Cambodia's tourism industry suffers comprehensive losses.

A man drives a four-wheel drive vehicle in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo: Vann Chan Thada/Kiripost.

The Kiri Post, citing a recent market report, indicates that border conflicts are triggering a chain reaction of negative impacts on Cambodian tourism by the end of 2025. The closure of land border crossings with Thailand, coupled with travel warnings issued by many countries and expanded exclusion clauses by insurance companies, has led many tour operators to withdraw their products from Cambodia.

These shocks have particularly affected tourist routes related to Angkor and the local economy in Siem Reap, which is heavily dependent on tourism.

According to the study, the sharp decline in the number of Thai tourists – one of the most important sources of visitors – could reduce tourism revenue in the second half of 2025 by between $650 million and a maximum of $1.25 billion .

Clouds partially obscured the sunrise at Angkor Wat on the morning of March 23, 2024, but thousands still came to admire it. Photo: Seng Mengheng.

According to a report published by the consulting firm Oudom, revenue from accommodation services at popular tourist destinations in Cambodia is estimated to decrease by 45-60% in the second half of 2025.

Food and beverage sales have fallen by 35-50%, while in areas dependent on temples, retail and handicraft businesses have been described as “almost completely collapsed.”

Not only has the tourism sector suffered economic losses, but its labor market has also been profoundly affected. In 2024, Cambodia's tourism industry created approximately 630,000 direct jobs. However, in the second half of 2025, it is estimated that between 150,000 and 250,000 workers will lose their jobs or be forced to take temporary leave.

Notably, amidst this bleak picture, Siem Reap is the region bearing the brunt of the impact. Home to Angkor Wat, Cambodia's largest tourist center, Siem Reap relies almost entirely on international visitors.

Data from the Angkor Sanctuary Authority (APSARA) shows a significant decline in international ticket sales to Angkor Wat since mid-2025. In July, ticket sales fell by 18.1% year-on-year, a further decrease of 25.7% in September.

Torch procession in front of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap. Photo: Khem Sovannara.

The report estimates that in the second half of 2025, the number of international visitors to Angkor could decrease by 200,000 to 220,000, equivalent to a direct loss of $7 million to $10 million in ticket sales. However, according to experts, this figure only reflects a very small part of the economic impact, as ticket revenue accounts for only a small proportion of the total value that a visit to Angkor brings to the local area.

With its economy heavily reliant on tourism, Siem Reap is suffering widespread damage. The report estimates that losses of $7-10 million from Angkor entrance fees could lead to indirect economic losses of $200 million to $350 million for the city in the second half of 2025.