Cambodia-Thailand cease fire does not reopen land borders to tourism

Anger and fighting around borders’ demarcation on maps

Despite the progress, analysts warn the core dispute remains unresolved. The border tensions trace back decades to different interpretations of maps. Cambodia relies on six regional maps established by the French colonial power in 1907. They were agreed in a treaty between France and Siam that same year that ultra-nationalists in Thailand paint as “lost territories” ceded under pressure by Siam to French Indochina.

Cambodia’s old maps served as a reference in a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling the borders. These days, Thailand relies on a more detailed 1:50,000-scale map, similar to U.S. military charts. Its map shows every building and tree, which it argues better reflects the terrain. The maps’ dispute has fuels tension since the 1960s until today.

Cambodia views temples like Preah Vihear (Phra Viharn in Thai) and Prasat Ta Moan Thom (Prasat Ta Muen Thom in Thai) as vital Khmer heritage sites. Thailand claims the temples, emphasizing easier access and part of its own territory.

Nationalism-fueled feeling has escalated, with people treating the zones as worth dying for. The tension flared after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish on May 28, turning into a war-style confrontation in July. Academic observers generally believe that only “a long-term resolution should address the root causes of the dispute.”

Battering tourism in the region as borders remain closed

Meanwhile, the 13-point ceasefire protocol does not evoke any reopening of borders between both countries. In contrary, the protocol sees the possibility to exchange prisoners or allow people in case of medical emergency without crossing the border. The lockdown of the borders on both sides have dramatic consequences for tourism.

Thailand

On the Thai side, hotels in border provinces such as Sa Keo, Sisaket or Surin experienced group booking cancellations ranging from 80% to 100%. Ubon Ratchathani province recorded 100% cancellation of tour group accommodations. In Buriram, Phanom Rung spectacular temple is closed. All racing events planned at Chang International Circuit are postponed.

Chanthaburi province reported 80% cancellations across its tourist spots, while Trat’s border areas have seen complete booking losses. Trat island destinations also face declines. Ko Chang experienced 10-30% cancellations, Ko Mak 20-30%, and Ko Kood 50-60%.

Cambodia

Meanwhile, Cambodian provinces along the border are even more affected. Poipet virtually lost all the customers in its casinos and bars. All the border temples which are major heritage tourist attractions such as UNESCO listed Preah Vihear are banned for public visits and guarded by military units.

Access to Battambang or even Siem Reap is more complicated. Potential tourists coming by road before need now to fly either to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Many chose now to fly to Phnom Penh which offer cheaper flights than in Siem Reap.

The important bus link between Battambang and Bangkok is not anymore since the conflict broke between Cambodia and Thailand (Screenshot 12GO website)

Normalization remains a distant goal

While tourism is likely to return quicker to normalcy in Thailand, border provinces in Cambodia could face hardship for the weeks to come. As long as terrestrial borders remain closed.

With the fragile truce underscoring the deep mistrust still lingering between Cambodian and Thai troops stationed along the tense border, challenges for lasting peace in the region remain. And damage profoundly tourism perspectives in Western Cambodia.