Four days after hostilities started between Cambodia and Thailand, the conflict does not seem to abate for the time being, despite calls for a ceasefire from the international community. In contrary, new fronts opened on Saturday and Sunday.
The origin of the conflict, which began on July 24, 2025, was located at Ta Muen Thom temple, on the border of Surin Province, Thailand, and Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia. Fighting quickly extended into Surin, Si Sa Ket, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces in Thailand. In Cambodia, affected provinces included first Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear. In both countries, civil and military targets hit by artillery, rockets, and airstrikes.
On July 26, reports confirmed that conflict has reached Trat Province—a coastal region on the Gulf of Thailand, 180 km away from the origin zone of conflict. While in Cambodia, both the provinces of Pursat and Banteay Meanchey were affected on July 27.
Tourists are safe
The conflict could further extend to other areas along the border, although both countries now look at negotiating a ceasefire. Many countries already issued warnings not to visit regions in Cambodia and Thailand within 50 km of the border in the affected provinces.
There is a first consequence for tourists in Thailand. On Saturday, authorities declared to close to the public the magnificent temple of Phnom Rung in the Province of Buriram. Thailand largest Khmer style temple is indeed located 58 km from the border. It belongs to some of the most spectacular temples to visit in Thailand.
But other regions remain unaffected and are open for travelers. Thailand most popular destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Krabi, Pattaya, Phuket or Samui are hundreds km away from the conflict zone.
In Cambodia, although Siem Reap or Battambang are closer to the border -but still more than 100 km away, they are safe for visiting. As are Phnom Penh but also the Southern Coast along the seaside destinations of Sihanoukville, Kampot and Kep.
For tourists, the conflict zone remains then far away from the usual holiday destinations in both Thailand and Cambodia.
How about the future evolution of the conflict?
There is not certainty about the evolution of the conflict. Cambodia already agreed an unconditional ceasefire. It came from various proposals of the UN, the ASEAN and also US President Donald Trump. Cambodia has declared a temporary stand-down of offensive operations, pending talks.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry of Thailand says to agree “in principle” on a conditional ceasefire. The Kingdom insists that Cambodia must withdraw from disputed positions it allegedly occupied near Surin and Si Sa Ket provinces. Both countries are ready to attend a Malaysia conciliation summit.The death toll already reached 33 on July 27 in the morning. Over 160,000 people on on both sides of the border have fled or have been displaced.
However, the strong mutual distrust between Cambodia and Thailand could markedly delay a rapid solution. But both countries seem ready to have international observers to monitor the cease fire. The ASEAN summit in Malaysia may set a roadmap for ceasefire agreement and troop withdrawal.
