The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advisory for Cambodia on 24/7, acknowledging the border closure with Thailand. The area near Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular tourist attraction, remains a point of contention between the two countries.

The FCDO also warned of disputes around the Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabey temples, advising travelers to exercise "extreme caution" when visiting these areas and to heed local authorities' guidance.

Similarly, the FCDO's advisory for Thailand emphasizes caution and vigilance in border regions, particularly near tourist sites. Some areas, such as near the Ta Krabey temple, still contain unexploded ordnance, and visitors should stick to clearly marked paths.

Thai provinces bordering Cambodia, including Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, and Buriram, have closed all tourist attractions. Cross-border movement, including independent travel, tours, and trade, is suspended until the situation stabilizes.

Thai (left) and Cambodian soldiers near Ta Moan Thom Temple. Photo: AFP

Thai (left) and Cambodian soldiers near Ta Moan Thom Temple. Photo: AFP

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Thailand's southernmost provinces: Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and southern Songkhla—an area bordering Malaysia—due to ongoing security concerns. The Hat Yai - Padang Besar railway line, which passes through this region, is also included in the travel restriction.

The US Embassy in Thailand has also issued a security alert, recommending increased caution due to the border clashes and advising travelers to avoid affected areas.

Canada advises its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Cambodia, particularly near the border with Thailand. The advisory highlights the volatile nature of the dispute and the potential for rapid changes in the situation.

Australia recommends safety precautions for travelers in Cambodia. Hong Kong, China, issued an amber alert (the lowest of three levels) for both Thailand and Cambodia, advising travelers to monitor the situation and exercise caution.

According to the FCDO, travelers should contact their tour operators or travel insurance providers to check their options regarding postponing or canceling trips to Cambodia and Thailand.

Travelers in cities like Bangkok, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh report increased security and some disruption to their itineraries. However, major tourist centers remain largely unaffected for now. The clashes have led to the closure of all border checkpoints, impacting travel plans to Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, and Koh Chang in Thailand. Travelers are concerned that if the conflict continues, not only land routes but also air travel between the two countries could be disrupted.

Tensions began escalating in late May after a soldier was killed in a shootout near the disputed border area. The situation worsened this week when Thailand accused Cambodia of planting landmines in a contested zone. Exchanges of fire occurred at multiple points along the border today. Thai media reports at least 9 Thai civilians killed, 14 injured, and around 40,000 evacuated from villages near the fighting. Cambodia has not released casualty figures. Both sides accuse the other of initiating the gunfire.

Anh Minh (Nation, Independent, FCDO, Travel & Tour World)