foreign Office’s assessments, such as when it comes to cancellations or changes in the itinerary.
“In the event of a travel warning, vacationers can usually cancel booked package tours without cancellation fees.” Such a warning is generally considered an indication of force majeure, legally allowing for a free cancellation.
Individual travelers who have booked accommodations and flights separately are more on their own. They must assess the risk they are willing to take and deal directly with hotels or airlines in case of a cancellation.
Border Crossings Currently Closed
The armed clashes also have direct consequences for cross-border traffic. Anyone currently wishing to travel between Thailand and Cambodia must make alternative plans. According to the Foreign Office, the border crossings between the two countries are currently closed. However, international air travel remains unaffected—travelers can still fly between the two countries.
With material from dpa