Resorts are discharging firearms.
In the midst of an escalating armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, the tourism industry in the region is feeling the brunt of the violence. The conflict, which intensified around the Preah Vihear Temple border area in mid-2025, has led to increased violence, martial law in Thai border provinces, and a heightened sense of instability [1][2][3].
The ongoing conflict has created a security risk that deters tourists, with reports of airstrikes, artillery exchanges, and the displacement of about two hundred thousand people near the conflict zones. The symptoms of the conflict—nationalist tensions and active military operations—have worsened perceptions of the area as unsafe for travel [2].
Despite intermittent ceasefires, the clashes remain unresolved, with potential for renewed violence, further undermining tourism confidence [2][3]. Historically, the impact of such conflicts on tourism lasts at least as long as active hostilities continue, plus an additional recovery period once peace is restored. Given the volatility and deep-rooted territorial disputes fueling the conflict, the negative effect on tourism is likely to persist for several months to potentially years even after fighting subsides [1][2].
As of July 2025, Thailand accounted for 8.9% of sold tours, ranking fourth among the most popular destinations. However, with the ongoing conflict, this figure is expected to decrease significantly [3]. The Russian Embassy in Bangkok has advised Russian citizens to avoid traveling to border areas.
The tourism market has been particularly affected in the popular destinations of Phuket, Koh Samui, and Khao Lak, with approximately 24,000 organized and independent Russian tourists in Thailand, 80-90% of whom are in Phuket [1]. tour operators have reported no significant decrease in sales or booking cancellations on the first day of the conflict, but if a decline in sales does occur, it will be the second armed conflict this year that has negatively affected the tourism market [2].
In the past, conflicts similar to the current one in Thailand and Cambodia have had a significant impact on the tourism industry. For example, the civil war in Sri Lanka from 1983 to 2009 did not significantly affect tourism or demand from tourists [1]. However, the ongoing conflict in the region is expected to have a more profound and lasting impact due to its proximity to tourist zones and the lack of clear resolution in sight.
In conclusion, the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border conflict is causing significant disruptions to tourism in the affected border areas due to active violence and instability [1][2]. The tourism decline is likely to last throughout the conflict and for an extended period afterward, contingent on the conflict’s resolution and regional stability [1][2]. Given the unresolved historical disputes and nationalist tensions, a rapid return to normal tourism levels is unlikely without a durable peace agreement [1][2][3]. The situation remains fluid and potentially protracted, with no precise timeline yet for conflict resolution or tourism recovery.
- The escalating Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, marked by ongoing violence and instability, is adversely affecting the tourism industry, particularly in popular destinations like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Khao Lak.
- The negative impact on tourism, stemming from the conflict, is forecasted to last for several months to potentially years, considering the unresolved historical disputes and lack of a clear resolution in sight.
- With travelers deterred by the security risks associated with the conflict, such as airstrikes, artillery exchanges, and displacement of people, the general news about the ongoing conflict and its proximity to tourist zones is significantly affecting the lifestyle and travel decisions of tourists.
