Major new travel warning issued for Aussies amid Thailand-Cambodia conflict

Australians have been warned to exercise a “high degree of caution” in Thailand amid an escalating border conflict with Cambodia that has left dozens of people dead.

An aerial view shows people, who fled their homes near the border area between Cambodia and Thailand, taking shelter near a pagoda in Oddar Meanchey province on July 26, 2025. Picture; AFP.

Australian travellers have been warned to exercise a “high degree of caution” in Thailand “due to security and safety risks” amid an escalating border conflict with Cambodia that has left at least 33 people dead.

“Due to the ongoing armed conflict … we now advise do not travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the Thailand-Cambodia land border throughout the provinces of Buriram, Si Saket, Sa Kaeo, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Chanthaburi and mainland Trat provinces,” the Australian government said in its latest Smartraveller advice.

“Armed conflict between Thai and Cambodian forces along the Thailand-Cambodia border has increased. This includes military strikes, violence and landmines.

“There are reports of casualties. Martial law has been declared in some districts in these provinces.

“There’s an ongoing risk of terrorism in Thailand. Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket.”

Tensions flared over long-contested ancient temple sites before fighting spread along the countries’ rural border region, marked by a ridge of hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice.

Clashes, now in their third day, broke out Saturday in the countries’ coastal regions where they meet on The Gulf of Thailand.

“Border crossing points along the Thailand-Cambodia border continue to be closed,” the Smartraveller warning read.

An aerial view shows people, who fled their homes near the border area between Cambodia and Thailand, taking shelter near a pagoda in Oddar Meanchey province on July 26, 2025. AFP.

A Cambodian soldier stands on a truck carrying a Russian-made BM-21 rocket launcher travelling along a street in Oddar Meanchey province on July 25, 2025. AFP.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he was talking with the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand in a bid to end their border conflict that has left at least 33 people dead.

“Just spoke to the Prime Minister of Cambodia relative to stopping the War with Thailand,” Mr Trump, who is on a visit to Scotland, said in a post on his Truth Social network.

“I have just spoken to the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, and it was a very good conversation,” he said soon after in a new post.

“Thailand, like Cambodia, wants to have an immediate Ceasefire, and PEACE.

“I am now going to relay that message back to the Prime Minister of Cambodia. After speaking to both Parties, Ceasefire, Peace, and Prosperity seems to be a natural. We will soon see!”

Smoke billows from the roof of a convenience store attached to a petrol station in Sisaket province after it was hit by a rocket strike from Cambodia. AFP.

A pagoda damaged by Thai artillery is pictured in Oddar Meanchey province on July 25, 2025. AFP.

“I am trying to simplify a complex situation! Many people are being killed in this War, but it very much reminds me of the Conflict between Pakistan and India, which was brought to a successful halt.”

Mr Trump also indicated he would not move forward on trade deals with either nation until fighting has stopped.

– With AFP

Originally published as Major new travel warning issued for Aussies amid Thailand-Cambodia conflict