New travel and destination safety advice is emerging from international governments, amid armed confrontations between Cambodian and Thai combatants in disputed border areas, where at least 14 have been killed and dozens injured, while still more, estimated to be in the tens of thousands, have had to flee their homes.
When violence was sparked back in May 2025, some had the foresight to take precautions. One Buddhist temple in Thailand’s northeast began building a defence bunker, reports the Associated Press. Paid for by donations and constructed from precast concrete drainage pipes, it now shelters a couple of handfuls of monks and local villagers.
Meanwhile other monks and residents of the area and beyond have dispersed elsewhere. Impromptu operations have set up pop-up operations at the border of Siem Reap, gateway to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex, and in Oddar Meanchey province, Local volunteer groups now distribute essentials such as blankets, clothes, pillows, and toiletries to refugees in their thousands – as well as to those headed towards the fighting, which is reported to be taking place all along the border with clashes “10 times bigger” than in previous outbreaks of violence.
Local Hands Help Displaced Border Villagers
— Cambodianess (@TTNEnglish) July 28, 2025
SIEM REAP–In front of the Srei Snam District hall, food and supplies are ready to be distributed to villagers, especially those evacuated from the borders in Oddar Meanchey province, where the Thai military is involved in the… pic.twitter.com/giZzH7Y7Nd
Streets even as far as 100km from active combat zones, where gunfire, shelling and rockets are being exchanged, are said to be emptier than usual. France, the nation behind the 1907 French colonial map which is often blamed for the dispute, has offered condolences to victims and advised nationals to avoid all travel to the border area, and urged those already in situ to leave immediately. Anyone affected can contact French diplomatic missions for assistance.
“France expresses its deep concern following the armed clashes on the border between Cambodia and Thailand on July 24, which cost the lives of several people,” the Foreign Ministry said, pressing both side to “immediately cease fighting and resolve their differences peacefully, in accordance with international law.”
France expresses its deep concern following armed clashes on the border between #Cambodia and #Thailand on July 24, which left several people dead. We offer their loved ones our heartfelt condolences.
— France Diplomacy 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@francediplo_EN) July 25, 2025
➡️ https://t.co/tadX8hPkMj pic.twitter.com/XdGN8XWTB0
It’s a message echoed by the EU Commission, which has called for restraint as spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the bloc was “deeply concerned” by reports of civilian casualties. “We call on both sides to de-escalate and resolve disputes through dialogue and other peaceful means in line with international law, including the UN Charter,” El Anouni said on social platform, X.
#Cambodia/#Thailand: The EU is deeply concerned by rising tensions at the border with reports of civilian casualties.
— Anouar El Anouni 🇪🇺 (@AnouarEUspox) July 24, 2025
We call on both sides to de-escalate and resolve disputes through dialogue and other peaceful means in line with international law, including the UN Charter./.
Similarly the United States has upped its travel advisory status for the region to Level 4 — Do Not Travel referring to any non-essential journeys to areas within 50 km of the Thailand – Cambodia border “due to ongoing fighting between Thail and Cambodian forces”. The State Department warns of “a collateral risk of violence” to US citizens and points out its “limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict.”
Cambodia – Thailand Border: We are monitoring reports of fighting, including alleged rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border. Due to this rapidly developing situation, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid Cambodia-Thailand border areas.
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) July 24, 2025
More… pic.twitter.com/8SKQwf1Cpx
Journeys cancelled in the wake of government Do Not Travel advisories are usually eligible for insurance cover, depending on the policy.
