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Border clashes fail to deter Russian tourists from Thailand’s resorts

Gunfire echoes near the border, but Phuket’s beaches stay packed. Why are Russian travellers unfazed by the conflict—and should they be?

In this image in the middle we can see sand art and around it there is a fence. In the background...
In this image in the middle we can see sand art and around it there is a fence. In the background there is a hoarding, trees, chairs, tents, buildings, windows and sky.

Border clashes fail to deter Russian tourists from Thailand’s resorts

Clashes have broken out again along the Cambodian-Thai border, raising concerns about traveller safety. Despite the fighting, Russian tourists from Primorsky Krai continue visiting Thailand’s major resorts without disruption. Travel agencies in Vladivostok report no cancellations or changes to planned trips.

The latest escalation involved artillery and airstrikes on December 7-8. Both sides blame each other for violating the ceasefire in a long-running dispute over the Preah Vihear temple area.

The conflict zone remains far from Thailand’s most popular tourist spots. Resorts like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Pattaya lie hundreds of kilometres away from the border clashes. Industry representatives and diplomats confirm these areas remain safe for visitors.

Russia’s Ambassador to Thailand, Yevgeny Tomikhin, stated that no Russian citizens have requested help from the embassy. He also noted that key destinations, including Phuket, are well outside the affected region. The embassy has, however, issued updated travel advisories for Russian nationals.

Officials now recommend avoiding Thai provinces near the Cambodian border. They urge tourists to follow updates from Thai authorities and keep emergency contacts for the Russian Embassy readily available. Despite the warnings, tour operators in Vladivostok report steady bookings and no signs of panic among travellers.

The border dispute has dragged on for years, with each side accusing the other of provocation. The latest flare-up has not yet impacted tourism flows from Russia’s Far East, according to local agencies.

Russian tourists in Thailand are advised to stay informed through official channels and avoid border regions. The embassy’s emergency contacts remain active for those needing assistance. For now, travel to major resorts continues as normal, with no reported disruptions to flights or holiday plans.

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