Is it safe to travel to Thailand and Cambodia? Australia, UK, US issue advice after border clashes

The U.S., U.K. and Australian governments have warned travelers to exercise caution while traveling to Thailand and Cambodia after border clashes between the two countries.

In its travel advice for Cambodia, the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) confirmed the border's closure.

"Land borders/crossings between Cambodia and Thailand are temporarily suspended," it wrote in an update on Thursday. "The line of the international border near the Preah Vihear temple has been in dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, with occasional clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops.

"There have also been disputes over control of the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which are close to the Cambodia-Thailand border.

"Take extra care when traveling in this area, and follow the instructions of the local authorities."

The FCDO travel advice for Thailand says the same about the border crossing, but adds: "Take extra care and stay alert in border areas and follow the instructions of local authorities, especially at tourist destinations such as the Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai temple and the Ta Muen Thom temple.

"There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. Stay on marked paths, especially around Ta Krabey."

Separately, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border, including the Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province and southern Songkhla Province – south of the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and south of the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Padang Besar.

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces.

The U.S. Embassy in Thailand has issued a security alert, urging travelers to exercise increased caution amid ongoing border clashes and to avoid affected areas.

Canada has advised travelers to exercise extreme caution when visiting Cambodia, particularly near the border areas.

Australia has also urged travelers to take appropriate safety precautions while in Cambodia. Meanwhile, Hong Kong and China have issued amber alerts, the lowest of three levels, for both Thailand and Cambodia, advising travelers to stay informed and exercise caution when visiting the two countries.

Tourists in cities like Bangkok, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh reported heightened security and some disruptions to their travel plans, although major tourist centers have not yet been directly affected.

The fighting has resulted in the closure of all border checkpoints, impacting travel plans to popular destinations such as Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, and Thailand’s Koh Chang island. Many fear that continued airstrikes could disrupt not only land travel but also air routes between the two countries.

Thai and Cambodian soldiers have clashed along the border between their countries in a major escalation that left at least 14 people dead, mostly civilians, AP reported. The two sides fired small arms, artillery and rockets, and Thailand also launched airstrikes.

Fighting took place in at least six areas on Thursday, according to Thai Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri, a day after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers and led Bangkok to withdraw its ambassador from Cambodia and expel Cambodia's envoy to Thailand.