Thailand-Cambodia Border: Current Travel Safety Guidance

Can a dispute over a patch of jungle and an ancient temple really ruin your dream vacation? Travelers browsing Thailand tour packages often wonder whether media reports about rising tensions have anything to do with the reality on the ground. One person nervously checks maps while another reads online forums – both are searching for reliable answers. After all, nobody wants unpleasant surprises on vacation.

The reality is usually much calmer than the evening news suggests. Although the conflict has a long and complicated history, for the average traveler, the border generally remains open and relatively safe. What matters, however, is reliable information rather than rumors.

So, should you change your plans? Probably not. However, it is sensible to avoid specific disputed areas around Preah Vihear to prevent unnecessary stress and enjoy your vacation.

• It is perfectly normal to feel concerned when you hear the word “conflict” in the news. You are planning your dream vacation in Thailand, your flights are almost booked, and suddenly the media starts reporting tanks along the border. There is no need to panic. I live in Bangkok, and I can explain what the situation looks like from a local perspective rather than through sensational online headlines. For the average tourist planning a sightseeing tour of Thailand or considering a visit to Angkor Wat, this “conflict” is… practically invisible. It is largely a high-level political dispute that rarely reaches the hotels or beaches. Seriously, everyday life continues here much as usual.
• One issue that frequently attracts attention is Koh Kood island and the so-called MOU 44, an agreement concerning maritime areas. You may have seen reports suggesting that Cambodia has territorial claims involving the island, while Thailand strongly objects. But does that mean you should remove Koh Kood from your itinerary? Absolutely not! Ferries operate normally, hotels are busy, and the water is just as turquoise as ever. There are no armed soldiers patrolling the beaches. Local communities depend on tourism, and the last thing they want is to frighten visitors away. If you are considering island excursions, Koh Kood remains one of the best options for relaxing away from the crowds. Think of it as political theater, but tourists are not the intended audience.
• What about the Aranyaprathet-Poipet border crossing? This is the route most travelers use when going from Bangkok – Siem Reap. The area is often chaotic, but the chaos is organizational rather than military. Crowds, vendors and tuk-tuks – these are all part of the usual scene. The diplomatic dispute has not closed the border. Buses continue operating, and visas are still being issued. The main thing to watch out for is visa scammers on the Thai side who try to convince travelers that additional fees are mandatory. That is the more immediate concern, not the military.
• It is still useful to know where serious tensions have occurred in the past. The main area is around Preah Vihear temple, located in the far northeast, well away from typical itineraries such as a “14-day Thailand sightseeing tour”. Most travel agencies do not include this area anyway. If you are planning a conventional itinerary covering Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi or southern destinations such as Phuket and Krabi, you are hundreds of kilometers from the disputed areas. It is a little like worrying about the weather in Gdansk while staying in Krakow.
• Can you feel the tension in Bangkok? Not at all. Many Cambodians work in Thailand’s capital – in restaurants, construction and other service industries. People generally live and work alongside one another without problems. Thailand and Cambodia are economically interconnected, so neither country benefits from damaging relationships between ordinary people. An experienced local tour coordinator in Thailand can explain the same situation on the ground. Business continues as usual, and visitors need to feel safe for the tourism industry to thrive.
• Remember, however, that the political situation in Southeast Asia can change quickly. That is why staying informed is always sensible. Do not panic, but check the latest official travel advisories shortly before departure – not rumors or sensational stories, but information issued by government authorities. If you are planning an unusual route, such as riding a motorcycle directly along the eastern border, you should be particularly cautious. But for a classic Thailand vacation itinerary? There is generally much less reason for concern.
• So, does the border conflict affect tourists during the 2025/2026 travel season? In 99% of cases, the answer is no. There is little point in worrying endlessly about political disputes beyond your control. Thailand is open, welcoming and ready to greet visitors with warm hospitality (and delicious Pad Thai). Do not cancel your trip simply because of headlines designed to attract clicks. Pack your bags and enjoy your vacation instead of worrying about situations that may never affect you!

What Is the Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict About?

Ancient Walls and Modern Politics

Many travelers planning their dream vacation in Thailand find themselves wondering why two predominantly Buddhist nations are arguing in the first place. The answer lies in a history older than many European castles. Much of the dispute centers on Preah Vihear temple – an ancient Khmer complex situated along a contested border area that has become a political bargaining chip for both countries. Travelers read newspaper reports about tensions and imagine tanks rolling through city streets, when in reality the dispute is highly localized and concerns a section of jungle that a typical 14-day Thailand tour would never approach. It is rather like canceling a weekend in Krakow because of tensions near the Kaliningrad region. The geographical distance makes an enormous difference, yet media coverage rarely explains it. Politicians on both sides sometimes intensify the rhetoric to gain public support, but travelers enjoying Thailand sightseeing tours usually neither see nor hear anything related to these diplomatic disputes.

Geography Is Your Best Friend

Once travelers look at a map, they quickly realize that the disputed area is hundreds of kilometers away from the places where they would normally be sipping tropical cocktails. Anyone choosing popular Phuket, picturesque Krabi or the lively island of Koh Samui is practically in another world compared with the border dispute. Even bustling Bangkok continues at its usual hectic pace, where the more immediate risk is getting stuck in traffic on the way to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market or ordering street-food Pad Thai that turns out to be far too spicy. Tourism destinations are extremely important to Thailand’s economy. Authorities make every effort to ensure holidays in Thailand proceed without disruption because tourism is a major source of revenue that nobody wants to jeopardize. So, when someone asks whether a group trip to Thailand is safe in light of these reports, the answer is yes, provided they are not planning a picnic in a minefield deep in the jungle right beside the border. And let’s face it, that is hardly a standard activity on a 10-day Thailand tour.

Land Border Crossings: Bureaucracy Rather Than Bullets

The situation is slightly different for travelers crossing into Cambodia by land, for example when traveling from Bangkok to Siem Reap. Even here, however, the face of the “conflict” is more likely to be a bored immigration officer than a soldier. The main Aranyaprathet/Poipet crossing is notorious not for gunfire but for its legendary queues and scammers trying to sell visas at inflated prices. An experienced Thailand tour guide knows very well that a traveler’s biggest enemies in this area are the heat and a willingness to trust persuasive local scammers, rather than international politics. Visitors using this route are often surprised to find casinos and markets instead of military checkpoints. Of course, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs always advises caution, but in practice thousands of backpackers and organized tour groups cross this border every day without suffering any harm. The key is remaining calm and knowing what to expect – with support from someone who understands the local procedures, such as an experienced English-speaking group coordinator, the entire border-crossing adventure becomes just another travel story rather than a frightening experience.

Is It Safe to Travel Between Thailand and Cambodia?

More than 35,000 people cross the Aranyaprathet-Poipet land border every day, making it one of the busiest and most chaotic crossings in Southeast Asia. Travelers planning Thailand sightseeing tours combined with Cambodia often worry about their physical safety, but the reality is that scammers, rather than soldiers, are the greatest threat at this crossing. Travelers may be approached by fake officials wearing convincingly imitated uniforms who direct them toward supposedly “official” visa offices, where the prices are twice as high as the actual fees. It is exhausting. Frustrating. But dangerous? Probably not, provided you use common sense. Most reported incidents involve minor financial scams rather than genuine threats to life. Anyone planning an overland excursion from Bangkok to Angkor Wat should therefore prepare for some psychological games with local “businessmen” or arrange transport through a reputable provider.

Border Logistics and Local Assistance

Independent travelers sometimes spend up to four hours queuing for passport control under the blazing sun, which can leave some suffering from heatstroke or extreme exhaustion before they even reach Siem Reap. That is why safe logistics and reliable transfers are essential in this region – travelers on organized group tours of Thailand generally avoid much of this chaos. They may have access to separate immigration counters or assistance from local “fixers” who can legally help speed up visa procedures. This makes a considerable difference. Suddenly, crossing the border stops feeling like a nightmare and becomes just another stop along the journey. It is also worth noting that an experienced Thailand tour guide or local group coordinator can quickly recognize when an official is attempting to demand a bribe rather than simply performing their duties, potentially saving travelers considerable stress and money. For visitors who value comfort, arranging a door-to-door transfer with a private Thailand tour coordinator is often the most sensible way to avoid spending hours packed into hot, crowded public buses.

Does the Preah Vihear Temple Conflict Threaten Tourists?

Most media reports about “shooting at the border” concern a specific area around Preah Vihear temple, located hundreds of kilometers from the main tourist routes connecting Bangkok with Siem Reap. Travelers enjoying a standard Thailand vacation or following the classic route to Angkor Wat will never even approach the disputed zone. It is like worrying about rain in Gdansk while staying in Krakow. The conflict is highly localized and political in nature, and neither country’s military has any interest in disturbing international visitors who bring valuable foreign currency into the region. No reputable Thailand travel agency would deliberately send its clients into an area facing an active security threat, and tour itineraries are continually monitored. Therefore, concerns that the armed conflict will disrupt 14-day Thailand tours that include a visit to Cambodia are greatly exaggerated under the current geopolitical circumstances and should not discourage travelers from exploring these remarkable cultures.

What Should Tourists Know Before Arriving?

Where the Conflict Is Located in Relation to Popular Tourist Routes

It is worth starting with a look at the map, because media coverage can give a very distorted sense of geography. Although border tensions may sound alarming, the disputed area around Preah Vihear Temple occupies only a tiny spot on the map, hundreds of kilometers from the destinations where most travelers spend their holidays in Thailand. Someone relaxing on the beaches of Phuket or rock climbing in Krabi is about as likely to be affected by the border dispute as someone in Warsaw is by problems in Lisbon. In other words, not at all. Even travelers taking day trips from Bangkok toward the east rarely venture into militarized areas unless they are deliberately exploring sites of military history. Most travel companies avoid these zones altogether. That is why travelers planning a group trip to Thailand can generally feel reassured that their itineraries pass through areas well away from the dispute. This is an important distinction. Panic is a poor travel adviser, and tourists sometimes cancel their plans unnecessarily without first checking the actual distances involved.

Crossing the Land Border: What to Watch Out For

For the average tourist, the real challenge is not military trenches but border crossings, particularly Aranyaprathet-Poipet. This is where travelers can end up losing both their patience and their money. Anyone planning to combine sightseeing and relaxation in Thailand with a visit to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat should be prepared for a particular kind of “performance”. One of the biggest risks comes from local scammers posing as officials who attempt to collect inflated visa fees before travelers even reach the actual immigration terminal. Experienced travelers know to ignore unsolicited offers of “help” and head directly to the official immigration building. Sometimes a single unpleasant incident at the border can spoil an otherwise enjoyable 14-day trip to Thailand. This is why many tourists prefer to fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap, avoiding this potentially troublesome crossing altogether. Those who decide to travel overland should keep their passports secure and be skeptical of unofficial claims that the “border is closed”, a story sometimes used by touts to mislead travelers.

Travel Insurance and Official Advisories

Before packing their bags for a holiday in Thailand, travelers should make a habit of checking official government travel advisories rather than relying solely on online forums. The political situation in Southeast Asia can change quickly. Travelers should also remember that standard travel insurance policies may exclude coverage in areas officially designated as conflict zones or placed under a state of emergency. This is an extremely important detail in the policy’s terms and conditions, yet one that is often overlooked. That is why it is particularly important not to venture independently off established tourist routes in border provinces such as Sisaket and Surin. An organized private VIP tour of Thailand with a licensed Thai guide and an English-speaking group coordinator offers a significant safety advantage in this respect, as local coordinators can keep track of which destinations are safe to visit and which roads may be blocked by military activity or protests. Independent travelers could unknowingly enter a restricted buffer zone, whereas an accompanied group can avoid it and continue sightseeing with greater peace of mind.

My Assessment of the Current Situation

Media Hype Versus Everyday Life in Thailand

Many tourists browsing Thailand holiday packages could easily get the impression that tanks are lined up along the border and that tension hangs over the entire country like a thick curry soup. The reality on the ground, however, looks very different. Walking through the streets of the capital or enjoying a guided tour of Bangkok, visitors are unlikely to hear much discussion of political tensions, as everyday life continues at its familiar, unhurried tropical pace. Locals are generally far more concerned about rush-hour traffic than the dispute over Koh Kood, which plays out largely in official documents and television studios. When tourists board VIP vehicles for excursions from Bangkok, for example to historic Ayutthaya or on a popular Pattaya day trip from Bangkok excursion, they encounter smiling vendors and bustling market stalls rather than military checkpoints. It is a classic case of media coverage making a situation seem much bigger than it is. Does the dispute affect the logistics of a 14-day Thailand sightseeing itinerary? Not generally on the main tourist routes. Travel operators can continue running their programs while avoiding sensitive locations along the border, which are rarely major destinations for mainstream tourism anyway.

Safety on Popular Tourist Routes

Interestingly, even in regions that might appear “somewhere nearby” on the map, tourism services can run like clockwork. Perhaps a Thai clock rather than a Swiss one, but they still run smoothly. Coaches taking groups on Kanchanaburi excursions or to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai excursion follow their schedules, while guides focus on recounting the history of World War II rather than discussing modern geopolitics. Tourists who choose southern destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, or the idyllic island of Koh Samui are hundreds of kilometers from the main areas of concern. The same generally applies when travelers book optional sightseeing excursions in Thailand. Their biggest decision is often whether to pack SPF 30 or SPF 50 sunscreen. For the average traveler, the border dispute may be neither visible nor noticeable during their holiday. It is also worth noting that an organized private VIP tour of Thailand with a licensed Thai guide and an English-speaking group coordinator can provide additional reassurance, as an experienced local team can follow Thai-language news and updates that international visitors might otherwise miss.

Is Now a Good Time to Book a Trip?

There is little point in panicking and canceling reservations simply because of alarming headlines. Thailand tours in 2025 have continued attracting interest, and prices have not necessarily fallen because of these reports. Quite the opposite may be true. Travelers planning a 12-day trip to Thailand or a longer journey have good reasons to remain optimistic, since tourism is a major part of the regional economy and governments have a strong incentive to protect it. Whether the plan involves intimate private tours of Thailand for couples or a larger group holiday in Thailand, the main tourist routes can remain accessible, with attractions such as the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market continuing to welcome visitors. Anyone with concerns can choose a private Thailand tour with a licensed Thai guide and an English-speaking group coordinator, whose local knowledge can help explain the situation and put political developments into perspective. So is there reason to be afraid? For travelers staying on established tourist routes and following official advice, there is generally no reason to panic. Reduced visitor numbers could even mean smaller crowds at major attractions, although this should not be taken for granted.

Why I Think This Affects Travelers More Than You Might Expect

The Invisible Tension That Changes the Holiday Experience

Most tourists planning their dream holiday in Thailand assume that politics is little more than background noise, something discussed by people in suits inside air-conditioned meeting rooms, with no chance of spoiling a tropical cocktail on the beach. Reality, however, can challenge that assumption. It is not necessarily a matter of tanks suddenly appearing in the streets. The change can be subtle, but an observant traveler, particularly an experienced licensed Thai tour guide or local group coordinator, may notice a shift in the atmosphere of border regions almost immediately. Travelers crossing the land border at Aranyaprathet or visiting islands in the eastern Gulf of Thailand may unexpectedly encounter bureaucratic obstacles that were not there before. More frequent document checks, prolonged coach stops, and sudden changes to ferry schedules can become practical problems rather than merely hypothetical scenarios. For someone who has booked excursions from Bangkok toward Cambodia, hoping for a quick visit to Angkor Wat, these “minor” political complications could mean losing an entire day of their holiday, dealing with unnecessary stress, and discovering that paradise is not quite as carefree as the travel brochures suggested.

When Politics Interferes With Excursion Plans

The difficulty lies in the logistics, because transport arrangements are often among the first things affected when tensions rise. Just look at the map. The disputed maritime areas frequently discussed in connection with the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU 44) are located near routes used by tourists. Travelers may not realize that their 14-day Thailand itinerary could require last-minute adjustments if local operators decide to avoid areas where the naval forces of the two countries are demonstrating their strength. As a result, a safety-conscious Thailand travel company may suggest alternative destinations. Rather than face uncertainty in the east, groups can be redirected to regions less directly exposed to political tensions, such as Phuket or Krabi. There, on the Andaman Sea, optional excursions in Thailand can continue without disruption, leaving travelers to decide between relaxing on the beach and snorkeling. Those who had hoped to explore the country’s eastern border regions may feel disappointed, but safety and reliable travel arrangements, particularly for a family group trip to Thailand with children, should always take priority over the desire to visit places making international headlines.

Long-Term Effects on Travel Budgets and Plans for 2025

There is another aspect that rarely gets much attention: how the situation could affect prices and service availability in the coming travel seasons. Uncertainty is one of tourism’s greatest enemies. When operators identify potential risks, they naturally become more cautious, and travelers may eventually feel the effects through insurance costs or reduced availability at certain hotels near the border. Anyone planning Thailand tours in 2025, or already looking ahead to Thailand tours in 2026, should consider the possibility that the traditional overland route connecting Bangkok with Siem Reap could become more inconvenient or expensive. On the other hand, this could paradoxically benefit travelers by encouraging them to discover lesser-known destinations further inland. Instead of heading toward sensitive border areas, tourists may increasingly choose Kanchanaburi day trips from Bangkok, where the history of the Bridge over the River Kwai and a visit to Erawan Waterfalls on a guided excursion offer memorable experiences away from the main areas of political tension. Ultimately, sightseeing and relaxation in Thailand can still be enjoyable and safe, but travelers and especially organizers of private tours in Thailand need to remain flexible, monitor developments, and adjust their plans when necessary so that a dream holiday does not turn into an unexpected lesson in geopolitics.

What Is the Atmosphere Like in Bangkok Amid All This?

A Sense of Calm Amid the Big-City Chaos

When walking through crowded Chinatown or sipping a drink at a rooftop bar, can you actually sense that a political dispute is unfolding somewhere along the border? The answer may be surprising. Life in the capital continues at its usual hectic pace, and tourists in Bangkok can enjoy their visits far from the immediate border tensions unfolding hundreds of kilometers away. You can see it everywhere. *Private Bangkok tour guides* are still busy showing visitors around the Grand Palace, where the only “conflict” is the friendly competition for the best photo spot near the Emerald Buddha. Hardly anyone is talking about the military. Instead, everyone wants to know where to find the best *Bangkok street food* or how to get to Wat Arun. It is fascinating how differently a destination can feel on the ground compared with the impression created by media headlines. Travelers enjoying *14-day Thailand tours in small private groups* simply make the most of their holidays, while local vendors tend to worry more about the weather than politics. The atmosphere is relaxed, humid in the tropical heat, and filled with the scent of lemongrass, exactly as you would expect.

Tours Are Running as Scheduled

What about transportation and trips outside the city? There is no disruption here either. Tour buses and private vans are running like clockwork. Every morning, *day trips from Bangkok* depart without delays, offering reassuring evidence that travel services are operating normally. Tourists continue to choose *Ayutthaya day trips from Bangkok* to explore ancient ruins, or visit the *Damnoen Saduak Floating Market*, where the biggest concern might simply be paying too much for a coconut. It is particularly striking that the popular *Kanchanaburi day trip*, featuring the famous *Bridge over the River Kwai* and *Erawan Waterfalls*, continues with no changes to its itinerary, even though the province is located in western Thailand. All major tourist routes remain open and fully accessible. Even the *Maeklong market tour*, featuring the famous railway market, continues to attract its usual crowds. If there were a genuine threat, *travel agencies in Thailand* and local tour operators would be the first to cancel these trips, as no responsible operator would risk customers’ safety for a few hundred baht in profit.

Bangkok Is Just a Stop on the Way to Paradise Beaches

Many travelers use the capital as a starting point before heading south or north, where the border dispute is far removed from their holiday plans. For those planning *holidays in Thailand*, Bangkok is often just a 2-3 day introduction before flying to *Phuket* or *Krabi*. And you know what? Things are even more relaxed on the islands. Couples enjoying *Thailand holiday packages for two* sip cocktails on Railay Beach, while travelers who have booked *Phuket day tours* cruise around Phang Nga Bay, completely disconnected from international news. It shows just how large the country is: the conflict is local, while tourism extends across the country. What’s more, bookings for *Thailand tours in 2025* and *Thailand tours in 2026* have been pouring in, suggesting that travelers understand that major tourist destinations are well protected and isolated from border-related problems. Whether it is a *group tour of Thailand with a guide* or a *family trip to Thailand with children*, nobody seems to be changing their plans. Regardless of the headlines, the sun still shines just as brightly in Thailand.

Thailand vs Cambodia: Is the Border Conflict Affecting Tourists? A Report from Bangkok

News outlets and headlines love to sensationalize tensions and territorial disputes, but the situation on the ground looks very different: calm, unhurried, and seemingly free of danger for visitors. Travelers planning their dream holiday in Thailand often worry unnecessarily after reading about political disputes, while life in the resorts continues at its usual relaxed pace, with nobody running around the beaches carrying rifles. Local authorities and tour operators organizing tours from Bangkok or excursions to ancient ruins understand perfectly well that tourism is an economic lifeline worth protecting. Visitors are therefore treated as a priority, with every effort made to shield them from disruption.

The conflict essentially concerns a small, highly specific area around the Preah Vihear temple, which, for the average traveler, makes it an abstract issue taking place hundreds of kilometers from the main tourist routes. Anyone choosing Phuket, Krabi, or a relaxing break on Koh Samui will probably find that the only “conflict” they encounter is deciding whether to order Pad Thai with shrimp or chicken for lunch.

Tourist safety is an absolute priority here.

So should you give up your dream of visiting Asia because of political disputes that have no real impact on sightseeing in Bangkok or relaxing beneath palm trees? Definitely not. The situation often seems far more frightening on television than it does on the ground, where travelers can still expect Thailand’s famous smiles and remarkable hospitality. Even a Thailand sightseeing tour is planned to avoid potential flashpoints entirely. Diplomats may argue in air-conditioned conference rooms, but the sun over the Gulf of Thailand shines just as brightly as ever.

FAQ

Q: Is Thailand actually safe, or should I cancel my flight and lose my money?

A: Listen, this is a question I’ve been getting constantly in my inbox over the past week, and I completely understand why people are worried. But my answer is simple: don’t panic, and get those suitcases packed, because the tourist destinations are as peaceful as ever. The media love stirring up drama because sensational stories attract clicks, but on the ground, tourists are sipping tropical cocktails and barely even know that tanks are moving around somewhere far away.

The conflict is highly localized and concerns a particular piece of territory that the two countries have disputed for years. This is not an all-out war taking place across the entire country.

If you’re staying in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, you’re hundreds of kilometers away from the trouble. Seriously, the spicy chili in your Som Tum salad is a bigger threat to your comfort than this border dispute, so try to relax.

Q: Where exactly is all this trouble happening, and will my itinerary take me anywhere near it?

A: The dispute centers on the Preah Vihear temple and the surrounding areas in Si Sa Ket Province, in the far east of Thailand, right along the border.

Unless you’re a passionate history enthusiast actively looking for trouble or a soldier on leave, there’s a 99% chance your sightseeing tour won’t go anywhere near this area. Standard tourist routes give it a wide berth.

Most tours head north to Chiang Mai or south to the islands, which is an entirely different part of the country.

Q: What about traveling overland to Angkor Wat? Have they closed the border at Poipet?

A: This is an important question for anyone hoping to visit two countries in one trip. At the moment, the main Aranyaprathet/Poipet border crossing is operating normally, buses are running, and people are crossing, although immigration and customs officers may sometimes be more demanding than usual.

There may be a slightly heavier military presence along the road, and you’ll probably encounter a few additional checkpoints, but that’s about it.

Tourism generates substantial revenue for both countries, so neither side has an interest in completely blocking the flow of visitors to Siem Reap. If you’ve already got a bus ticket, you can go ahead with your journey. Just bring extra water and plenty of patience, because there’s no shortcut around queues at the border.

Q: Can you feel the tension in Bangkok? Are there soldiers on the streets?

A: Come on, Bangkok is carrying on with everyday life and paying very little attention to the conflict. The city is buzzing, tuk-tuks are racing around, and the party on Khao San Road carries on until morning. Nobody here is hiding in bomb shelters.

The only uniforms you’re likely to see belong to traffic police or security guards at shopping malls, which have always been a normal part of life here. Thai people are masters of staying calm and embracing the idea of “mai pen rai”, meaning “no worries”, so the atmosphere remains remarkably relaxed.

Don’t let sensational newspaper headlines get into your head.

Life goes on as usual, markets are operating, temples are open, and the only thing people in the capital are fighting over is a seat in an air-conditioned metro carriage.

Q: I was planning to visit the disputed Preah Vihear temple. What should I do now?

A: Well, this is where we do have a problem, because this is the one place you absolutely need to remove from your itinerary. No arguments. The military has closed the area to civilians, and trying to enter it now would be asking for serious trouble.

Even if you were determined to visit, you simply wouldn’t be allowed in, so why put yourself through the stress of being questioned by a military patrol?

Visit Ayutthaya or Sukhothai instead. Their ruins are just as beautiful, older, and, most importantly, nobody is pointing weapons at anyone there. Thailand has thousands of temples, so you really don’t need to visit the one at the center of a territorial dispute.

Q: Are flights between Bangkok and Siem Reap being canceled?

A: Flights are operating like clockwork because the conflict is taking place on the ground, not in the air. Airlines are businesses, and as long as there is no genuine threat to aircraft, which there isn’t, flight schedules remain unchanged.

Airports are operating at full capacity.

Flying is actually an even better option right now because it allows you to avoid any potential disruption at land borders, and you can be in Cambodia in about an hour. So if you’ve already booked your flights, you can rest easy knowing that your tickets won’t go to waste.

Q: Where should I look for reliable updates without getting overwhelmed by rumors?

A: The worst thing you can do is spend hours reading online forums where every self-proclaimed “expert” is spreading panic from the comfort of their sofa back home. I recommend following official announcements from local embassies and reliable blogs written by people who actually live here and can see what’s happening around them.

Of course, the situation can change, but for now it remains stable.

It’s also worth checking regularly with your guide or tour operator, as they often receive firsthand information from drivers and tour leaders. Remember that Thailand has every reason to make sure visitors feel safe and continue spending money here, so considerable effort goes into keeping tourist areas free from disruption.

Related: Traveling to Thailand: how to plan your trip, when to go, and.

Related: What to see in Bangkok: a complete guide to the main attractions.

Related: Hua Hin tour from Bangkok, the royal.