Sweden's Foreign Ministry has issued a travel advisory against parts of Thailand and Cambodia due to ongoing border clashes. The advisory covers popular tourist islands like Koh Chang and applies within 50 kilometers of the border. Travel companies Ving and Tui are canceling trips to the area.
Sweden's Ministry for Foreign Affairs (UD) announced on December 12, 2025, an expanded travel advisory for the border regions between Thailand and Cambodia, following the flare-up of clashes in the long-standing border conflict. The advisory prohibits all travel within 50 kilometers of the border on both sides, including the islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak in Thailand's Trat province. UD also advises against non-essential travel to other provinces along the border. Previously, advisories were in place for the southern Thai provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, and Songkhla due to flooding.
The conflict, ongoing since May 2025 with shootings along the over 80-mile border, has seen several ceasefires—in August and October—but fighting resumed in November. Thailand recently conducted airstrikes on Cambodia, killing civilians. Over 400,000 people have been evacuated on the Thai side, and 100,000 on the Cambodian side. Several schools in Cambodia have closed, and hundreds in Thai border areas have fled.
US President Donald Trump stated on Friday via Truth Social that he had spoken with Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, and that the countries had agreed to an immediate ceasefire. "Both countries are ready for peace and continued trade with the US," he wrote. However, Thailand's prime minister denied the claims, stating that fighting continues. "There is no ceasefire yet," Anutin Charnvirakul told SMCP.
In response to UD's advisory, travel companies Ving and Tui are canceling trips to Koh Chang. Ving is suspending all trips for the next 14 days and currently has only two travelers on site, who will return as planned. "Those booked for the next 14 days will get refunds or we'll try to find alternatives," said Charlotte Hallencreutz, spokesperson for Ving. Tui has fewer than ten affected travelers and offers refunds or rebooking. "We're of course canceling bookings in the near term," said Dian Valencia, communications manager at Tui. The advisory remains in effect indefinitely.
