People have been asking this since the summer of 2025, when fighting broke out on the Thai-Cambodian border. In short: the conflict affects a narrow strip along the land border in the east and northeast, far from the beach resorts. Below is the status on 17 October 2026 according to the UK Foreign Office and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Things can change, so we recheck this answer every two weeks.
What is happening on the border
According to the UK Foreign Office, there was fighting in July 2025 and further clashes in early December involving rocket and artillery fire. As of October 2026:
- Risk zone: the FCDO advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of the land border with Cambodia
- Crossings: land borders and checkpoints between the two countries are suspended
- Border temples Khao Phra Wihan (Preah Vihear), Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom are closed
- Landmines: there are unexploded landmines in the area, and the FCDO says affected border regions should be avoided
Which provinces are affected
In its advisory of 30 December 2025, TAT named seven border provinces with security measures in place. Only specific areas are closed, not whole provinces.
| Province | Closures reported by TAT |
|---|---|
| Ubon Ratchathani | Chong An Ma checkpoint, Yod Dom Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Si Sa Ket | Khao Phra Wihan National Park, Chong Sa Ngam, areas near Kantharalak and Phu Sing |
| Surin | Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples, Chong Chom |
| Buri Ram | Chong Sai Taku, Ta Phraya National Park |
| Sa Kaeo | Ban Khlong Luek checkpoint, Sdok Kok Thom temple, Ban Khao Din crossing, Rong Kluea Market partly |
| Chanthaburi | Ban Laem and Ban Phat Kad checkpoints |
| Trat | Ban Hat Lek, Ban Muen Dan, Ban Ma Muang checkpoints |
The TAT list dates from December 2025. The UK Foreign Office confirms in October 2026 that all land crossings remain suspended.
What about the resorts
Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Bangkok and Chiang Mai are not among the seven provinces. TAT said in December 2025 that tourism across the country was operating normally, and its update of 29 September 2026 confirmed that most destinations were open and welcoming visitors.
Apart from Cambodia, the UK Foreign Office flags two other things in October 2026:
- The far south near Malaysia: Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and four districts of southern Songkhla, where it advises against all but essential travel. Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui are not part of this
- Flooding in Bangkok: all 50 districts of Bangkok, plus Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan, have been declared flood-affected, with possible road closures and flooding of low-lying areas
What has changed for travellers
- Overland visa runs to Cambodia are not possible, neither via Poipet nor via Hat Lek. For other ways to extend your stay, see extending a visa-exempt stay and our visa run guide
- Angkor and Phnom Penh cannot be reached by bus across the border; the only option is flying, so check what the airlines currently operate
- Insurance: if you do go into the 20 km zone, check your policy. The UK Foreign Office warns that travelling against its advice can invalidate travel insurance
FAQ
Can I travel overland from Thailand to Cambodia now?
No. As of 17 October 2026 the UK Foreign Office says land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia remain suspended. In December 2025 TAT listed the closed checkpoints, including Ban Hat Lek in Trat and Ban Khlong Luek near Aranyaprathet, the route to Poipet. There is no overland route at the moment; if you need to get to Cambodia, check flights with the airlines.
Can I do a visa run to Cambodia?
Not overland, because the crossings are closed. If you need to leave for a new stamp, pick another country or fly. See our visa run guide and the answer on extending a visa-exempt stay.
Is Koh Chang and Trat safe?
Trat is one of the seven border provinces where TAT reported security measures and closed checkpoints in December 2025, and the UK Foreign Office advises against the 20 km zone along the land border. Before going to the eastern edge of Trat, check your route on a map and the latest advisories; the islands themselves are separated from the land border by sea.
Does the conflict affect Phuket or Pattaya?
Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and Pattaya are not among the seven border provinces in TAT's advisory, and the UK Foreign Office singles out only the 20 km zone along the border. In September 2026 TAT said most destinations across the country were open and welcoming visitors as usual.
Where can I follow updates on the border?
The most reliable and frequent updates are the UK Foreign Office travel advice and the Situation Updates section of TAT Newsroom. The TAT Contact Centre is on 1672 and the Tourist Police on 1155.
Sources
- UK FCDO. Thailand travel advice: Warnings and insurance (updated 2026-10-12, checked 2026-10-17)
- TAT Newsroom. Travel advisory: border safety measures in place across eastern and northeastern Thailand (2025-12-30)
- TAT Newsroom. Weather and travel conditions in Bangkok and surrounding areas (2026-09-29)
Found an error or outdated fact? Tell the editors, we will fix it and update the check date.