The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh has issued a strong advisory for Indian nationals, urging them to avoid travel to the Cambodia-Thailand border areas due to the escalating military clashes between the two Southeast Asian nations.
The advisory, released on Saturday, comes in light of worsening hostilities that have already resulted in significant casualties and mass displacement.
Advisory Details
In its official communication, the Indian Embassy stated:
“Given the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the border areas.”
The advisory aims to ensure the safety and security of Indian citizens, both residents and tourists, who may be affected by the growing conflict.
Additionally, the embassy has shared emergency contact information for those in need of assistance:
-
Phone: +855 92881676
-
Email: cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in
Indian nationals in Cambodia or those planning travel to the region are advised to monitor updates from the Indian Embassy, follow instructions from local authorities, and exercise maximum caution.
Tensions Escalate: The Background
The clashes, now entering their third consecutive day, mark the worst outbreak of border violence between Thailand and Cambodia in over a decade. Fighting has intensified and expanded to new zones, including Trat province in Thailand, located more than 100 km away from the initial conflict areas.
The violence has reportedly been triggered by the killing of a Cambodian soldier in May, an incident that led to military buildups on both sides and further escalated political tensions—especially within Thailand.
As of Saturday, at least 30 people have lost their lives in the conflict—19 in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia—while more than 130,000 civilians have been displaced, according to local and international agencies.
Both governments have accused each other of initiating the conflict and continue to maintain that their actions were taken in self-defence. Meanwhile, international observers and humanitarian organisations are calling for an immediate ceasefire and the commencement of bilateral dialogue.
Safety First for Indian Citizens
The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and reiterates that the safety of Indian citizens abroad remains a top priority. The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh is on alert mode, prepared to assist its nationals who may find themselves in affected areas or require evacuation.
All Indian nationals in Cambodia, particularly those near border zones, are advised to:
-
Stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel.
-
Refrain from approaching border checkpoints or military installations.
-
Regularly check embassy communications and verified news sources for updates.
