by Thailand bombed Cambodia with F-16 fighter aircraft and brought a war into a region that is popular with British backpackers.
The tensions between the two countries have been cooked for months, and troops stationed in May in a controversial part of the border, the fire exchanged, which led to the death of a Cambodian soldier. However, border control this week is a significant escalation.
Here is everything you need to know whether it is certain to travel to Thailand and Cambodia, with an analysis of where the conflict zones are related to the most important tourist visors and what to do if you are in the region or want to cancel an upcoming trip.
What happens on the Thai border?
The conf.
Things escalated in May 2025 when a Cambodian soldier was shot near the competitive area of the border. In response, Cambodia put fruit, vegetable and gas imports between the two countries and even banned Thai films to be shown in his cinemas.
In another escalation, the Thai army closed the border with Cambodia in June, and both countries have stationed troops in the region since then.
This week Thailand accused Kambodia of having defined landmines in the controversial area. On July 24th, at six border locations in an area as a “Emerald triangle”, in which the countries of Laos meet, were reported to border suits.
According to Thai officials, at least 12 Thai citizens were killed in Thailand and another 31 injured after the fire in Cambodia. These numbers are expected.
Credit: Viral Press via Reuters Connect
In another escalation, Thailand bombed two strategic sites in Cambodia with F-16 fighter aircraft. Around 40,000 civilians were evacuated from 86 villages near the border.
Both countries claim that the other has initiated the recent battles on the border. The number of deaths and injuries in Cambodia has not yet been reported.
Is that on the ‘backpacker circuit?’
The conflict zone revolves around the border in North Cambodia and Easternhailand. The conflict points include the Ta Muen Toch, Ta Muen Thom, Ta Krabei and Preah Vihear Temple.
Backpackers (and their parents) should note that the conflict zone is rarely visited by tourists. When the crow flies, Preah Vihear is about 87 miles from Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Siem Reap. Bangkok is 280 miles away and Phnom Penh is 190 miles away.
The biggest influence on the backpackers is the fact that border items between the two countries are closed, even at stations that are far from the conflict zone and make land crossings impossible for tourists.
What advises the foreign office?
On July 24, the British office for the foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its advice on Cambodia.
It warns: “Land borders/intersections between Cambodia and Thailand are temporarily suspended. The line of the international border near the Preah -Vihear -Tempels (‘Khaoi Pra Viharn’ in Thai) was between Cambodia and Thailand with occasional clashes between Cambodi and Thai troops.
“There were also disputes over control of the temples of Ta Moan and Ta Krabey, which are near the border between Cambodia and Thailand. Pay particular attention to travel in this area and follow the instructions from the local authorities.”
At the time of writing, the FCDO did not update its advice to Thailand, but rather reflect the available advice on “regional risks”. British travelers in the region are recommended to “follow the instructions of the local authorities in the region.
The only part of Thailand with a formal advice “not travel” is the southern part of the country near the Malaysian border, where the FCDO warns due to “regular attacks” before the trip to a number of provinces. There are no formal travel counseling for trips to Cambodia.
Probably escalate things?
This is a possibility. Tita Sanglee, a deputy scholarship-based schedule at ISeas-Yusof Ishak Institute Denkfabrik, says: “With Thai soldiers who were wounded by Cambodian country mines, obviously against the contract of Ottawa, and now with the recent reports on injured Thai civilian population and fatalities, the pressure, the pressure on the pressure Thai political politicians and military managers are the military managers.
“Further restraint may no longer be viable because they arouse a crisis of public trust in an escalation of public trust.”
Sanglee added that a number of people in Thailand have the feeling that the government was “too slow and too soft in comparison to Cambodia’s fast and hard approach. As things are, I do not see that the de -escalation is coming soon. The actual question is how far the fights could go.”
Malaysia’s Prime Minister has asked Cambodia and Thailand to contact the negotiating table and duck out. “The least thing we can expect from you is to simply step back and hopefully try to conclude negotiations,” Anwar Ibrahim told reporters.
Can you still fly between Thailand and Cambodia?
Yes. The airlines continue to fly between Cambodia and Thailand.
What if I want to cancel my trip to the region?
It is understandable that some British vacationers and backpackers are nervous in view of the escalation of conflicts in the region to travel to Thailand and Cambodia.
If you have booked a parcel vacation or an accompanied tour to Thailand and/or Cambodia and want to cancel your trip for some reason, contact your tour operator and you may offer flexibility with alternative data. However, note that there is no guarantee that you will not receive a refund because it does not receive any advice, since the foreign office does not provide any advice and will not be able to return money with your travel insurance company.
If you have booked flights and accommodations independently of each other and want to cancel your vacation, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to determine whether you can reorganize your plans. However, note that due to the circumstances, it is unlikely that you will receive a complete or even partial refund.
Backpack tourists or students who consider a year in the region should keep an eye on developments in the coming weeks and months. The booking with a respected tour operator such as Trailfinder or GAP360 will ensure that the support on site and the rebooking options escalate the conflict.
