U.S. Issues Safety Alert for This Popular Asian Destination Amid Rising Violence

The United States government is warning American travelers about traveling to the border area between Thailand and Cambodia following a conflict escalation there.

The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand published a security alert last week following a “significant escalation” across the border region along with reports of artillery and small arms fire exchanges. The embassy recommended American travelers avoid heading anywhere within about 31 miles of the border area “due to active hostilities and the unpredictable security situation.”

“Both sides continue to report cross-border fire, and conditions remain volatile,” the embassy wrote in its security alert, adding, “The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services in affected provinces. U.S. citizens residing or traveling near affected areas should follow instructions from Thai security services and monitor local authorities for updated information.”

The embassy added travelers to the region should sign up for the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides notifications, alerts, and security information and allows the embassy to more easily contact travelers in an emergency.

The border between Cambodia and Thailand extends for over 500 miles, according to Reuters, and has been the long-disputed site of an ongoing conflict. The recent fighting comes months after the two countries signed an expanded ceasefire in October, the wire service reported.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement the U.S. was “concerned” about the fighting across multiple locations along the border, adding “we strongly urge the immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and for both sides to return to the de-escalatory measures outlined in the October 26 Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.”

Beyond the border region, both Cambodia and Thailand are currently under the State Department’s Level 2″ travel alert, indicating Americans should “exercise increased caution” when traveling there. The State Department regularly issues and updates alerts for countries around the world, classifying them from the lowest Level 1 alert to the highest Level 4 alert, indicating travelers should avoid all travel to that destination.

Both Cambodia and Thailand are popular vacation spots for American travelers, with each known for their incredible food culture, historic temple ruins, and amazing resorts. This year, Thailand was even named Travel + Leisure’s destination of the year for 2025 thanks to its breathtaking beaches with emerald water and pristine white sand, creative hub in the capital city of Bangkok, and buzzy food and hotel scene.