CAMBODIA ON BRINK OF WAR: Australians Warned to Abandon Travel Plans as Border Clashes with Thailand Intensify
- Tens of thousands of Aussie tourists face danger as conflict escalates in Cambodia
- Department of Foreign Affairs raises travel warning to ‘high degree of caution’ due to unpredictable security situation
- Australians urged to avoid border areas, including famous Angkor Wat temple, due to military strikes, violence and landmines
- Travel experts warn of ‘unprecedented’ risks to tourists, with ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand on brink of collapse
Australians planning a trip to Cambodia have been issued a stark warning: abandon your travel plans or face the very real risk of danger. The Department of Foreign Affairs has raised the overall travel advice level to ‘high degree of caution’ due to the country’s escalating conflict with Thailand.
The long-standing border dispute between the two nations has been simmering for over a century, but the situation has taken a dramatic turn for the worse in recent months. The current war began in July 2025, and despite a ceasefire being brokered by US President Donald Trump in October, the truce has been broken and armed conflict has resumed.
As a result, the Department of Foreign Affairs is urging Australians to exercise extreme caution when considering travel to Cambodia. “We’ve reviewed our advice for Cambodia and have raised the overall travel advice level,” the Smart Traveller website warns. “We now advise to exercise a high degree of caution overall due to ongoing conflict and its security risks. The security situation remains unpredictable.”
Each year, tens of thousands of Australians flock to Cambodia to experience its stunning landscapes, rich culture and affordable travel. But with the conflict intensifying, tourists are being warned to stay away from the border areas, including the famous Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province.
In a disturbing development, the Department of Foreign Affairs is advising travellers to avoid areas within 50-80 kilometres of the Cambodia and Thailand border due to military strikes, violence and landmines. This includes the popular tourist destinations of Battambang and Siem Reap, where tourists are being warned to reconsider their need to travel.
“Pay close attention to your personal security and follow the instructions of local authorities,” the Smart Traveller website warns. “Regularly check media for updates and stay informed about the local situation.” With the conflict showing no signs of abating, Australians are being urged to think twice before embarking on a trip to Cambodia.