Tensions rise along Thailand-Cambodia Border: Indian Embassy issues travel advisory
Certain attractions in seven provinces—Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat—are currently not recommended for travellers
PTC Web Desk: The Indian Embassy in Thailand issued a travel advisory on Friday in response to the rising tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border, urging Indian tourists to stay vigilant and keep informed through official Thai sources, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The Embassy highlighted that, due to ongoing unrest, certain attractions in seven provinces—Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat—are currently not recommended for travellers. The announcement came after military clashes near the Thailand-Cambodia border that resulted in casualties.
As per reports, 14 Thai nationals were killed, including 13 civilians and one soldier, while 46 others sustained injuries in these violent clashes. The incident follows a landmine explosion that wounded five Thai soldiers earlier this week, further escalating tensions.
Cambodia has not disclosed the number of its casualties as of Thursday evening, according to the Xinhua news agency.
In response to the violence, Thailand's Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, condemned Cambodia's actions, which allegedly targeted civilians and a hospital, calling them "war crimes." He urged the Cambodian government to stop such attacks and return to diplomatic dialogue.
The military confrontations began after accusations from Thai officials that Cambodia had planted new Russian-made landmines along the border. Cambodia, however, rejected these claims, blaming the situation on unexploded ordnance from past conflicts.
On Thursday, clashes intensified, particularly near the historic Ta Muen Thom temple. The Thai government responded by deploying F-16 fighter jets to carry out airstrikes, which Thai officials described as "self-defense."
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting, urging the international body to address the crisis. Meanwhile, Cambodia's Defense Ministry accused Thailand of violating international law with its airstrikes, which reportedly struck a road near the UNESCO World Heritage site, Preah Vihear.
In a statement, Cambodia's Ministry of Culture emphasized the significance of the Preah Vihear temple as a national heritage and condemned Thailand's actions. The Defense Ministry vowed legal action, with spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata asserting that Cambodia was forced to defend its territory against Thai aggression.