Despite ongoing armed conflict along the Cambodian-Thai border, Cambodia’s major tourist attractions remain safe destinations for travel and leisure, according to the head of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter.
The conflict began with an incursion by Thai military forces, who crossed into Cambodian territory and fatally shot a Cambodian soldier in Preah Vihear province on May 28. This led to heightened tensions which erupted yesterday, July 24, when Thailand launched heavy artillery attacks on Cambodia, which have continued up to now.
Thourn Sinan, chair of PATA’s Cambodia chapter, noted that Cambodia is currently suffering from Thai military aggression, with attacks taking place near several of Cambodia’s most treasured heritage sites: the Ta Mone Thom, Ta Krabey and Preah Vihear temples. These sites are not just Cambodian landmarks; they are recognised as part of the world’s cultural heritage, he said.
Despite this, Sinan insisted that Cambodia remains safe for tourists, as the fighting is confined to border areas far from the country’s main tourist destinations.
“Cambodia is safe for visitors. Our main tourism destinations — Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang, Sihanoukville and our islands — remain open and unaffected. The clashes are limited to small, remote areas along the border,” he said.
A Ministry of Tourism report released today, July 25, showed that from January to June, a total of 3.36 million international tourists visited Cambodia — an increase of 6.2% over the same period last year.
Interestingly — and likely to change — the largest group was from Thailand, with 928,027 visitors (a 2.8% decrease). This was followed by Vietnam with 619,300 visitors (down 3.2%), China with 586,771 visitors (up 50.7%), Laos with 118,014 visitors (down 37.5%), and the US, with 118,006 visitors (up 5.3%).
