What's happening: Thailand-Cambodia escalations

Following an exchange of gunfire, both sides escalated further. Cambodia launched rocket artillery strikes, prompting Thailand to respond with airstrikes against Cambodian military positions. 300,000 residents living in the border areas have been displaced, with at least 43 fatalities reported.

A six‑day conflict between Thailand and Cambodia ended with a ceasefire on 29 July. US President Donald Trump brokered an initial deal on 27 July, but clashes continued. A final agreement followed after an ASEAN‑led meeting chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on 28 July. The truce has held as of 1 August, though Thailand has accused Cambodia of ceasefire violations - allegations Cambodia denies.

The hostilities followed multiple developments that signalled a rapid deterioration of the bilateral relationship. Five Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine explosion, with Thailand responding by closing the north-east border crossings with Cambodia, including crossings in the Thai provinces of Surin, Srisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Thailand recalled its ambassador and expelled the Cambodian envoy. Cambodia, in turn, pulled all its diplomatic staff from Bangkok and announced it would downgrade ties with Thailand to the lowest possible level. Cambodia demanded that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) resolve the border dispute, but a resolution is unlikely given that Thailand rejects the court’s jurisdiction. 

Another escalation cannot be ruled out in the medium term

Disputes over the Thailand–Cambodia border date back to the 1950s, centred largely around a cluster of sacred temples straddling contested territory. The last major escalation occurred between 2008 and 2013, which included temporary closures of Bangkok’s Don Mueang (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airports. The latest escalation is the deadliest thus far, and both countries have yet to resolve differences with their interpretation of the border. 

Cambodia-Thailand tensions have caused a deterioration in political risks in Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from office on 1 July, with her Pheu Thai Party accused of incompetent handling of the border dispute. The escalation increases the risk of associated protests and unrest, particularly if border casualties continue to rise or if perceived mishandling persists. The political instability may also limit Thailand’s engagement in regional mediation efforts, complicating de-escalation attempts. 

Travel precautions and risk management advice

Air travel to and from Thailand and Cambodia is permissible, but non‑essential travel to land border areas should be deferred. Crossings remain closed, and there is a significantly elevated risk of incidental exposure to cross-border violence. If protests disrupt transport or operations, activate business continuity measures, such as remote working.

Risk managers should track trusted regional sources for updates on border tensions, disruptions and political developments. Healix clients can use the Travel Oracle app’s ‘Watch Country’ function for Thailand and Cambodia to receive timely alerts.

Travellers should:

• Identify and bypass protest hotspots in urban centres over the coming weeks. In Bangkok this includes Victory Monument, Democracy Monument, Government House, Lumphini Park, Ratchaprasong Intersection and the Cambodian Embassy.
• Stay neutral in any political discussions.
• Avoid clothing with colours associated with political groups, such as red or yellow in Thailand.