Thailand 2025: Security for tourists despite border conflicts!

Thailand 2025: Security for tourists despite border conflicts!

Thailand remains an extremely popular travel destination in 2025, attracting tourists from all over the world with its picturesque beaches, lively cities and rich cultural heritage. Despite the tense political situation on the border with Cambodia, the tourism situation in central Thailand remains largely stable. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed that popular destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai remain safe and accessible.

However, increased security measures have been introduced in certain border areas with Cambodia. These particularly affect the provinces of Trat, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Buri Ram and Si Sa Ket. Travelers are advised to avoid these affected areas until the situation stabilizes. There are reports of military clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces, leading to temporary closures of border crossings such as the key “Ban Khlong Luek”.

Border closures and impacts on tourism

Tensions on the Cambodia-Thai border have led to the closure of land borders that have been impassable since June. This has severely limited the mobility of travelers, especially backpackers and adventure travelers. Travel Asia a la Carte managing director Steve Lidgey warns that future bookings may be to other destinations if the conflict continues. Still, Cambodian tourism operators stress that major tourist centers such as Siem Reap and Phnom Penh remain safe.

Most tourism services in Cambodia are operating normally and travelers can continue to move around the country safely and freely. However, concerns remain about security in certain border regions as countries such as the US and UK have issued travel warnings for a 50km radius of the border. Cambodia's Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed that flights between Cambodia and Thailand remain operational, providing an important lifeline for the tourism economy.

The role of security measures

Most of Thailand has a curfew from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. in some affected provinces. While transport remains unaffected in most other parts of the country, some train services in Surin and Sa Kaeo have been changed or suspended. However, major airports, including Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, are operating normally. Security measures such as registering with the embassy or using official transport services are recommended to minimize potential risks.

Despite all the challenges, the Tourism Authority of Thailand assures that Thailand remains a safe travel destination. The economic impact, particularly in the border regions, is being felt and many traders are suffering from the tensions. It is precisely in times like these that the strengths of such travel destinations become apparent: the ability to quickly adapt to new circumstances while still remaining attractive to travelers.

The current situation further highlights the importance of consulting official sources of information and following local safety guidelines while preserving Thailand's rich cultural heritage and the beauty of its landscapes and beaches.