Dutch ministry expands area under urgent travel warning for Thailand, Cambodia
The Netherlands has extended the area along the border between Thailand and Cambodia which is covered by the strictest travel warning issued by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Code Red warning now covers the entire land border between the two Asian countries, extending to 50 kilometers in either direction.
The region of concern more than doubled as part of Thursday’s updated warning. “The situation on the ground is dangerous and unpredictable,” the ministry stated. “Whatever your situation, do not travel there. It’s too dangerous.” The Thai islands of Ko Chang and Ko Kut were not part of the heightened alert.
“Since December 8, 2025, renewed fighting has broken out between the Thai and Cambodian armies” along the border region, the alerts about both countries stated. “Rockets are being fired from both sides,” with people injured as a result.
Several dozen people were killed during fighting in the area over the summer, until a ceasefire was reached. But the renewed fighting “has put pressure on the October 2025 peace agreement,” the Dutch ministry said.
The Dutch government said that the escalating situation could make it difficult for it to provide assistance via the embassy in Bangkok, or the consulate offices in the Cambodian cities of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. “The security situation is unpredictable.”
The rest of Cambodia is under a Code Yellow warning, where travel is not a concern despite certain security concerns. Most of Thailand is under a Code Yellow caution, except for the southernmost portion of the country, and the border region with Myanmar. Those areas are under a Code Orange warning due to military operations being carried out by Myanmar near Thailand, the lack of clear markings identifying the border, and the presence of drug gangs and human traffickers.
There are different concerns closer to the Malaysian border, where the Netherlands warns citizens to remain indoors between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., and to expedite passage at military and police checkpoints. "Rebel groups are active in southern Thailand. These groups regularly carry out attacks, including bombings. So far, the primary targets have been the Thai army and police," the Dutch alert notes.
"Attacks usually take place at army and police checkpoints, as well as at government, army, and police buildings and infrastructure. However, other targets are also possible." Security concerns exist the provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala, and separately, the effects of flooding in the Songkhla province will likely remain at crisis levels at least into February.
A Code Red travel advisory means tourists, business travelers, and even dual citizens should avoid visiting a specified country or region at all costs. These are typically issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when there is a risk of extreme danger, such as war, terrorist attacks, severe health risks, and extreme weather.
A Code Orange advisory indicates that travel to the area is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. This is often the case due to political instability, natural disasters, or other serious risks.
