Conflict escalates: Borders between Thailand and Cambodia closed – Information for travelers

A gas station in Ban Phue, Thailand, was completely destroyed by a rocket fired from Cambodia on July 24. The two countries' armies are occasionally fighting at border crossings. In Thailand, eleven civilians and one soldier have already been killed. Thirty-one people have been wounded, according to Thai Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin . Even though the border areas in northeastern Thailand are less popular with travelers, the conflict could have an impact on travel.

Thailand and Cambodia have been arguing for decades over the ancient temple complex Prasat Preah Vihear (Thai: Khao Phra Viharn).

The World Heritage Site is located on Cambodian soil, on a rocky ridge bordering Thailand, and was officially awarded to Cambodia. A decision that Thailand is not fully prepared to accept.

The Prasat Preah Vihear temple complex in northwestern Cambodia has been the source of disagreements between the two countries for decades. It dates back to the eleventh century.

Source: Getty Images/iStockphoto

In recent times, domestic political conflicts have been added to the disagreements. Cambodia recently imposed an import ban on Thai products, including products such as fruit and vegetables, as well as gas and fuel. Even Thai TV programs have been affected, with their broadcasts halted.

On July 24, a rocket from Cambodia hit a gas station in the Thai province of Sisaket, killing at least five people.

Source: IMAGO/Anadolu Agency

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra then took drastic action: she closed all border crossings to Cambodia. However, the situation at the border has since become confusing.

Information about border crossings remaining closed or routes reopening is contradictory. On July 23, according to Aljazeera , the border crossings in Chong An Ma, Chong Sa-ngam, Chong Chom, and Chong Sai Takoo were closed. The Ta Moan Thom and Ta Kwai temples were also closed. The Aranyaprathet-Poipet border crossing, which is important for travelers, was also closed, but was reopened by the Thai side for three hours on June 23. After that, it was scheduled to be closed again. Whether this is actually the case is difficult to verify.

Recently, only students and schoolchildren were allowed to cross the border by land. Medical reasons are also considered an exception.

However, for everyone else, including tourists, the border with Cambodia is largely closed. This also applies to the Ban Khlong Luek border crossing, which is frequently used by travelers.

Due to the current situation and the deadly clashes in the border region between Thailand and Cambodia, the Federal Foreign Office has now clarified its travel advice: "Travel to the provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani, as well as parts of Songkhla (Chana, Na Thawi, Thepha, and Saba Yoi districts) in southern Thailand is strongly discouraged," it states. It also recommends avoiding demonstrations and large gatherings and staying informed about the current situation.

There's currently little chance of crossing the border by land. If you've planned a trip from Thailand to the famous temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, you're most likely affected by the closure. The Aranyaprathet-Poipet border crossing has also been closed, with one exception on June 24. Bus connections from Bangkok to Siem Reap are currently unbookable through August with one of the most popular travel providers, Giant Ibis.

Currently, there's no way to reach the famous Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia from Thailand. The borders are closed.

Source: IMAGO/imagebroker

The good news: The restrictions only apply to land travel. If you want to stick to your planned itinerary, you can try booking a flight from Thailand to Cambodia. The German Foreign Office recommends staying up to date and using its "Safe Travel" app .

Are you planning a trip that takes you exclusively to popular travel regions in Thailand, such as Chiang Mai, Bangkok, or the islands? Then you're fine. There are currently no further impacts on travel to Thailand from Germany in these regions.

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