Thailand and Cambodia’s decades-old border dispute has erupted into full-blown clashes, with both sides trading heavy artillery, rockets and even air strikes. Thai officials warn the fighting could spiral into a state of war, as Cambodia accuses Thailand of using cluster munitions and Thailand blasts Cambodia’s bombardment of schools and hospitals.

More than 100,000 Thais and over 4,000 Cambodians have been forced from their homes, with civilian infrastructure—from hospitals to Buddhist pagodas—damaged or destroyed. The United Nations, the United States and ASEAN members have all called for an immediate ceasefire, even as appeals for blood donations and emergency relief grow more urgent.

Travel experts and foreign ministries now strongly urge avoiding all non-essential trips to eastern Thailand and northern Cambodia. Visitors in the region should register with their embassy, double-check travel advisories daily, secure flexible bookings and ensure their insurance covers conflict-related disruptions.