If you’re living in Thailand or Cambodia, or planning to travel between the two, the latest update from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) demands careful attention to the conflict that has killed at least 34 people and displaced more than 168,000 as of writing.
Escalation Along the Thailand and Cambodia Border
On 24 July 2025, fighting broke out along several points of the Thailand-Cambodia border. Reports confirm artillery and rocket fire, casualties, and evacuations. As a direct result:
All land borders between the two countries are now closed across 7 provinces: Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Trat, Sisaket, Surin, Buriram & Ubon Ratchathani
Several tourist areas are shut, including:
Khao Phra Wihan / Preah Vihear Temple
Ta Kwai / Ta Krabey Temple
Ta Muen Thom / Tamone Thom Temple
Unexploded landmines remain a real hazard in border zones
The FCDO advises avoiding travel within 50 kilometres of the entire Thailand-Cambodia border, unless absolutely necessary because of recent reports of evacuations and displacement.
What It Means for You
Many British expats holiday in Koh Chang (Trat) for weekend breaks, or cross the border for visa renewals and travel. That is now strongly discouraged:
Travel insurance may not cover you if you ignore official advice. That includes entering restricted zones in both Thailand and Cambodia.
Border and near-border travel plans should be cancelled or postponed. Land crossings are shut until further notice.
Military patrols and roadblocks are active in the affected areas.
Practical Advice
If you’re still travelling around the region:
Review your insurance cover. Make sure it accounts for emergency evacuations and border-zone risks.
Let someone know where you’re going and when.
Keep offline maps and embassy contact details with you.
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If you’re living in Thailand or Cambodia, or planning to travel between the two, the latest update from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) demands careful attention to the conflict that has killed at least 34 people and displaced more than 168,000 as of writing. Escalation Along the Thailand and Cambodia Border On 24… Read more: Thailand and Cambodia: New UK FCDO Travel Advice
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