Thailand currently finds itself caught between diplomatic friction with Phnom Penh and a struggling tourism sector looking for solutions.

There has been no large movement at the Thai-Cambodian border since the end of June: all crossings have been closed and border traffic is on hold. Exceptions are only made for medical emergencies and students. The Ban Khlong Luek border post near Aranyaprathet, a hub for commuters, traders and backpackers, is also affected. While buses pile up on the Cambodian side, travellers camp out on camp beds in the open. Many were caught unawares by the stop and are now stranded along the route for the time being. Meanwhile, the effects extend beyond the region: according to reports, there has also been an increase in uncertainty among travellers at Bangkok airport.

Background

This problem is not novel: the border between Thailand and Cambodia has been disputed for decades, with potential for conflict arising in particular around the thousand-year-old Preah Vihear temple, which is claimed by both sides. Most recently, there was a fatal incident at the end of May that cost the life of a Cambodian soldier. Phnom Penh reacted accordingly with import bans – fuel, fruit and building materials from Thailand have not been allowed to cross the border ever since. As a result, Thailand increased its military presence along the border, imposed export bans and sealed off the crossings.

The escalation in Thailand is accompanied by growing domestic political pressure: a leaked telephone conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodia’s long-term ruler Hun Sen has been criticised, particularly in the conservative camp. The accusation was that Thailand’s head of government was being too soft on her neighbour and thus stabbing her own military in the back. The conservative Bhumjaithai Party has since left the government, triggering a political crisis.

Impact on tourists

The Federal Foreign Office is now warning of the possibility of short-term border closures in north-east Thailand and advises against travelling to the border area with Cambodia. Individual travellers travelling overland from Bangkok to Siem Reap are particularly affected by the current developments. While opting for flights will result in higher expenditures, opting for alternative overland routes result in a precious loss of time.

The tightened situation comes at a time of Thailand’s tourism waning in popularity. In May, around 14 per cent fewer international guests were registered than in the previous year, and recently only half as many travellers visited from China as normally arrive at this time of year. And doubts are also growing among European travellers: how stable is the former number one travel destination in Southeast Asia really? At the same time, the Thai government is actively courting new target groups. “Working nomads” are to come, with favourable visas, co-working initiatives and urban retreats in Chiang Mai, Bangkok or Phuket. An ambitious plan – but not one that can ignore border closures, diplomatic tensions or security policy issues.

Safe planning

Thailand is endeavouring to redefine its role as an open, safe travel destination – between regional power politics, economic pressure and structural change in tourism. The coming weeks and months will show whether this balancing act is successful. For travellers, the situation remains volatile for the time being, which makes good preparation necessary before a trip. Anyone wishing to travel to Cambodia by land in the coming weeks should plan flexibly and follow the news situation closely.

Security issues, short-term changes and current visa formalities deserve special attention at the moment. Crisis-tested tools such as Global Monitoring and A3M’s Destination Manager have proven themselves as partners in the travel industry.