Travel Advisory Issued for Indian Citizens Amid Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes
Travel Warnings for Indian Nationals
The Indian embassies located in Thailand and Cambodia have issued warnings to citizens advising against travel to border regions due to ongoing conflicts between the two nations.
On Saturday, the Cambodian embassy released a notice urging Indian nationals to steer clear of border areas and provided emergency contact information for those needing assistance.
In case of emergencies, Indian citizens can reach out to the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh at +855 92881676 or via email at cons.phnompenh[at]mea.gov.in.
This advisory follows a similar warning from the Indian embassy in Thailand, which encouraged travelers to stay updated with information from Thai authorities.
According to a statement from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, certain 'border zones' across seven provinces are currently affected by restrictions, with martial law enforced in specific districts.
The Indian embassy referenced the Thai tourism authority's advice, indicating that these areas are not safe for travel.
The advisories were issued in light of the most severe border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia in over a decade, which has escalated since Wednesday, involving heavy artillery, air strikes, and rocket fire in disputed territories.
Reports indicate that at least 33 individuals have lost their lives in the ongoing violence.
Among the casualties in Cambodia, eight were civilians and five were military personnel. In Thailand, six soldiers and 14 civilians have been reported dead.
Bangkok has accused Phnom Penh of targeting civilians and employing rockets, while Cambodia has condemned Thailand for allegedly using cluster munitions.
This escalation is a significant development in a long-standing territorial dispute between the two countries, which have previously experienced deadly clashes between 2008 and 2011, resulting in at least 28 fatalities.
A ruling by the United Nations in 2013 had helped to reduce tensions, but the current crisis was ignited in May following the death of a Cambodian soldier during a skirmish.