As violent clashes erupt along the Thailand-Cambodia border, the U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory urging American citizens to avoid areas within 50 kilometers of the border. The warning follows a sharp escalation in hostilities that has left at least 16 people dead.
Tensions between Thai and Cambodian forces intensified on Wednesday, leading to continued exchanges of heavy artillery fire through Friday. A Reuters photo captured a Thai military unit firing toward Cambodian territory, underscoring the severity of the conflict.
The Royal Thai Government has ordered the closure of all border crossings—both land and sea—in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. In response, the U.S. advisory specifically warns against travel to those areas.
Additionally, Thai authorities have implemented sweeping emergency measures. The Ministry of Public Health announced full or partial shutdowns of 11 hospitals in the conflict zone, while the Ministry of Education temporarily closed 751 schools across Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Buri Ram, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and other affected provinces.
U.S. citizens currently in the region are urged to follow directions from Thai security services and consult local authorities for updates. “The United States urges an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, and a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Deputy State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott said during a press briefing in Washington.
Ongoing Clashes and Regional Reactions
The Thai Army reported that Cambodian forces launched sustained bombardments using rockets and heavy artillery on Friday morning. Thailand responded in kind and urged civilians to steer clear of active conflict zones.
Over 100,000 civilians have reportedly fled the violence as the situation deteriorates further. Despite international concern, Thailand has so far rejected calls for third-party mediation.
China Offers to Mediate
Meanwhile, China has expressed willingness to help defuse the situation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a meeting with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, described the violence as “deeply distressing.” He added that China is prepared to play a “constructive, fair, and impartial” role in promoting peace.
Wang also pointed to historical tensions rooted in colonial-era border disputes as part of the underlying cause and urged all parties to handle the issue calmly and diplomatically.
