Resorts are discharging gunfire.
Thailand, a popular tourist destination, accounted for 8.9% of sold tours worldwide from January 1 to July 23, 2025, ranking fourth among the most visited countries [1]. However, a sudden armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia that began on July 24 has raised concerns about its potential impact on tourism.
The conflict, which has seen exchanges of gunfire, artillery shelling, and airstrikes around key border areas, has resulted in civilian casualties, military fatalities, and the evacuation of tens of thousands of people [2][3]. The fighting has involved significant military escalation, including F-16 use by Thailand and artillery and rockets by Cambodia [3].
Despite these developments, no explicit data or reports on tourism demand patterns, tourist arrival statistics, or economic impact on the tourism sector following the outbreak of hostilities are available [4]. May Lomidze, an expert, states that the impact of the armed conflict on tourist demand can only be assessed in a few days [1].
Currently, there are approximately 24,000 organized and independent Russian tourists in Thailand, with 80-90% on Phuket. The Russian Embassy in Bangkok has recommended that Russian citizens avoid traveling to border areas [1]. If sales do fall, this would be the second armed conflict this year to negatively impact the tourism market, following the acute phase of the conflict in the Middle East [5].
In the past, conflicts in other countries, such as the civil war in Sri Lanka from 1983 to 2009, did not hinder tourism or demand, as conflicts were mainly in the north and did not affect popular tourist destinations [1].
Tour operators have confirmed that organized tourists primarily vacation in Phuket, with other popular regions including Samui and Khao Lak. All resort areas are far from the conflict zones, and airports are operating normally [1]. Bookings for Cambodia are rare, with Thailand's share at 2.4% of this year's sold international air tickets, and Cambodia's at 0.5% [1].
As of July 27, 2025, the exact impact of the conflict on tourist demand remains unclear. Further monitoring of official tourism board releases, airline booking trends, and travel advisories over the coming weeks would be necessary to accurately assess the impact of the conflict on the tourism industry.
References:
[1] The Moscow Times. (2025, July 27). Thailand-Cambodia Conflict: No Verified Impact on Tourist Demand Yet. Retrieved from https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/07/27/thailand-cambodia-conflict-no-verified-impact-on-tourist-demand-yet-a74396
[2] BBC News. (2025, July 24). Thailand-Cambodia border: Clashes erupt in disputed area. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61632899
[3] Reuters. (2025, July 24). Thailand and Cambodia exchange fire along border, UN Security Council to meet. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-cambodia-exchange-fire-along-border-un-security-council-to-meet-2025-07-24/
[4] The Guardian. (2025, July 26). Thailand-Cambodia conflict: what we know so far. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/26/thailand-cambodia-conflict-what-we-know-so-far
[5] ATO. (2025, July 27). Impact of the Armed Conflict between Thailand and Cambodia on Tourist Demand. Retrieved from https://ato.ru/impact-of-the-armed-conflict-between-thailand-and-cambodia-on-tourist-demand/
- The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, despite affecting tourism demand being unclear, may potentially impact the preference of tourists seeking a lifestyle that involves travel, given the uncertainty surrounding the safety and accessibility of popular tourist destinations in the region.
- With the ongoing armed conflict in Thailand affecting the travel sector, sports enthusiasts might need to reconsider their plans for participating in sports events or activities in Thailand, as the safety and accessibility could be impacted by the ongoing hostilities.
