Relations betweenThailand and Cambodia have seen a decline in relations over the past week., with the two nations engaging in gunfire across multiple contested border areas on Thursday, July 24.
The Thai health ministry reported that 14 civilians and one soldier have died in the conflict so far, with 46 individuals injured. The Cambodian government did not release similar information, but a local official from Oddar Meanchey stated that one civilian was killed and five others were injured.
Tensions haverun high between the two nations since a soldier was killedduring an attack in a contested border region in late May, only to intensify again earlier this week afterThailandaccused Cambodia of planting landmines in a contested area.
Each year, both nations draw numerous tourists, with Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex and its capital, Phnom Penh, being significant attractions, while Thailand welcomes many visitors to cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as well as islands like Phuket and Koh Samui.
Although these areas are not close to the border conflicts, travelers should be informed about the closure of the borders between the two nations as tensions rise.
Read more: Thailand-Cambodia border clash latest
Where have clashes occurred?
Fighting started early on Thursday morning close to the historic Prasat Ta Moan Thom temple, located along the boundary between Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey. Each side blamed the other for firing the initial shots, sparking the conflict.
Additional conflicts were noted close to the Prasat Ta Krabey location and along the boundary between Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province and Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani.
Videos from Thailand captured civilians running away from explosions and taking refuge in concrete shelters.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Thailand had focused on Cambodian military locations in several areas. One of Thailand’s six F-16 fighter jets carried out an attack, destroying what Thai authorities referred to as a Cambodian military target.
Has the common border been shut down?
Thailand has mandated the shutdown of all border crossings along its 817-kilometer boundary with Cambodia, parts of which remain unmarked.
What does the UK government recommend?
In its travel advicefor Cambodia, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) verified the closure of the border.
Temporary suspension of land borders and crossings between Cambodia and Thailand,” it stated in a Thursday update. “The international border near the Preah Vihear temple (‘Khaoi Pra Viharn’ in Thai) has been a subject of dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, with sporadic confrontations between Cambodian and Thai forces.
There have also been conflicts regarding the management of the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which are located near the border between Cambodia and Thailand.
Be especially cautious while moving through this region, and adhere to the guidelines provided by local officials.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel guidance for Thailand mentions the same regarding border crossings, but also states: “Exercise additional caution and remain vigilant in border regions and adhere to the directions of local officials, particularly at tourist spots like the Preah Vihear Temple, the Ta Kwai Temple, and the Ta Muen Thom Temple.”
There are also unexploded landmines in the border region. Stick to designated trails, particularly near Ta Krabey.
Additionally, the FCDO recommends avoiding all non-essential travel to certain areas in the southern region, close to the Thailand-Malaysia border. This includes Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province, and the southern part of Songkhla Province—specifically south of the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, as well as south of the railway line running from Hat Yai to Padang Besar.
The FCDO also recommends avoiding non-essential travel on the train route between Hat Yai and Padang Besar, which passes through these regions.
Can I cancel my vacation?
Since the FCDO has not issued any warnings regarding non-essential travel to Thailand or Cambodia, there will be no exceptional situations that allow for a complete refund if a trip is canceled.
The rules for canceling your trip will vary depending on your travel provider, so it’s advisable to reach out to them if you wish to reschedule.
Companies are not required to provide refunds for cancellations, and you won’t be eligible to file a claim with your travel insurance because of safety issues unless official guidance is updated.
Review your insurance policies and contact your insurer to understand your coverage.
For additional travel updates and tips, tune into Simon Calder’s podcast.
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