Thailand stays one of many most secure locations in Southeast Asia, however the latest resumption of border conflicts with Cambodia has made journey to that space inadvisable.
All areas inside approx 80 kilometers from the Cambodian border are at present topic to advisories attributable to lively armed clashes, artillery hearth and evacuations on either side of the border.
This consists of border areas of provinces equivalent to Sa Kaeo, Surin, Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Chanthaburi and Trat
LATEST UPDATES OF THAILAND AND CAMBODIA CONFLICT NEWS (December 17):
- US Embassy warns of “lively hostilities and unpredictable safety state of affairs” close to the border: Safety alert from the US Embassy and Consulate in Thailand (dated December 16, 2025) advises US residents towards journey inside 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) of the Thailand-Cambodia border, citing ongoing cross-border fires and an unstable safety setting. The warning additionally mentions that of the US authorities restricted potential to offer emergency providers in affected provinces and urges vacationers to observe Thai security directions and monitor native updates.
- Cambodia claims accidents from “toxic gasoline”; Thailand denies chemical weapons
Cambodian troopers handled in hospitals in Banteay Meanchey province described acute respiration difficulties after Thai aircraft flights, whereas the Cambodian Protection Ministry has repeatedly alleged the usage of “toxic gasoline.” Thailand’s air power dismissed the claims as “pretend information” and Reuters reported that the allegations persist not verifiedthe place Cambodian authorities don’t present proof or specify the agent; medical employees mentioned further checks could be wanted to find out the reason for the signs.
Supply: Reuters (December 17, 2025). Supply: Reuters
- Thailand is making ready to repatriate hundreds stranded after the closure of the important thing crossing. Thailand mentioned it’s within the means of repatriation 6,000 residents stranded in Cambodia following the closure of the Poipet checkpoint as clashes at a number of border areas proceed for a second week. Thai officers additionally pointed to further sticking factors – equivalent to making ready plans to scale back gasoline shipments to Cambodia – as ASEAN diplomacy continues, together with a Malaysia-hosted international ministers assembly aimed toward restoring a ceasefire.
Supply: Reuters
LATEST UPDATES OF THAILAND AND CAMBODIA CONFLICT NEWS (December 13):
- Stories of the ceasefire range as preventing continues on the border. Hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia continued on Saturday regardless of US President Donald Trump saying a ceasefire had been reached. Thailand’s interim Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul disputed this declare, saying that Thailand “proceed to hold out army actions till we not really feel any harm and threats to our nation and our folks.” Cambodia has signaled its openness to Malaysian Anwar Ibrahim’s push for ASEAN-backed verification satellite-based monitoring. (Supply: reuters.com)
- Dueling tales of escalation harden positions on either side. Thai officers describe the continuing operations as retaliation and self-defense, whereas Cambodia claims Thailand has continued airstrikes. The Cambodian Ministry of Protection mentioned: “Thai forces haven’t but stopped the bombing and proceed to bomb“, citing reported strikes and cross-border hearth. Thai army leaders additionally framed the marketing campaign as supposed thereby affecting Cambodia’s long-term capabilitiesrising diplomatic rigidity as clashes proceed. (Supply: aljazeera.com)
- Displacement is rising as shelters report shortages and insecurity continues. The most recent exchanges have led large-scale evacuations and elevated strain on momentary shelters, with stories of restricted meals and clear water. A Cambodian evacuee instructed Reuters: “It is actually exhausting to remain right here like this. No rice, meals, cash… There isn’t a consuming water.” Stories additionally point out that some Thai residents have remained in near-empty villages to guard property and livestock, highlighting the rising toll amongst civilians from the battle. (Supply: apnews.com)unpredictable safety state of affairs
Official journey recommendation
American journey recommendation for Thailand
The US Division of State continues to checklist Thailand under Degree 1: Follow regular precautions.
Nonetheless, it advises vacationers to take action rethink journey to the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwatand components of Songkhla attributable to continued rebel actions and civil unrest.
Canada Journey recommendation for Thailand
The Canadian authorities is warning vacationers about frequent petty crimes, together with:
- Taking wallets
- Pickpocketing
- Theft from the bags compartment of buses
Vacationers are urged to make use of respected transportation corporations and stay vigilant in busy vacationer areas.
Areas to keep away from in Thailand
Each US and Canadian authorities advocate avoiding the next:
- Sa Kaeo,
- Surin,
- Sisaket,
- Ubon Ratchathani,
- Buriram,
- Chantaburi,
- Trat
These provinces proceed to expertise violent separatist conflicts and ethnic tensions.
Furthermore, because of the new escalated state of affairs, vacationers ought to keep away from it all areas bordering Myanmar, Cambodia and Malaysiathe place armed battle, instability and landmines pose severe dangers.
The northern border districts close to Myanmar (e.g. Mae Sot) are at present warranted elevated warning.
Frequent scams in Thailand
Though Thailand is usually secure, scams focusing on vacationers are widespread:
Taxi overloaded
Some taxi drivers refuse to make use of the meter and as a substitute cost excessive flat charges, particularly in areas with a whole lot of vacationers. If a driver doesn’t activate the meter, finish the trip request and take one other taxi.
The diversionary maneuver “Closed attraction”.
In a typical diversionary tactic, tuk-tuk or taxi drivers declare {that a} main attraction is ‘closed’ or ‘not open as we speak’, then ship guests to accomplice outlets, gem outlets or tailor outlets for commissions. Politely however firmly insist on going on to your supposed vacation spot.
Worth inflation and nightlife extortion schemes
At sure leisure venues, vacationers might encounter exaggerated drink costs or strain strategies, together with staged “police” encounters designed to extract money funds. If you’re confronted by somebody claiming to be a regulation enforcement officer, ask for official identification and keep away from handing over any cash on the spot.
Forex trade with brief change or payment manipulation
Unscrupulous trade homes can promote favorable charges whereas charging hidden charges, unfavorable spreads or short-changing clients. Verify the benchmark charges prematurely, affirm the web quantity you obtain and rely the money fastidiously earlier than leaving the counter.
Pretend or misrepresented gem stones
Gemstone fraud stays a recurring downside, particularly in Bangkok, the place stones could also be misrepresented when it comes to high quality, origin or authenticity. Purchase solely from established sellers and acquire acknowledged certification documentation.
Too excessive costs and detours for Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-tuk drivers typically cost excessive costs and should counsel further stops that end in bribes. Set a transparent ultimate fee earlier than departure and refuse unsolicited detours or retailer visits.