Amid escalating violence on the Thailand–Cambodia border, the Indian Embassy in Thailand has issued a travel advisory urging Indian tourists to exercise caution.
“In view of the situation near Thailand-Cambodia border, all Indian travelers to Thailand are advised to check updates from Thai official sources, including the TAT Newsroom,” the embassy posted on X, pointing to areas currently unsafe for travel.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), several attractions across seven provinces, Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat, are now not recommended for visitors.
Clashes leave 14 dead, dozens injured
Thailand confirmed 14 deaths, including 13 civilians and one soldier, with 46 others injured in the clashes, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said in Bangkok on Friday.
He condemned what he described as Cambodian attacks on civilians and a hospital, calling them “war criminal actions.” Cambodia has not released information on its casualties as of Thursday evening.
Evacuations and warnings of war
Thailand has evacuated over 130,000 people from the border regions as the fighting, the bloodiest military confrontation between the two nations in over a decade, entered its second day.
“This present incident of aggression is escalating and could develop to the stage of war,” Thailand’s acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned, while stressing that the military action so far was aimed at protecting Thai territory and sovereignty.
What triggered the violence?
The recent tensions date back to May, when troops exchanged fire in a contested border zone, killing a Cambodian soldier.
The situation escalated further on Wednesday, when a landmine blast wounded five Thai soldiers, the second such incident in a week. Thailand blamed Cambodia for planting the mines, claims that Phnom Penh has denied.
In response, Bangkok recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh and announced the expulsion of Cambodia’s envoy.
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