Australian tourists issued warning amid Thailand-Cambodia conflict

Australian tourists have been issued a warning following conflict on the Thailand-Cambodia border.

Australian tourists have been warned to reconsider travelling to certain parts of Thailand and Cambodia following deadly border hostilities.

The Thai public health ministry said one soldier and at least 11 civilians were killed after Cambodian shelling struck a village near the border.

Military clashes erupted between the neighbouring Southeast Asian nations on Thursday following months of growing tensions.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson told news.com.au the Australian Government is “deeply concerned” about reports of conflict on the Thai-Cambodia border, including shelling of civilian areas.

Australian tourists have been warned to reconsider travelling to certain parts of Thailand and Cambodia.

“We want to see de-escalation and for civilians to be protected,” the spokesperson said.

“We believe border disputes should be resolved peacefully through dialogue.”

The spokesperson said Australians in the region should subscribe to Smartraveller for updates, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Smartraveller’s travel advice for Thailand and the Cambodia has since been updated.

“We’ve reviewed our advice for Thailand and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution overall,” the site reads.

“We now advise reconsider your need to travel to the border areas of Buriram, Si Saket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces near the Cambodia border due to armed conflict in the area.”

The Cambodian provinces are just north of Siem Reap, a historic city globally famous for stunning temples such as Angkor Wat.

Cambodian soldiers reload the BM-21 multiple rocket launcher in Preah Vihear province on July 24, 2025. Picture: AFP

The warnings don’t extend to Siem Reap province itself but do cover several famous temples such as Preah Vihear, Ta Krabei and Ta Moan.

Smartraveller advises that border crossing points along the Thailand-Cambodia border may continue to be closed at short notice.

“Follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media for updates and pay close attention to your personal security. Border crossing points along the Thai-Cambodian border continue to be closed at short notice.”

It warned popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket. Phuket International Airport has increased security measures and passengers should arrive early for their flight.

A Cambodian BM-21 multiple rocket launcher returns from the Cambodia-Thai border as Cambodian and Thai troops exchanged fire in a new round of clashes in Preah Vihear province on July 24, 2025. Picture: AFP

Cambodian soldiers look at people evacuate from along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Picture: AFP

“This follows the recent discovery of an explosive device near the airport. Thai authorities also defused devices in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga and made arrests.”

The Australian Government is not aware of any Australians impacted in the region at this time. It will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Meanwhile, the decades-old squabble between the two nations flared into bloody clashes more than 15 years ago and again in May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a firefight.

In Thursday’s clashes, Cambodia fired rockets and artillery shells into Thailand and the Thai military scrambled F-16 jets to carry out air strikes.

Thidarat Homhuan (R) rests with her family as evacuees take shelter in a hall on the grounds of Surindra Rajabhat University, in the Thai border province of Surin on July 24, 2025. Thailand and Cambodia fought their bloodiest military clashes in more than a decade on July 24, 2025, with at least 12 people killed. Picture: Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP

The Thai public health ministry said one soldier and at least 12 people died, most of them killed in a rocket strike near a petrol station in Sisaket province.

Footage from the scene showed smoke pouring from a convenience store attached to the petrol station. Provincial officials said most of the dead were students who were inside the shop when the attack happened.

People organise supplies for evacuees sheltering in a hall on the grounds of Surindra Rajabhat University, in the Thai border province of Surin on July 24. Picture: Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP

Thailand said 35 people have been wounded, and accused Cambodia of targeting civilian buildings.

A 30-bed hospital in the town of Phanom Dong Rak in Surin province, just 15km from the border, was hit by shells which shattered windows and collapsed part of a roof.

Thai locals take shelter in Surin province, northeastern Thailand, Thursday, July 24, 2025. Picture: AP Photo/Sunny Chittawil

The facility, which was also struck in the last major clashes between the two countries in 2011, was partially evacuated on Wednesday night as a precaution.

“We got a tip that there would be an attack from Cambodia,” a soldier stationed at the entrance told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

“There is no telling when it will be safe enough for patients to return.”

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the nation will “do our best to protect our sovereignty”.

“The situation requires careful handling, and we must act in accordance with international law,” he said.

Thailand’s embassy in Phnom Penh advised its citizens to leave Cambodia “as soon as possible” unless they have urgent reasons to stay.

Meanwhile, Cambodia is now requesting that the United Nations Security Council hold an “urgent meeting” to stop the conflict before it spirals further.

– with AFP