Thailand-Cambodia Border Closure 2025: Full Travel Advisory and TDAC Update

Thailand and Cambodia close land border crossings amid tensions—what travelers need to know now

Thailand and Cambodia have closed several land border checkpoints as of July 2025. The shutdown is linked to rising diplomatic tensions between both countries. This post explains the border closure, how it affects travel, what the TDAC update includes, and which border crossings are affected.

Thailand-Cambodia Border Closure 2025?

The Thailand-Cambodia border closure of 2025 refers to the shutdown of major land border crossing points due to escalating political and military tensions. The closure started in July 2025 and remains active until further notice. Affected areas include Poipet, Chong Sa Ngam, and Chong Chom.

Why Are Cambodia and Thailand Fighting?

The current conflict centers around land near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO site long disputed by both countries. Although the temple itself is under Cambodian control, the surrounding territory is contested. In July 2025, construction near this area triggered a military response. Border security was tightened, and land crossings were closed.

Thailand and Cambodia Conflict 2025: What Happened?

• Thai border patrol entered a disputed area near Preah Vihear. 
• Cambodia responded with military presence
• Talks failed to resolve the conflict
• Both sides increased troop deployment
• Thailand closed key land border crossings

Thailand-Cambodia Border Crossings Closed (as of July 2025)

Checkpoints are under military control. Entry and exit may be restricted even if listed as “open.”

Thailand Digital Arrival Card Update: July 2025

TDAC Travel Update July 2025

All travelers entering Thailand by land or air must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). The system was updated in July 2025 to reflect new travel restrictions.

Is there anything new in TDAC?

Travelers who select a land entry point in their TDAC are now subject to a new internal border zone risk rating:

TDAC Entry Category	Risk Rating	Action Required
Airport Entry (Any)	Low	Standard screening
Sea Port Entry	Low	Standard screening
Land Entry (Open Point)	Medium	Additional document checks
Land Entry (Conflict Zone)	High	Travel may be rejected or delayed

TDAC processing will trigger a “high-risk” alert for travelers selecting a land border crossing in or near affected areas (Sisaket, Surin, Sa Kaeo).

TDAC Special Instructions July 2025

• Declare entry method (land, air, or sea)
• Choose your exact border crossing point
• Provide an exit checkpoint
• Upload proof of accommodation or onward travel
• Submit the form before arrival

Failure to follow these steps will result in delayed processing or denied entry.

How to Enter Thailand via Land Border July 2025

Step 1: Check Current Border Status

• Visit official Thai immigration updates
• Do not use outdated blogs or social media sources

Step 2: Complete the Updated TDAC

• Fill in entry method (land)
• Select a valid border crossing
• Enter travel dates and purpose
• Attach travel documents

Step 3: Prepare These Documents

• Valid passport
• Approved TDAC (digital or printed)
• Visa (if required)
• Accommodation booking
• Emergency contact in Thailand

Step 4: Travel Only Through Open Crossings

• Avoid restricted or closed zones
• Be prepared for screening and delays

Thailand Land Border Travel Advisory 2025

Thailand Land Border Travel Advisory Checklist:

• Submit TDAC before travel
• Confirm if your crossing is open
• Avoid Preah Vihear and other disputed areas
• Carry all travel documents
• Do not attempt visa runs by land
• Follow Thai immigration instructions

How Thailand & Cambodia Border Closure Affects Travelers

• Major land crossings are blocked
• Entry through Poipet and Chong Chom is suspended
• Tourist flows to Angkor Wat and eastern Thailand are disrupted
• Cross-border trade routes are halted
• Long-haul travelers must reroute through airports or seaports.

What to Know About Thailand Border Closure on TDAC

• You must declare your land checkpoint in the form
• You cannot use closed checkpoints
• You must enter Thailand on the date submitted
• Land travelers are subject to increased screening
• TDAC is required even for short stays

What Was the Disputed Temple Between Thailand and Cambodia?

The Preah Vihear temple is located on a cliff in the Dangrek Mountains. Though awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 2013, Thailand disputes the surrounding land. In 2025, Cambodia claimed Thailand was building roads in restricted areas, leading to military tensions and land closures.

Thailand-Cambodia Diplomatic Tensions 2025

Key developments:

• Ongoing land disputes near ancient sites
• Military buildup on both sides of the border
• Diplomatic talks stalled
• Border trade suspended
• Tourism heavily restricted

Thailand Border Security Update: July 2025

Thailand has increased military presence near affected provinces:

• Sisaket
• Surin
• Sa Kaeo
• Chanthaburi
• Trat

Travelers should expect random inspections and roadblocks near these areas.

TDAC Travelers Should Do

• Only select border crossings that are active/open according to the current advisory
• Checkpoints that are closed or restricted should not be selected
• Provide proof of accommodation and return plans
• Prepare for secondary screening at immigration
• Land entry into zones marked as high-risk should not be declared

FAQs Thailand & Cambodia Border Closure

Conclusion

The Thailand and Cambodia border closure of 2025 remains in effect due to diplomatic tensions and military buildup. Key land crossings are closed. Travelers must follow the updated Thailand Digital Arrival Card guidance and avoid all restricted areas.

To travel safely:

• Complete your TDAC correctly
• Use approved border points
• Stay informed through official sources
• Avoid any non-essential land travel near the Cambodia border