Indian Travellers Urged to Monitor Updates Before Visiting Thailand-Cambodia Border Areas

Amid rising tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border, the Indian Embassy in Thailand has advised Indian nationals to exercise caution and stay informed before traveling to the region. The warning follows recent armed clashes, including incidents of artillery fire that damaged homes near the frontier, such as a house struck in Surin province on December 11, 2025.

Embassy Urges Caution For Travellers

In its advisory, the Embassy emphasised that travellers intending to visit districts near the border should closely follow alerts and information issued by Thai authorities. It stressed the importance of relying on official sources for real-time updates, given that conditions on the ground could change rapidly.

“In view of the situation near the Thailand–Cambodia border, Indian travellers planning to visit these areas are advised to monitor updates from Thai official sources,” the Embassy said. Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom has stated that travel across most of the country remains unaffected, with restrictions confined to selected border districts.

At the same time, the Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom sought to reassure visitors, indicating that overall travel across the country remains normal. According to the agency, only a select number of border zones near Cambodia have heightened security measures in place, while popular tourist destinations and major cities continue to operate as usual. The agency noted that authorities are monitoring the situation carefully and are prepared to adjust safety protocols if necessary.

Together, these messages aim to help travellers make informed decisions while acknowledging both the localized nature of the tensions and Thailand’s broader efforts to maintain safety and stability for tourists.

Rail Operations Halted

Rail operations to Ban Khlong Luek have been temporarily halted, while buses heading toward Kantharalak are being rerouted through the Karnchang Intersection to ensure passenger safety. Authorities have additionally advised travellers to avoid Route 348 in Buri Ram due to heightened security concerns. However, these disruptions are limited to specific border areas; major tourist hubs—including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Pattaya and Ayutthaya—remain unaffected and continue to operate normally, welcoming visitors without interruption.

Key Points Of The Advisory

Avoid Border Areas
Indian nationals are urged to avoid all travel to the eastern and northeastern provinces that border Cambodia, where security measures have been significantly tightened.

Monitor Official Updates
Travellers planning to visit regions near the frontier should closely follow guidance issued by Thai and Cambodian authorities, including updates from the TAT Newsroom, as the situation may change rapidly.

Land Borders Closed
All land border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia have been temporarily suspended for tourists, with exceptions made only for urgent humanitarian movements. At present, overland travel between the two countries is not possible.

Follow Local Instructions
The advisory also stresses the importance of complying with directives from local authorities. In certain districts, martial law or curfews may be in effect, and travellers are expected to adhere to these measures.

Is It Safe To Travel To These Areas?

High-Risk Zones
Travel to the immediate border areas is currently unsafe due to ongoing hostilities, an unstable security environment, and the risk posed by unexploded landmines. Clashes in remote frontier regions have recently involved both artillery fire and airstrikes, underscoring the volatility of the situation.

Restricted Access to Sites
Several historical and cultural sites located near the border—including the Preah Vihear, Ta Muen Thom, and Ta Krabey temples—remain closed to visitors due to the conflict and security restrictions.

Safety in Major Cities
Despite the tensions along the frontier, major tourist destinations in Thailand (such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya) and Cambodia (including Siem Reap and Phnom Penh) remain stable and unaffected. Domestic and international air travel within and between these major hubs continues to operate normally.

FAQs

Is it safe to travel to the Thailand–Cambodia border right now?

No. Travel to the immediate border zones is currently unsafe due to active hostilities, unpredictable security conditions, and the presence of unexploded landmines. Authorities strongly advise avoiding all border areas until the situation stabilizes.

Are land border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia open?

No. All land border checkpoints are temporarily closed to tourists. Only urgent humanitarian cases may be allowed to cross. Overland travel between the two countries is not possible at this time.

Are major tourist destinations in Thailand and Cambodia affected?

No. Popular cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh remain safe and continue to operate normally. Flights, hotel services, and tourist facilities in these areas remain unaffected.

Can I still visit historical temples near the border?

No. Sites located close to the conflict zones—including the Preah Vihear, Ta Muen Thom, and Ta Krabey temples—are closed to visitors due to security risks and restricted access.

What precautions should Indian travellers take?

Travellers should avoid border regions entirely, monitor updates from official Thai and Cambodian sources (including the TAT Newsroom), follow instructions from local authorities, and consider using air travel instead of land routes between the two countries.