Friday, July 25, 2025
New Zealand has updated its travel alert for Thailand and Cambodia to advice its citizen of new risks in the two countries after heated cross-border fighting between the two nations. The on-going battle, fought around the disputed Emerald Triangle area, has killed several and sparked intense military intervention, causing New Zealand authorities to warn against travelling to the area if not absolutely necessary. Airstrikes, artillery shellings, and the closing down of the land border between the two countries are putting the safety of travelers in great risk and both countries are now at a higher state of tension, which may make public safety more dangerous and local infrastructure more unstable.
New Zealand urges its citizens to reconsider travel to Cambodia and parts of Thailand following deadly clashes along the border region, highlighting heightened risks of violence, terrorism, and civil unrest.
New Zealand has sounded the alarm for its citizens contemplating travel to Southeast Asia, urging them to avoid trips to Cambodia and several provinces in Thailand after intense cross-border violence broke out between the two nations. The conflict, centered around the long-disputed Emerald Triangle where Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos converge, has already claimed at least fourteen lives and prompted a swift response from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
On May twenty-eighth, fighting escalated rapidly when Thailand carried out airstrikes on Cambodian military installations. Cambodia retaliated with heavy rocket and artillery fire, plunging the region into fresh turmoil. As tensions intensify, New Zealand’s SafeTravel service has updated its advisory, urging all New Zealanders to exercise extreme caution, especially near the border zones.
Land Border Closed Amid Military Clashes
The land crossing between Thailand and Cambodia has been shut down, stranding travelers and cutting off a major transportation corridor. MFAT has confirmed that while it has received inquiries from concerned New Zealanders in the region, there are currently no active consular cases. However, the volatile situation remains a major concern for officials.
The contested area, known as the Emerald Triangle, has long been a source of tension between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. The latest round of conflict signals a dangerous turn, with both sides unleashing heavy weapons that have devastated the region and endangered civilians and tourists alike.
New Zealand Travel Advisory Levels Increased
MFAT has increased its travel advisory levels for several Thai provinces located near the Cambodian border. The advisory now urges travelers to avoid non-essential travel to the following areas:
- Buriram Province
- Si Saket Province
- Surin Province
- Ubon Ratchathani Province
These provinces have seen direct spillover from the military conflict, with reports of crossfire, troop movements, and civilian displacement. In these areas, the threat of violence is elevated, and essential infrastructure such as hospitals and transport may be overwhelmed or compromised.
In addition, MFAT has retained its strictest advisory for the southern provinces of Thailand, categorically urging New Zealanders not to travel to:
- Narathiwat
- Yala
- Pattani
- Southern Songkhla
These provinces have long been plagued by politically motivated violence and criminal activity, including bombings and shootings. Attacks in this region occur almost daily, and the Thai Government itself warns tourists to stay away.
General Security Risks in Thailand
Even outside conflict zones, Thailand presents considerable security risks that travelers should take seriously. New Zealand officials highlight the following dangers:
- Terrorism: There is an ongoing and credible threat of terrorist attacks in Thai cities and tourist destinations. Past attacks have targeted shopping malls, shrines, and public transportation hubs.
- Political Unrest: Thailand continues to witness frequent political demonstrations, particularly in Bangkok and other major urban areas. These protests can quickly turn violent, often with little warning.
- Crime: Tourists are vulnerable to petty crimes such as pickpocketing, scams, and drink spiking, especially in nightlife areas, beaches, and on public transport.
- Road Safety: Thailand’s road accident rate is among the highest in the world. Motorbike accidents are especially common, often resulting in serious injury or death. Tourists unfamiliar with the local traffic norms face increased risk.
Given these factors, New Zealanders visiting or residing in Thailand are strongly advised to have robust travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage. In an emergency, access to proper medical facilities or evacuation services may be delayed or limited.
Escalating Tensions Over the Emerald Triangle
The root of the conflict lies in a disputed border region known as the Emerald Triangle, rich in natural resources and historical artifacts. Both Cambodia and Thailand lay claim to areas surrounding ancient temples and strategic hilltops. Clashes in this zone have erupted periodically over the past two decades, but the current fighting marks one of the deadliest flare-ups in recent years.
What makes the situation especially volatile is the military buildup on both sides, as well as nationalist sentiment inflaming local rhetoric. Analysts fear that without swift diplomatic intervention, the conflict could spiral into a broader regional crisis, potentially drawing in Laos and threatening the stability of mainland Southeast Asia.
New Zealand’s Ongoing Response
As the situation develops, the New Zealand government continues to monitor events closely. MFAT encourages all New Zealand citizens in Southeast Asia to register on SafeTravel.govt.nz to receive alerts and updates. Travelers should also maintain contact with the New Zealand embassy or consulate in case conditions worsen.
Although no New Zealanders have been reported injured in the latest outbreak of violence, authorities stress that the security environment can deteriorate rapidly. It remains critical for travelers to follow local news reports, respect curfews or government orders, and avoid protest sites or military installations.
New Zealand has released a fresh Thailand and Cambodia travel warning after an uprising of border tension between the two countries. Ongoing violence, including airstrikes and shelling, presents hazards for travelers in the region.
New Zealand has taken a firm stance in urging its citizens to avoid travel to conflict-affected regions in Thailand and Cambodia following the recent eruption of violence over the Emerald Triangle. With the land border closed, airstrikes ongoing, and the potential for wider unrest looming, the safety of travelers is at heightened risk. The situation underscores the importance of staying informed, exercising caution, and adhering to official travel advisories during times of regional instability.
