Following Sweden's Foreign Ministry travel advisory for the Thailand-Cambodia border region, families on Koh Chang and nearby islands are relocating to safer areas in Thailand due to escalating clashes, prioritizing children's safety.
In the wake of the UD's advisory issued Friday for areas within 50 km of the Thailand-Cambodia border—including Koh Chang and Koh Kood—Swedish tourists are cutting vacations short. Around 600 Swedes are in the affected islands, amid a conflict that has prompted evacuations of over 400,000 on the Thai side.
Johanna Ferm, 32, vacationing on Koh Chang with her partner, father, and 17-month-old son Matteo, spotted naval vessels and heard military aircraft, prompting a rebooking to Hua Hin. 'With a small child, safety comes first,' she said. The family took a ferry to the mainland despite a calm local atmosphere.
On Koh Kood, Sofia Ek, 40, with her husband and two sons, expressed concerns after waking to the advisory but faces refund hurdles over the weekend. Ida Lilius on Koh Chang reported difficulties contacting support in Sweden.
Cambodia closed all border crossings at lunchtime Saturday, while Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed on social media to fight until threats end. UD continues monitoring via its Bangkok embassy, urging Swedes in Thailand (about 10,000 total) to register on Sweden Abroad and follow local advice.
