Thailand and Cambodia attract millions of visitors every year respectively, but the two countries have had border disputes bubbling under the service for more than 100 years.
While historically conflict has been intermittent, relations deteriorated severely this week with gunfire being exchanged in a handful of disputed areas, and multiple civilian deaths have been reported as a result.
It seems that the border regions are the only ones affected right now, but this is evidently worrying news if you have plans to travel to either country soon. So, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia as it continues to unfold, and how it might affect your travel plans.
What’s happening between Thailand and Cambodia?
Relations between two countries have been tense since a soldier was killed during gunfire over a disputed area in late May, but things deteriorated severely yesterday (Thursday July 24) with more fire exchanged over several different border zones after Thailand accused Cambodia of laying landmines in disputed areas.
The affected areas reported are: along Thailand’s Surin province and Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey (near the ancient Prasat Ta Moan Thom temple) and near Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province (which is close to the Prasat Ta Krabey site).
The Independent reports that according to the Thai health ministry, 14 civilians and a soldier have been killed and 46 people have been injured.
Is it safe to travel?
Since the exchange of fire began, Thailand has ordered the closure of its entire 817km border with Cambodia, and several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, the US, and the UK, have warned against travelling to the areas nearby.
However, travel to the rest of each country seems unaffected, and it is exclusively the border area which is advised against travelling to.
Are flights still running to Thailand and Cambodia?
At the time of writing, flights to both Thailand and Cambodia from major destinations such as Bangkok, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are operating normally, but if you plan to travel keep a keen eye on your flights status.
What’s the latest UK Foreign Office travel advice?
Updated advice on the travel pages for both Thailand and Cambodia read: ‘There are reports of fighting including rocket and artillery fire on 24 July between Thailand and Cambodia at several locations along the border. Casualties have been reported, as well as evacuations of areas close to the border. Land borders/crossings between Thailand and Cambodia have been suspended. Some tourist destinations in border areas such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple are currently closed. There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. We advise against all but essential travel to the affected border areas.’
Specifically, travellers are told to avoid all but essential travel to within 50km of the border, and reminded that ignoring this advice will invalidate their travel insurance.
Can I get a refund if I choose not to travel because of the conflict?
Because the FCDO has not warned against all travel to Thailand and Cambodia (only against essential travel to within 50km of the border areas) it’s unlikely you will be able to cancel your trip for a refund. The conditions for cancelling will depend on your provider, so the best thing to do if you’re keen to avoid travelling is contact them directly.
When was the last conflict between Thailand and Cambodia?
The roots of this conflict technically date back more than a century, when the borders of each country were drawn after the French occupation of Cambodia. Back in 2008, things got heated when Cambodia tried to register an eleventh century temple, which is located within a disputed zone, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There have been intermittent clashes over the years since, but it was in May that a Cambodian soldier was killed that tensions resurfaced.
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