Last update – December 09, 2025
- Thai airstrikes continued overnight, with further bombardments reported in the Preah Vihear region and at several northern border points. Cambodia has now begun to retaliate, resulting in active hostilities on both sides of the border.
- Evacuations intensified on both sides of the frontier.
- Foreign ministries have updated their travel advisories, now emphasising avoidance of the entire 50 km border zone.
- Flights between Phnom Penh, Bangkok, and Siem Reap are operating normally, with no disruptions reported
- ASEV verification: none of today’s clashes affect ASEV-operated areas. The closest traveller activity remains over 200 km from the border, unchanged from yesterday.
Last update – December 08, 2025
- The armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated: Thai forces launched air strikes along the disputed border after a Thai soldier was killed and several others wounded in border clashes.
- The strikes target Cambodian military positions, according to the Thai military; Cambodia accuses Thailand of provocation and says it had not retaliated.
- Both countries reportedly are evacuating large numbers of civilians from border areas; thousands of families on both sides are affected.
- This marks the most serious confrontation since the ceasefire signed mid-2025, putting renewed pressure on the already fragile truce deal.
ASEV Travel is following the situation closely and will update accordingly.
A Long-Standing Dispute Reignited
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is rooted in long-standing territorial ambiguities, particularly around the Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple and the Emerald Triangle. These historically significant areas have been claimed by both countries for decades.
Recent Escalation
In the summer of 2025, tensions escalated into deadly clashes, resulting in more than thirty casualties and the displacement of nearly 200,000 people. The fighting highlighted the fragility of bilateral relations and the limitations of regional mechanisms in preventing a humanitarian crisis.
Attempts at Resolution
In October 2025, a ceasefire was signed in Kuala Lumpur under international mediation. The agreement includes not only a halt to hostilities but also provisions for renewed diplomatic and commercial cooperation. However, mutual trust remains limited, and sporadic incidents continue to threaten stability in the border region.
Latest Developments
In November 2025, Cambodia announced the withdrawal of its athletes from several disciplines of the Southeast Asian Games hosted in Thailand, citing security concerns. This symbolic move demonstrates the conflict’s impact beyond the military sphere, extending into cultural and sporting relations.
Regional consequences
- Humanitarian: Tens of thousands of displaced people continue to live in precarious conditions.
- Diplomatic: ASEAN and other international actors are intensifying efforts to prevent a resurgence of violence.
- Cultural & Sporting: Cambodia’s withdrawal from the Games underscores the persistent mistrust between both nations.
- Tourism: The conflict has no major effect on tourism overall, except that visits to Preah Vihear remain suspended. Flights between Thailand and Cambodia continue to operate normally.
- Travel: Classic itineraries and travel routes within each country, away from the sensitive border areas, remain safe and fully operational.
Current situation
The October ceasefire has helped reduce armed confrontation, but the peace remains fragile. Diplomatic tensions and symbolic acts of defiance show that normalisation between Bangkok and Phnom Penh is far from achieved. For communities living in the border areas, the outlook 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 highlights the main sensitive areas concerned by the dispute:
- Prasat Ta Muen Thom: An ancient temple on the border claimed by both countries.
Conclusion
The situation along the Thailand–Cambodia border remains fragile and may evolve quickly, with no guarantee yet of a lasting normalisation between Bangkok and Phnom Penh. Nevertheless, the major tourist destinations located far from the sensitive areas remain safe and fully accessible.
ASEV Travel continues to prioritise prudence, anticipation, and transparency to ensure safe and uninterrupted travel for your clients. Updates will be published whenever necessary, and our teams remain at your disposal for any itinerary adjustments.
