On December 16, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Thailand issued a new security alert as armed clashes along the Thailand–Cambodia border continue to intensify, with reports of ongoing cross-border fire and a volatile security environment in adjacent provinces.
What the advisory says
In the alert dated December 16, U.S. officials said they are tracking reports of a “significant escalation” along the border and urged U.S. citizens to avoid all travel within 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) of the Thailand–Cambodia frontier due to active hostilities and an unpredictable security situation.
The advisory also warns that the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services in affected provinces and urges Americans in or near impacted areas to follow local security instructions and monitor official updates.
Areas To Avoid On Both Sides Of The Borders
Thailand (border and adjacent provinces identified in official guidance):
- Ubon Ratchathani
- Si Sa Ket
- Surin
- Buri Ram
- Sa Kaeo
- Chanthaburi
- Trat
Cambodia (border-adjacent provinces flagged in reporting and official updates):
- Banteay Meanchey (including disruption around Poipet)
- Oddar Meanchey
- Preah Vihear
- Battambang
- Pailin
- Pursat
- Koh Kong
Recent updates on the conflict
Reuters (Dec. 16): Thailand said it was working to repatriate up to 6,000 citizens stranded near the Poipet crossing after Cambodia closed the checkpoint amid fighting that has spread across multiple points along the border. Reuters also reported mass displacement and rising fatalities, while regional diplomatic activity—including a planned ASEAN meeting hosted by Malaysia—has been discussed as fighting enters a second week. Source: Reuters
Associated Press (Dec. 15): Cambodian officials alleged Thai air operations struck deeper into Cambodian territory, including areas near shelters for displaced civilians in provinces such as Siem Reap, while Thailand maintained strikes were aimed at military targets. AP reported continued civilian risk, damage to infrastructure, and an expanding humanitarian burden tied to the border fighting. Source: AP News
The Guardian (Dec. 11): The Guardian reported that displacement has surged into the hundreds of thousands as exchanges of artillery and air power worsen the crisis, describing the violence as among the most serious in years and noting broader political and regional repercussions beyond the immediate border zone. Source: The Guardian
