Thailand–Cambodia: what travellers need to know after the latest border tensions

Since 7 December 2025, new clashes have erupted along the Thailand–Cambodia border. Here is everything travellers need to know.

Background of the tensions: what happened in early December 2025?

Fighting resumed on 7 and 8 December 2025

The first exchanges of fire were reported on Sunday 7 December 2025 in the afternoon, before intensifying at dawn on Monday 8 December. The incidents took place around disputed areas between:

• Cambodian side: Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey
• Thai side: Si Sa Ket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani

Artillery fire was reported as early as 5 a.m., leading to population movements in several border districts in both countries.

Human and humanitarian toll as of 9 December 2025

• Thailand: 2 soldiers killed, 4 injured
• Cambodia: at least 4 civilians killed, 9 injured
• Large-scale evacuations:
  • Thailand: 385,000 people evacuated
  • Cambodia: 377 schools closed, 78,000 students affected

Witnesses reported continuous gunfire, damaged homes and fires visible from nearby villages.

Official positions: two opposing narratives

Thai position

Thai authorities accuse Cambodia of:

• firing first on 7 December at 14:16 in Si Sa Ket province,
• using rockets, explosive drones and heavy artillery,
• placing new PMN-2 landmines along the border area.

In its response, Thailand states that it is targeting only military objectives: weapons depots, supply routes and command sites.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared that Thailand would exercise its legitimate right to self-defence.

Cambodian position

Cambodia maintains that:

• Thai forces launched an attack as early as 5:04 a.m. on Monday 8 December,
• tank fire hit several areas, including Ta Moan Thom and Preah Vihear temple,
• its troops refrained from responding immediately to preserve the ceasefire.

Phnom Penh requested an investigation from the ASEAN Observer Team.

Diplomatic and political developments

ASEAN’s role and international pressure

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, acting as mediator, called for an immediate halt to the hostilities in order to preserve the progress made since the deadly clashes of July 2025 and the ceasefire signed in October 2025 in the presence of the US president, who hailed it at the time as a complete success for his deal.

Domestic political debates in Thailand

Several political parties are urging the government to adopt a stronger stance. They call for better protection of civilians, stronger emphasis on self-defence rights, and increased action against criminal networks operating from the border area.

These pressures are reinforcing the political tension surrounding the conflict only a few months before the national elections.

What does this mean for travellers?

Areas affected by the clashes

The incidents are concentrated in remote border provinces, far from the main tourist destinations. The affected areas include the Thai provinces of Si Sa Ket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani, and the Cambodian provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.

Major destinations (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh) are not affected.

Temporary closure of some border checkpoints

According to information available as of 9 December 2025, several land border checkpoints in Si Sa Ket and Surin have been partially closed or placed under increased security.

This may lead to:

• delays,
• reinforced controls,
• occasional closures.

Travel conditions: what travellers should know

Traveller organisations and local authorities recommend:

• avoiding the disputed border zone,
• using the main international crossings (Aranyaprathet–Poipet, Chong Chom–O’Smach depending on updates),
• following embassy and foreign ministry advisories.

No impact has been reported at any international airport in Thailand or Cambodia.

Risk for tourists

As of 9 December 2025:

• No traveller has been affected by the clashes.
• Tourist destinations remain open and safe.
• The risk is localised to the immediate border area.

What to do if you are travelling soon in the region?

Practical advice

1. Check official advisories: embassies, foreign ministries, local authorities.
2. Avoid non-essential travel to the affected border provinces.
3. Prefer domestic flights if your itinerary crosses nearby regions.
4. Monitor updates regularly, as the situation can evolve quickly.

FAQ: frequently asked questions

Are the Thailand–Cambodia borders closed?

No. Most border crossings remain open, although some checkpoints in the conflict zone may experience temporary closures.

Are tourist areas affected?

No. Major cities and islands in both countries are unaffected.

Can I travel to Thailand or Cambodia in December 2025?

Yes. Tourism continues normally. Only certain border areas should be avoided.

Are flights affected?

No airport has been impacted by the clashes.

Should I cancel my trip?

There is no need to cancel unless you specifically planned to visit the provinces directly affected by the incidents.

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