Is it safe to travel from UAE to Thailand right now?

Dubai: For UAE residents planning a trip to Thailand, recent diplomatic tensions between the Southeast Asian tourism hotspot and its neighbouring country, Cambodia, have introduced a new layer of consideration for travel safety and planning.

While the dispute is primarily focused on a specific border area, its broader implications for regional stability are prompting travellers to stay informed.

Thailand has consistently remained one of the most popular tourist hubs for travellers globally. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, told Gulf News in an earlier interview that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are two of Thailand’s main tourist source markets from the Middle East.

Thailand drew over 900,000 tourists from the Middle East markets last year. "We hope to welcome 1 million (from the region) this year," said Thapanee in May this year.

Over the past week, relations between Bangkok and Phnom Penh have soured significantly due to a long-standing border dispute. Thailand’s foreign ministry’s statement on Thursday said the Royal Thai Government has decided to downgrade its diplomatic relations and recall the Thai Ambassador to Cambodia, “as well as requests the Government of Cambodia to recall its Ambassador to Thailand, respectively.”

While the dispute is primarily focused on a specific border area, its broader implications for regional stability are prompting travellers to stay informed.

A Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) statement said, “Currently, Thai security agencies are taking swift action to monitor and manage the situation closely. TAT is working in coordination with relevant government authorities and local agencies to ensure the safety and convenience of all travellers in the area.”

TAT has encouraged all travellers to stay informed by following official news updates from government sources.

However, most tourists visiting Thailand, particularly those heading to popular destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, or the southern islands, the immediate impact of these tensions as minimal, according to Thai media reports. These major tourist hubs are geographically distant from the disputed Cambodian border.

However, travellers planning to visit areas close to the Cambodian border, such as the eastern provinces of Thailand (e.g., Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, or Trat, which borders Cambodia to the south), should exercise caution.

While these areas are not primary tourist destinations for most international visitors, those intending to explore historical sites or cross-border points should closely monitor local news and official advisories.

UAE airlines operating flights to Thailand and Cambodia are not facing any disruptions, according to flightradar24 – a real-time flight tracker. National carrier Etihad and Dubai’s flagship airline Emirates operate approximately five direct flights per day. Other airlines like Air Arabia, flydubai, and India’s IndiGo and Air India also operate daily flights to multiple destinations in Thailand.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has advised passengers traveling between Thailand and Cambodia to monitor the border conflict and verify flight schedules for potential changes.

Monitor official advisories: Before and during your trip, regularly check the latest travel advisories issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and the Royal Thai Embassy in the UAE. These are the most reliable sources for up-to-date safety information

Stay Informed: Monitor reputable international news outlets for updates on the Cambodia-Thailand situation.

Avoid border areas: Unless necessary, it is advisable to avoid non-essential travel to regions directly adjacent to the Thai-Cambodian border until tensions subside.

Travel insurance: Ensure your travel insurance policy provides comprehensive coverage, including for unforeseen circumstances or disruptions.

Local contacts: Have contact details for your embassy or consulate in Thailand, as well as local emergency services.