"Avoid Travel: Special Travel Advisory Issued for Popular Southeast Asian Destinations During Vacation Season"

Following Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear Provinces,
Banteay Meanchey, Pailin, Battambang, Pursat, and Koh Kong Provinces
Total of 7 Regions Upgraded to Special Travel Advisory

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised the travel alert for five border regions between Thailand and Cambodia to a special travel advisory on July 27, due to the escalation of armed conflict between the two countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised the travel alert to a special travel warning for five border areas between Thailand and Cambodia on the 27th due to the escalation of clashes between the two countries. The photo shows Angkor Wat, a famous site in Cambodia. Photo by Getty Images

In addition to the previously issued special travel advisories for Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces in Cambodia, as of noon on this day, the Ministry expanded the advisory to include Banteay Meanchey, Pailin, Battambang, Pursat, and Koh Kong provinces, bringing the total to seven regions under the special travel advisory.

This elevation of the travel alert for these areas comes just two days after the issuance of Level 2 (Travel Caution) on July 25. The special travel advisory corresponds to Level 2.5, which is between Level 2 (Travel Caution) and Level 3 (Recommendation to Leave). It is issued in cases of urgent and short-term danger and remains valid for up to 90 days from the date of issuance.

Thai Gas Station Attacked by Cambodian Military Photo by Yonhap News

All other regions have been placed under Level 1 (Travel Watch) advisory.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "We ask our citizens who are planning to visit areas under the special travel advisory to cancel or postpone their trips, and those currently staying in these regions are advised to move to safer areas."

Thailand and Cambodia, neighboring countries sharing a border, have engaged in armed clashes in disputed territories over sovereignty since July 24, resulting in the deaths of 33 people, including civilians and soldiers from both countries, and injuring more than 130 others.