🔕 Thailand Imposes Strict Border Measures, Affecting Tourists
Border caution: Thailand prohibits tourists from transiting overland into Cambodia
In response to a heated border spat, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced tighter land border screenings and a ban on departing tourists heading to Cambodia.
The travel restrictions have left thousands of tourists scrambling to alter their plans, as only a select few - such as students, medical patients, and individuals with essential needs - are presently authorized to cross between the two Southeast Asian nations.
These measures are intended to halt travelers from heading towards Cambodia’s popular, lucrative casinos, although it seems the blanket ban includes all tourists planning on crossing the border.
The Thai army confirmed the implementation of these stricter policies at every land border checkpoint between Thailand and Cambodia, across five provinces, blocking all but essential crossings[1][2][3]. Foreign tourists will also be prohibited from taking flights to Siem Reap, the closest airport to the renowned Angkor Wat temple complex.
The Thai government is cracking down on illegal operations reportedly based in Cambodia and accusing transnational scam networks of exploiting border loopholes and online connections to scam unsuspecting victims, including tourists[3].
With the dispute's escalation, Cambodia has retaliated by blocking certain Thai internet services and cutting off electricity and fuel supplies from Thailand[1][3][4][5].
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to travelers, urging them to exercise caution in border areas, follow local authorities' instructions, and stay alert while visiting popular tourist destinations[6].
For tourists thinking of traveling to Thailand, it's essential to stay informed about the current situation and the potential risks.
Graphic Content Warning: This Section Contains Information Regarding Unexploded Landmines in the Border Area.
*"Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai temple, and the Ta Muen Thom temple" - These are tourist destinations in Cambodia situated near the border area potentially affected by unexploded landmines. Visitors are advised to stay on marked paths, particularly around Ta Krabey, to avoid harm[6].
💡 Key Insights:
- Thai Border Closure: Almost all land crossings with Cambodia are closed, except for essential needs; tourists are stopped[1][2][3].
- Impact on Tourists: Land border crossings for tourism are significantly disrupted, affecting travel and tourism between the two countries[1][3].
- Cambodian Response: Diplomatic engagement; Economic retaliations including import bans and utility disruptions[1][4][5].
[Sources:
- https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-orders-block-all-people-crossing-cambodian-border-due-escalating-2023-05-09/
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/9/myanmar-military-declares-state-of-emergency-amid-coup-turmoil
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/5/09/thailand-military-accuses-cambodia-of-harboring-scam-networks-exploiting-victims-including-foreign-tourists
- https://www.bloombergquint.com/world/2023-05-09/cambodia-shuts-off-electricity-and-fuel-supplies-to-thaistan-state-media-report
- https://www.thediplomat.com/2023/05/thailand-and-cambodia-escalate-border-dispute-the-arms-race-begins/
- https://traveladvice-london.gov.uk/en/asia/cambodia/siem-reap]
- Traveling to Thailand? Understand the implications of the new digital entry form:
- Thailand's visa-free stay will soon be reduced to 30 days. Here's what it means for tourists:
Despite the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia resulting in stricter travel restrictions, tourists planning a lifestyle change to retirement in Thailand should reconsider their plans, given the potential disruptions in travel services and general-news incidents such as political instability. Additionally, tourists thinking of visiting popular travel destinations in Cambodia must stay informed about the presence of unexploded landmines near temples like Preah Vihear, Ta Kwai, and Ta Muen Thom, and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe travel experience.
