Thailand – Cambodia situation: Understanding border tensions – current status

Latest Update – 27 December 2025

Thailand and Cambodia held a special meeting at the Prum–Ban Pak Kard international border crossing, during which a comprehensive ceasefire agreement was reached.

The ceasefire came into effect at 12:00 pm on the same day.

This development represents a positive step toward easing tensions, strengthening bilateral dialogue, and supporting regional stability.

At this stage, ASEV Travel is awaiting potential updates to the security maps issued by Ministries of Foreign Affairs, which will allow us to adjust our guidance and operations if required.

Last update – 26 December 2025

Foreign ministries, including France’s, have published a new updated map and reiterated the areas subject to enhanced restrictions.

Geographical clarification of the areas concerned

• Red zone – up to 50 km from the border
  Area formally advised against since early December, corresponding to the border area affected by tensions.
• Orange zone – areas not recommended unless there is a compelling reason to visit:
• a strip extending up to 30 km further south of the red zone, between the provinces of Banteay Meanchey in the west and Preah Vihear in the east,
• as well as an area extending up to 40 km further from the red zone in Battambang province.

Source: Smartraveller

However, it should be noted that the recent bombings did not affect the city of Battambang, but areas of the province, particularly near Phnom Sampoeuv, located about 15 km from the city.

Operational impact – ASEV programmes

Due to the evolving situation, certain operational adjustments have been made to the affected routes, as the Siem Reap – Battambang – Phnom Penh route is currently no longer passable.

The adjustments may include changes to itineraries or stops, including alternative overnight stays in Kompong Thom and/or Kompong Cham, while maintaining equivalent travel times, accommodation quality and the smooth running of programmes.
Details of activities and hotels are to be confirmed directly with your usual contact at ASEV.

Outlook

Talks have begun between the two countries, with a decisive meeting scheduled for 27 December.
If the outcome is favourable, the restrictions currently in place could be lifted.

ASEV Travel continues to monitor the situation very closely and will inform its partners of any developments.

Last update – December 19, 2025

In addition to our usual recommendations, ASEV Travel informs that travelers who wish to do so can, on a completely voluntary basis, bring a few essential items (light clothing, hygiene products, basic supplies) for displaced Khmer people.

Numerous collection points are currently in place in Siem Reap, and the donations collected are redistributed by local networks to populations in need.
This approach remains optional, is part of a simple and respectful spirit of solidarity, and has no impact on the progress of the trips.

Tourist activity is continuing normally in Cambodia’s main destinations:

• Siem Reap town, theAngkor sites and all tourist areas are operating normally, as illustrated by several recent reports including the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism.
• Battambang is currently welcoming travelers, including ASEV customers on circuit, without any disruption.

Battambang – November 18

 

At the same time, foreign ministries (including France’s) have updated their travel advice, with the extension of a now inadvisable zone along the border.
These zones are inadvisable except for imperative reasons in a strip extending up to a further 30 km south of the red zone, between the provinces of Banteay Meanchey to the west and Preah Vihear to the east (orange zone).

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In line with these recommendations, ASEV Travel has made targeted adjustments to some combined Laos/Cambodia tours, to avoid the Koh Ker and Preah Vihear areas.

Operational adjustments ASEV

Laos → Siem Reap or Siem Reap → Laos:

• The night initially planned in Preah Vihear (town) can be replaced by 1 night in Kompong Thom.
• The itinerary then continues from Kompong Thom to Siem Reap, with no further changes.

ASEV Travel will continue to share factual information and elements from the field, to reflect both the humanitarian reality, the continuity of tourism activity and the concrete measures put in place to guarantee the safety and quality of travel.

Last update – December 15, 2025

• Clashes are continuing in a 50-70 km radius along the border, strictly in the same area already identified and reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• It is important to distinguish between Siem Reap province and Siem Reap town:
  • A northern part of Siem Reap province is located in the area affected by the tensions.
  • The town of Siem Reapas well as the Angkor sites and all tourist areas, are totally un affected by the events.
• No change for ASEV Travel circuits

ASEV Travel continues to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any developments that may have an impact on travel.

Last update – December 09, 2025

• Thai air strikes continued into the nightwith new bombardments reported in the Preah Vihear region and at several points along the northern border. Cambodia has now begun to retaliate, leading to active hostilities on both sides of the border.
• Evacuations have intensified on both sides of the border, with fighting now spreading to other areas.
• The Ministries of Foreign Affairs (including France) have updated their travel advice, now recommending toavoid the entire area within a 50 km radius of the border.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Flights between Phnom Penh, Bangkok and Siem Reap are operating normallywith no reported disruptions
• ASEV audit : None of the clashes reported today affect the areas where ASEV operates. The nearest travelers are more than 200 km from the border.

Last update – December 08, 2025

• The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalated once again: the Thai army launched air strikes along the disputed border, after the death of a Thai soldier and several injuries.
• The Thai air force claims to have targeted Cambodian military positions; Cambodia accuses Thailand of having provoked hostilities, claiming not to have retaliated.
• Large-scale civilian evacuations are underway on both sides of the border, affecting thousands of families.
• This episode represents the most serious confrontation since the ceasefire in the summer of 2025, further undermining the peace agreement.

ASEV Travel is closely monitoring the situation and will update its communications as soon as necessary.

An old dispute rekindled

The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is rooted in poorly demarcated border areas, notably around the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple and the Emerald Triangle. These territories, rich in historical symbols, have been claimed by both countries for decades.

 

Recent climbing

In the summer of 2025, tensions escalated into deadly clashes, resulting in over thirty casualties and the displacement of almost 200,000 people. The fighting highlighted the fragility of bilateral relations and the inability of regional mechanisms to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

Attempts at resolution

In October 2025, a ceasefire was signed in Kuala Lumpur under international mediation. The agreement provides not only for a cessation of hostilities, but also for trade and diplomatic cooperation. However, confidence remains limited and sporadic incidents continue to threaten stability.

Latest developments

In November 2025, Cambodia announced the withdrawal of its athletes from several disciplines at the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, citing security concerns. This symbolic gesture illustrates the impact of the conflict beyond the military sphere, extending to sporting and cultural relations.

Regional consequences

• Humanitarian: tens of thousands of displaced people are still living in precarious conditions.
• Diplomatic: ASEAN and other international players are stepping up their efforts to prevent renewed fighting.
• Culture and sport: Cambodia’s withdrawal from the Games underlines the persistence of mistrust.
• Tourism: the conflict has had no major impact on tourism, except that the Preah Vihear temple is no longer visited. Flights between Thailand and Cambodia remain fully operational.
• Travel: our usual routes and itineraries within France, outside sensitive areas, remain safe and unchanged.

Current situation

The ceasefire in October calmed things down, but the peace remains fragile. Diplomatic tensions and gestures of defiance show that the normalization of relations between Bangkok and Phnom Penh is far from a foregone conclusion. For border populations, the future remains uncertain.

Timeline of recent events

• JULY 2025: Renewed clashes around Prasat Ta Muen Thom and the Emerald Triangle. Death toll: 36, 200,000 displaced.
• SEPTEMBER 2025: Diplomatic mediation initiated by Indonesia. Prime ministers meet in Jakarta.
• OCTOBER 2025: A ceasefire is signed in Kuala Lumpur under ASEAN mediation.
• NOVEMBER 2025: Cambodia withdraws from several competitions at the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

Map of disputed areas

The map below illustrates the sensitive areas of the conflict:

• Prasat Ta Muen Thom: ancient temple on the border, claimed by both countries.

Conclusion

The situation at the border remains fragile and may change rapidly, without guaranteeing lasting normalization between Bangkok and Phnom Penh for the time being. Nevertheless, tourist areas located far from sensitive sectors remain safe and fully accessible.

ASEV Travel continues to err on the side of caution, anticipation and transparency to ensure safe and trouble-free travel for your customers. Updates will be published as soon as necessary, and our teams remain at your disposal for any itinerary adjustments.