Urgent warning: Smartraveller alert for Aussie tourists as tensions boil over between Cambodia and Thailand

Australian travellers have been warned to reconsider going to border areas in two countries popular with tourists after tensions boiled over.

Thailand and Cambodia exchanged fire in a sharp escalation of their conflict over a disputed border area on Thursday, leaving 12 dead, and sparking a fresh alert from Smartraveller.

A Thai F-16 fighter jet bombed targets in Cambodia, destroying a military target and both countries accused each other of starting the clash.

Thailand has now closed its border with Cambodia.

About 800,000 Australians go to Thailand every year and nearly 40,000 travelled to Cambodia in 2024.

Advice to exercise a high degree of caution was already in place for Thailand due to terrorism concerns but tourists have now been told to reconsider their need to travel to the Buriram, Si Saket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces near the Cambodia border due to the armed conflict.

“Armed conflict between Thai and Cambodian forces along the Thai-Cambodian border has increased,” the advice reads.

“This includes reports of military strikes, violence and landmines in the border areas of Buriram, Si Saket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. There are reports of casualties.

“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.”

In relation to Cambodia, Australian authorities say travellers should exercise normal safety precautions but reconsider travelling to the north-western provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey due to the conflict.

Aside form the border conflict, there is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Thailand.

“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. 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.”