The longstanding border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has once again taken a violent turn. Recent clashes near the Preah Vihear temple, a centuries-old structure located along the contested boundary of the two nations, have displaced more than one lakh people and raised serious safety concerns for travellers. This is not the first time the issue has escalated, but it is one of the most significant flare-ups in over a decade.
The core of the conflict lies in the location of the Preah Vihear temple, an 11th-century Hindu site that sits atop a ridge in the Dangrek Mountains. Although the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, ambiguity over the adjacent land has led to repeated tensions. The situation worsened in 2008 when the site was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, triggering military standoffs and repeated ceasefire violations.
Since early July 2025, artillery shelling and ground-level clashes have been reported, forcing over 90,000 civilians to evacuate Cambodian provinces near the border. In Thailand, more than 30,000 people have been moved from nearby districts. International bodies have expressed concern, and ASEAN has urged both nations to step back from the brink and return to dialogue.
For travellers, this development has immediate consequences. India has issued a detailed travel advisory urging citizens to avoid specific provinces in both Thailand and Cambodia. These include the Cambodian regions of Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey, as well as the Thai provinces of Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani. Other countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have issued similar warnings, citing growing instability and the risk of further escalation.
The tourism sector in both countries is beginning to feel the impact. Northern Cambodia’s temple circuits, once buzzing with visitors, are now witnessing sharp declines. Border checkpoints such as Chong Chom and O Smach have been closed, affecting both road connectivity and regional trade. Flights between Bangkok and Siem Reap are still operational but face increased scrutiny, longer queues, and heightened passenger monitoring. Tour operators have begun rerouting planned itineraries to avoid the conflict zone entirely.
Efforts by international organizations are underway to support displaced populations. The Cambodian Red Cross has mobilized emergency shelters and relief supplies, while Thai authorities are coordinating with international humanitarian groups to provide aid along their side of the border. Meanwhile, both governments have made public statements blaming each other for provoking the violence, though both have also indicated a desire to resume negotiations. However, no formal terms for peace talks have yet been agreed upon.
For travellers planning a visit to Southeast Asia in the coming weeks, it is essential to monitor embassy advisories and local news sources. While many tourist destinations in Thailand and Cambodia remain unaffected, the situation near the disputed temple area remains volatile. Travel insurance with flexible cancellation policies is strongly advised for those booking trips to the region. The cultural richness of both countries remains intact, but safety must come first.
The temple dispute may seem rooted in the past, but its consequences are deeply present. As tensions rise, tourists and locals alike are reminded that even the most beautiful destinations can be caught in the crossfire of political and territorial unrest.
For the latest updates on travel safety and regional news, follow Travel Moves on Instagram and Facebook.
