Thailand is embroiled in conflict with one of its neighbors.
If you’re traveling in South Asia soon, note that Thailand has blocked all land crossings into Cambodia. Locals and tourists alike cannot cross between the two countries by land, although exceptions exist for students and those requiring medical care. As a result, land travel between Thailand and Cambodia is no longer possible, and tourists also cannot fly directly into Siem Reap.
Thailand has increased checks for travelers at all land crossings in five provinces. There is no information on when the restrictions may be lifted. Government officials say this move is not solely a political response but also part of efforts to curb transnational scams. Authorities allege that scam operations in Cambodia target people—including tourists—with gambling, investment schemes, and romance scams.
Following Thailand’s move, Cambodia accused its neighbor of escalating tensions, even as it expressed readiness to resolve the issues through diplomatic channels. Cambodian officials stated they would lift restrictions if Thailand did so as well.
Travelers on both sides were taken by surprise when the restrictions went into effect. Many Cambodians cross into Thailand for work. Around 50 Cambodians became stranded at the Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint, according to the Bangkok Post. Border police also turned away several tourists. One tourist on a backpacking trip in Asia said he may need to travel to Bangkok and then fly to Cambodia, which would be more expensive.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
The U.K. Foreign Office has updated its travel advisory to warn travelers about the suspension of land border crossings between Thailand and Cambodia. The advisory urges people to take extra care and explains, “The line of the international border near the Preah Vihear temple (‘Khaoi Pra Viharn’ in Thai) 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.”
Tensions between the two countries escalated on May 28, when Thai and Cambodian forces exchanged fire in a disputed border area, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Both countries agreed to de-escalate, but have since imposed tit-for-tat measures amid rising nationalist sentiments. Cambodia banned imports of Thai fruits and vegetables, and suspended electricity and fuel supplies from Thailand. The country also restricted some internet services and access to Thai films and television dramas. In response, Thailand increased security along the border and stopped Thai citizens from crossing into Cambodia to work in casinos.
Thailand and Cambodia share a 500-mile land border, set by a 1907 map drawn by French colonizers that places the Preah Vihear temple in Cambodia. Thailand disputes this placement, but the International Court of Justice ruled in Cambodia’s favor—a decision Thailand continues to contest. Other contested areas exist along the border, and the dispute has persisted for decades.
Beyond territorial disagreements, the two countries also dispute the origins of certain foods, cultural practices, clothing, boxing, and mask dancing.
Related: I Went on a 10-Day Meditation Retreat in Cambodia. I Hated It