What Is Happening In Thailand?
A border clash between Thailand and Cambodia escalated this week into one of the most intense regional conflicts in over a decade, dealing a crippling blow to Thailand.
Thailand’s long-awaited tourism recovery has hit a devastating roadblock as border tensions with Cambodia erupt into the worst military confrontation.
With heavy artillery fire, civilian casualties, and mass evacuations unfolding along the contested frontier, Southeast Asia’s tourism crown jewel is witnessing widespread panic and a wave of cancellations.
The volatile situation has prompted several countries, including India and the UK, to issue strong travel warnings, urging citizens to avoid affected provinces.
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India’s embassy in Bangkok specifically advised nationals against visiting seven border districts, citing “unpredictable security conditions.” The UK Foreign Office and others have echoed similar concerns, leading to a spike in hotel and flight cancellations near the conflict zone.
In a post on its official X handle, the Indian Embassy advised citizens to stay updated on developments near the Thailand-Cambodia border and urged them to refer to official Thai sources such as the TAT Newsroom. Citing a post from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the embassy noted that travel to seven specific provinces is currently not recommended.
In view of the situation near Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travelers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including TAT Newsroom.
As per Tourism Authority of Thailand places mentioned in the following link are not recommended for… https://t.co/ToeHLSQUYi
— India in Thailand (@IndiainThailand) July 25, 2025
The current crisis was sparked by renewed clashes over a disputed strip of land on the Thailand-Cambodia border. In just two days, the situation has deteriorated rapidly, with both nations blaming each other for initiating hostilities.
This new dispute is an emotionally charged issue between these two Southeast Asian neighbours over the ancient Preah Vihear Temple on the border, a site of immense historical and cultural significance to both nations.
Let us talk about a long-standing and often emotional issue between two Southeast Asian neighbours, Thailand and Cambodia. It’s a border dispute that centres around an ancient site called the Preah Vihear Temple, which holds deep historical and cultural value for both sides.
But… pic.twitter.com/lpp3yPbPbx
— 🐼ᴾᴬᴿᴷ ᶻ 𝘇 𐰁 (@xiongmao51515) July 24, 2025
Thailand has accused Cambodia of laying landmines that injured Thai soldiers, an allegation Phnom Penh denies (the capital and largest city of Cambodia). In retaliation, Bangkok recalled its ambassador and expelled Cambodia’s envoy.
Cambodia, meanwhile, has reportedly deployed truck-mounted rocket launchers, while the Thai Air Force responded by dispatching F-16 jets to strike military positions across the border.
So far, at least 15 civilians, mostly Thai, have been killed, while thousands of families on both sides have been displaced. Over 130,000 residents in Thailand and 12,000 Cambodian families have been forced to flee to safer ground, according to local authorities.
🚨INSANE FOOTAGE: CAMBODIA ATTACKS THAILAND
Explosions. Soldiers crawling on the floor.
This could be the spark that lights the next war. pic.twitter.com/ZwKb9QZILU— HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) July 24, 2025
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The conflict’s impact on Thailand’s tourism industry has been swift and severe. Border districts such as Aranyaprathet, Ta Phraya, and Khlong Hat in Sa Kaeo province, popular with regional travellers, have seen a near-total collapse in hotel occupancy. Despite reassurances from Thai officials that events in other parts of Sa Kaeo are proceeding as scheduled, tourists are staying away.
Even the recent surge in interest from Western tourists, sparked by HBO’s The White Lotus filming in Koh Samui, hasn’t been enough to reverse the downward trend.
According to the reports, foreign arrivals dropped for the fourth consecutive month in May, falling 14% compared to the previous year. Most notably, visitors from China, Thailand’s largest tourist group, have declined sharply following high-profile safety concerns and viral kidnapping cases.
The psychological impact of the conflict is proving just as damaging as the physical one. With dramatic images of military exchanges, evacuations, and collapsing infrastructure circulating online, Thailand’s reputation as a safe, family-friendly destination is suffering.
A recent survey of nearly 140 hotel operators revealed that occupancy rates may fall below 52%, with average room prices slashed in a desperate bid to attract bookings. Tourism officials now fear that the country may fall short of its ambitious 2025 target of welcoming 39 million international visitors.
