Border tensions prompt tourist cancelations in Thailand

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports issued a warning on Thursday advising travelers to avoid the conflict-affected areas.

Local tourism offices have been instructed to deliver timely and accurate updates to visitors.

Natreeya Taweewong, permanent secretary of the ministry, confirmed that the violence has led to a sharp drop in tourist arrivals and a wave of cancelations in Sa Kaeo Province, especially in the border districts of Aranyaprathet, Ta Phraya, and Khlong Hat, The Nation Thailand reported.

While the rest of Sa Kaeo remains open for tourism and scheduled events continue as planned, the front-line districts are now nearly deserted.

The impact is even more severe in Surin Province, where heavy fighting near Prasat Ta Muen Thom in Phanom Dong Rak district has caused tourism to come to a standstill.

Tourism operators in Thailand's northeast are growing increasingly concerned that ongoing clashes along the Cambodian border could deal a serious blow to the industry if not resolved within the next 3 to 7 days, as both local and international visitors may steer clear of the affected regions, Bangkok Post reported.

Rungroj Santadvanit, president of the lower northeastern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, said hotels in the area were closely tracking developments along the border.

As of Thursday, many were already preparing for potential cancellations from domestic travelers.

Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire on Friday as their worst fighting in more than a decade stretched for a second day, despite calls from the region and beyond for an immediate ceasefire in an escalating border conflict that has killed at least 16 people, Reuters reported.

The Australia, Canada, U.K. and U.S. governments have warned their citizens to exercise caution while traveling to Thailand and Cambodia after border clashes.