India Issues Travel Advisory Amid Rising Tensions on Thailand-Cambodia Border

Phnom Penh/New Delhi, July 26: In light of escalating violence and mounting casualties from the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh has issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals. The embassy has urged Indian citizens to avoid travelling to areas along the Thailand-Cambodia border, where fighting has intensified over the past few days.

“In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the border areas,” the embassy said in an official statement. It has also released an emergency contact number for Indian nationals residing in Cambodia: +855 92881676. Queries can also be directed to the email ID: cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in.

As per reports from Cambodian officials, at least 12 more deaths were confirmed on Saturday, pushing the total death toll to 32 since the recent wave of violence began. Of these, seven were civilians and five were soldiers, according to Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence spokesperson General Maly Socheata.

One of the deceased was reportedly killed when a pagoda — where he had sought refuge — was struck by Thai rockets. Thousands of civilians have been displaced as the border skirmishes enter their third consecutive day, with makeshift shelters now being established in safer areas.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held an emergency closed-door meeting on Friday in New York to address the situation. While no official statement has been released, diplomatic sources suggest that all 15 council members urged both countries to exercise restraint and resolve the issue peacefully. The council also encouraged regional cooperation, specifically urging ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to mediate and help bring an end to the hostilities.

Malaysia, which currently chairs the 10-member ASEAN bloc, echoed the UNSC’s concerns, calling for a ceasefire and offering to act as a mediator between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

The conflict stems from a long-standing territorial dispute over a 500-mile (800-kilometer) stretch of land along the Thailand-Cambodia border. While the region has seen minor confrontations in the past, the last major flare-up occurred in 2011, resulting in 20 deaths.

The latest tensions erupted in May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a border confrontation. The incident triggered diplomatic backlash and stirred political tensions in Thailand. Matters escalated earlier this week when a landmine injured five Thai soldiers, leading to the closure of the border and the expulsion of Cambodia’s ambassador by Bangkok. Clashes soon followed.

Indian authorities have confirmed they are closely monitoring the situation and are in constant touch with officials on the ground. The embassy in Phnom Penh remains on high alert and is ready to assist any Indian citizens caught in the crisis.

Indian citizens currently in Cambodia or Thailand, especially near the border regions, are advised to stay vigilant, avoid non-essential travel, and remain in contact with local authorities and the Indian missions.

For Emergency Assistance in Cambodia:
+855 92881676
cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in