Updated Report: Temple Border Controversy Between Thailand and Cambodia & Implications for Present-Day Tourists
The ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, centred around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Preah Vihear Temple, remains unresolved and highly volatile. Despite diplomatic efforts, a fragile ceasefire announced on July 28, 2025, quickly collapsed, resulting in renewed clashes and displacing hundreds of thousands of people.
The Preah Vihear temple, an 11th-century architectural masterpiece, has been a source of contention since the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 that it lies within Cambodian territory. However, Thailand has not fully vacated its military presence from surrounding hills and access roads, leading to renewed tensions.
The ASEAN regional bloc has called for diplomatic engagement, but bilateral talks between the two governments remain stalled. The conflict has disrupted tourism, a vital economic sector for both countries. Popular temple circuits in northern Cambodia have seen a sharp decline in footfall, and several border crossings have been closed indefinitely.
Airlines operating between Bangkok and Siem Reap have not yet suspended services, but security screenings and delays have lengthened. Tour operators across Southeast Asia are re-routing itineraries to avoid affected areas, particularly around the Dangrek Mountain Range where most clashes are concentrated.
The current conflict has displaced over 120,000 civilians since early July 2025. The Cambodian Red Cross has stated that at least 90,000 civilians have been displaced within Cambodian provinces bordering Thailand. In Thailand, more than 30,000 residents have been relocated from border districts.
Both sides have accused each other of violations and incursions, with Thailand's Defence Ministry stating that the military is acting in defense after "provocations" from Cambodian forces. Cambodian officials claim that Thai troops shelled civilian areas near Preah Vihear.
Several countries, including India, have issued travel advisories for their citizens due to the escalating border conflict. The Indian Embassy has recommended avoiding specific areas. The advisory urges Indian nationals to remain in contact with the embassy and local authorities due to security concerns and the risk of escalation in border zones in Cambodia's Preah Vihear Province, Oddar Meanchey Province, and Banteay Meanchey Province, and Thailand's Surin Province, Sisaket Province, Buriram Province, and Ubon Ratchathani Province.
International agencies including the UNHCR and ICRC are coordinating relief efforts for the displaced populations. As the conflict continues, travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution and consult their own country’s foreign office for the latest security updates. It is essential to monitor official government travel advisories for Thailand and Cambodia given the ongoing volatility and risk of sudden violence near the border.
- The ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, centered around the Preah Vihear Temple, has disrupted lifestyle aspects, leading to a decline in tourism, a vital economic sector for both countries, with several border crossings indefinitely closed.
- As a result of war-and-conflicts and associated temporary travel restrictions, crime-and-justice institutions are urging travelers to exercise caution, such as the Indian Embassy's advisory against visiting specific areas in the affected provinces of both countries.
- Despite the labyrinth of politics and international court rulings surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple, general-news sources report that international agencies like the UNHCR and ICRC are providing relief to the displaced populations and calling for diplomatic engagement to resolve the conflict.
