Gunfire erupts in Cambodia and Thailand, deterring tourists from visiting.

The number of tourists visiting Cambodia has dropped significantly since the end of May due to safety concerns related to the border dispute with Thailand.

Tourists visit the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia on December 17 - Photo: NIKKEI ASIA

According to data from Angkor Enterprise, the company responsible for selling tickets to Angkor Wat and other ancient temples in Cambodia, the number of foreign tourists has slowed significantly since tensions with Thailand flared up in late May.

Between June and November this year, the number of foreign visitors to this complex decreased by 20% compared to the same period in 2024. Nationwide, visitor numbers have decreased by 34% since May compared to the same period last year.

According to Nikkei Asia on December 17, Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodian Tourism Association, said that the Ministry of Tourism and travel businesses are working to reassure tourists that tourist destinations in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and other cities far from the border areas where conflict is occurring.

“Our tour companies have explained that the disputed areas are far from the main attractions. Tourist safety is our top priority. We will not take them to areas that are experiencing instability,” Chhay Sivlin shared.

In addition, the complex social security situation is also one of the reasons why tourists avoid Cambodia. Some Cambodians say they frequently receive questions about whether Cambodia is currently safe.

Furthermore, Ms. Sivlin stated that the latest conflict and clashes in late July had damaged the Preah Vihear temple on the border – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and the Ta Krabey temple. Both are “the heart and soul of Cambodia’s tourism industry.”

"Being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site once gave us hope that these sites would be protected from outside influences."

However, the fact that UNESCO did not respond and remain present when the sacred temples were being destroyed is truly disappointing,” added Sivlin.

Thailand shares the same predicament.

Not only Cambodia, but Thailand also recorded lower-than-expected international tourist numbers this year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand estimates that the country will welcome approximately 32 million international visitors in 2025, a decrease of 9.8% compared to 2024.

Thai travel companies have reported that some tourists have decided to cancel their trips to Thailand after fighting between the two countries flared up again.

KHANH QUYNH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/campuchia-thai-lan-no-sung-du-khach-khong-dam-ghe-choi-20251217221748046.htm