The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalated further this week as heavy fighting continued along the volatile border. According to the Bangkok Post, a Thai soldier was killed in combat, raising Thailand’s military death toll to 10 since the latest phase of the war erupted.
The report also noted Cambodia’s extensive use of drones in recent clashes, signalling a deepening reliance on advanced battlefield technology. Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, citing Khmer Times, accused Thailand of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and the October 26, 2025 Joint Statement on the Peace Agreement.
Phnom Penh alleges that Thailand continues to carry out “renewed armed aggression” that threatens Cambodia’s territorial integrity. The ministry condemned what it described as Thailand’s indiscriminate shelling and incursions by warplanes into Cambodian airspace. Such actions, it said, are putting innocent civilians at grave risk.
UNESCO site Preah Vihear Temple becomes a flashpoint
Amid the escalating hostilities, damage was reported near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Preah Vihear, a revered Hindu temple perched along the border. The site, already contested historically between the two nations, has now emerged as a symbolic casualty of the war.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed strong concern, calling for immediate restraint and urging both sides to prevent further escalation. The MEA underscored that Preah Vihear is a shared cultural heritage of humanity, stressing India’s longstanding involvement in its preservation.
“Any damage to conservation facilities is unfortunate and a matter of concern,” the MEA stated, urging its full protection.
UNESCO issues rare warning amid cultural heritage threat
UNESCO also intervened, urging Thailand and Cambodia to safeguard Preah Vihear and reminding both nations of their obligations under international cultural protection laws, including the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
The UN cultural body expressed deep concern over the renewed tensions, warning that the temple’s preservation must remain a priority even as military clashes intensify around it.
Thailand-Cambodia conflict shows no signs of easing
With mounting casualties, accusations of ceasefire breaches and the threat to a globally significant heritage site, the Thai-Cambodia border war appears far from resolution. Regional and international stakeholders continue to press both sides for de-escalation, but the fighting shows little sign of slowing.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Bangkok has advised Indian citizens to avoid areas near the Thailand-Cambodia border due to reports of heavy fighting between the two countries. Tourism across most of Thailand is unaffected as per the reports, but security has been tightened in seven border provinces, and curfews have been imposed in some districts.
Indians advised to keep caution
Travellers should avoid restricted zones and keep updated through official sources such as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and local authorities. “In light of the situation near the Thailand-Cambodia border, Indian travellers planning to visit these areas should check updates from Thai official sources,” the Embassy said.
Thailand has increased security along its border with Cambodia following renewed tensions. However, travel and tourism in most parts of the country remain normal, according to TAT. Restrictions, curfews, and temporary transport changes apply only to seven eastern and north-eastern provinces bordering Cambodia.
Major tourist destinations remain open and welcoming.
Seven Thai provinces witness high security
The Tourism Authority of Thailand confirmed that security measures have been reinforced in Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Martial law is in place in some districts of Chanthaburi, Trat, and Sa Kaeo. A curfew from 19:00 to 05:00 has been enforced in four border districts of Sa Kaeo since 10 December 2025.
Transport services across Thailand, including air, rail, bus, and marine travel, continue as normal. Popular destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, and Pattaya are unaffected. However, some rail and bus routes serving border areas have been adjusted.