The relationship between Thailand and Cambodia has recently taken a sharp turn, with escalating border tensions leading to significant closures of land crossings. This situation, stemming from a long-standing border dispute and reignited by a fatal armed confrontation on May 28, has profound implications for travel and trade between the two nations.
The Current State of Border Closures
As of June 23, 2025, Thailand has implemented severe restrictions across all land border checkpoints in its seven provinces bordering Cambodia. This means almost all traffic, including tourists and general traders, is barred from crossing.
Key restrictions in detail:
- Provinces Affected: The closures are active in Thai provinces such as Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
- Limited Permitted Crossings: Only individuals with demonstrably essential needs are currently allowed to cross. This includes:
- Students
- Medical patients seeking urgent treatment
- Those needing to purchase essential goods
- Tourism Halted: Tourists, both Thai and foreign, are explicitly prevented from crossing the land border. This has caused considerable disruption, particularly at major checkpoints like Poipet-Aranyaprathet, a popular gateway to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.
- Trade Severely Impacted: All forms of commercial traffic, including vehicles and foot traffic for trade, are largely suspended. This has left numerous trucks and traders stranded and has significantly impacted bilateral trade, with Cambodia even halting imports of certain Thai goods like fruits, vegetables, and fuel.
- Reciprocal Measures: Cambodia has, in turn, closed several of its border checkpoints, creating a reciprocal halt to most cross-border movement.
- Focus on Cybercrime: Beyond the territorial dispute, Thailand has also cited the need to combat online scam operations based in Cambodia as a reason for tightened border controls, with measures potentially including internet service disruptions in affected areas.
Impact and Ramifications
The border closures have led to widespread confusion and frustration. Economically, both nations are feeling the strain, with businesses implementing contingency plans and exploring alternative, more costly routes for goods. The tourism sector in both countries is particularly hard hit, with a notable drop in visitor numbers.
While both governments have expressed a desire for peaceful resolution through dialogue and existing bilateral mechanisms, the situation remains fluid and tense. The international community, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), advises extreme caution for those in border regions due to potential unexploded landmines and the volatile situation.
Advice for Travelers Stuck in Cambodia
If you find yourself in Cambodia with plans to travel to Thailand by land, or simply needing to move around within Cambodia during these restrictions, here are some key considerations and how platforms like Camboticket can assist:
- Prioritise Air Travel to Thailand: Given the extensive land border closures, the most reliable way to travel between Cambodia and Thailand is currently by air. Flights between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Bangkok are operating as usual. While this might be a more expensive option, it is the only guaranteed route for general travel at this time.
- Stay Informed and Flexible:
- Check Official Advisories: Regularly consult travel advisories from your country’s foreign ministry (e.g., UK FCDO) and official announcements from Cambodian and Thai immigration authorities.
- Anticipate Delays: Even if limited humanitarian crossings are allowed, expect longer processing times and potential disruptions. Build extra time into your itinerary.
- On-the-Ground Information: Your guesthouse or hotel staff in Cambodia are often excellent sources of the latest, real-time information regarding local conditions.
- Explore Domestic Travel within Cambodia with Camboticket: If your plans to leave Cambodia are disrupted, or you wish to explore more of the country while awaiting resolution, Camboticket can be a valuable resource for internal travel.
- Comprehensive Transportation Options: Camboticket offers a wide range of services for getting around Cambodia:
- Buses: Connects major cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang. This is often the most economical option.
- Minivans: Good for shorter distances and potentially more flexible departure times.
- Private Taxis: For door-to-door comfort and privacy, especially useful if you’re traveling with luggage or a group.
- Ferries: Primarily for routes like Sihanoukville to the islands (Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem) for coastal adventures.
- Finding and Booking Trips: Use Camboticket’s platform to search for available routes, compare operators by price, time, and reviews, and book your tickets online. They generally provide e-tickets via email.
- Popular Domestic Routes: Consider exploring:
- Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: The classic Cambodian journey to the Angkor temples.
- Siem Reap to Battambang: Discover charming colonial architecture and rural scenery.
- Phnom Penh to Kampot & Kep: Head south to the laid-back riverside towns.
- Connections to the South Coast: Travel from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville for island hopping to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.
- Customer Support: Camboticket offers real-time chat support and email assistance for bookings, cancellations, or rebooking queries.
- Comprehensive Transportation Options: Camboticket offers a wide range of services for getting around Cambodia:
The situation at the Thai-Cambodian border remains dynamic. For those affected, staying informed, maintaining flexibility, and exploring alternative travel solutions like air travel to Thailand or domestic exploration within Cambodia using platforms like Camboticket.com are crucial for navigating this challenging period.