Thailand’s tourism sector is currently grappling with a dramatic decline in arrivals from Cambodia, as the number of travelers has plummeted by nearly 48% in June 2025. This steep drop follows a series of border closures that have been instigated by heightened regional tensions, further complicating an already precarious situation that began developing in early 2024. According to data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), there was a consistent decline in Cambodian travelers visiting Thailand, with only 197,658 visitors recorded between January and May 2025—representing a 14% year-on-year decrease. On a typical day during this period, about 1,200 Cambodian nationals crossed into Thailand, but the landscape changed dramatically when border checkpoints were shut down on June 7 due to rising political and security tensions.
The impact of these closures has been severe, leading to a staggering 44% decline in tourist arrivals post-June 7. The most alarming figures emerged on June 14, when arrivals fell by an astonishing 81%, reflecting a growing unease among potential travelers and uncertainty regarding cross-border movement. While land traffic has dwindled, Thai AirAsia continues to report strong performance on its flight routes linking Bangkok to key destinations in Cambodia, indicating that air travel remains a viable option for those who still wish to visit Thailand despite the complications at land borders. AirAsia’s resilience offers a partial cushion against the broader downturn in tourism numbers, but concerns linger regarding the long-term implications of reduced land-based tourism, especially for provinces heavily reliant on short-term visitors and day-trippers.
Tourism authorities are acutely aware of the challenges at hand and are actively monitoring developments while crafting contingency strategies aimed at restoring confidence in cross-border travel. Plans under consideration include launching enhanced travel safety campaigns, fostering collaboration with Cambodian tourism operators, and implementing temporary incentives to entice regional visitors back once the borders reopen. Despite Thailand’s status as a premier destination in the region, the current predicament underscores the fragility of tourism flows amid ongoing political instability and uncertainties surrounding border accessibility.
In recent weeks, businesses located near the Cambodian border have faced cancellations and reduced foot traffic, creating a bleak outlook for local economies. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is expected to release an updated forecast later this month, taking into account the current travel disruptions and their broader impact on Thailand’s regional tourism strategy. As of June, tourist arrivals from Cambodia have sharply declined, with only 14,758 visitors counted—marking a 48% drop compared to the same month last year. Of these travelers, approximately 48% arrived by air, while 51.9% entered through land border checkpoints.
In 2024, Thailand welcomed 553,060 visitors from Cambodia, reflecting a 5% year-on-year decrease from 2023. On average, around 1,500 Cambodian visitors entered Thailand daily. The gradual decline has been linked to Cambodia’s struggling economic conditions, which have dampened international travel demand. Moreover, many Cambodian tourists appear to be shifting their travel preferences towards Vietnam, attracted by its more affordable options and improved transportation networks. The combination of lower travel expenses and enhanced accessibility has made Vietnam increasingly appealing for short-haul trips, outpacing Thailand as a preferred destination.
Despite the challenges, the broader tourism outlook remains stable, albeit cautious, as regional tourism offices in provinces like Surin, Sa Kaeo, and Trat continue to monitor the situation closely to assess localized impacts. In Ubon Ratchathani, several tourist sites witnessed a slight decline in visitor numbers during the initial week of heightened tensions, as safety concerns prompted some travelers to delay their visits. Notably, the Phu Prasat Historical Park, nestled within the Yod Dom Wildlife Sanctuary, experienced reduced activity due to the surrounding uncertainties. Similarly, hotels in Sa Kaeo province reported decreased bookings, particularly from international guests—especially those from Indonesia—who often stop overnight before crossing into Cambodia.
The Thailand tourism office based in Ho Chi Minh City, which oversees the Cambodian travel market, has temporarily suspended its collaborative promotional initiatives with airlines and the Thai embassy. These campaigns, initially set to run from June through August, have been put on hold due to the evolving situation. Nevertheless, Thai AirAsia continues to operate flights connecting Bangkok to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, achieving an average load factor of around 70% this month, slightly below the typical range of 70-80% observed earlier in the year. On the other hand, outbound flights from Bangkok have remained robust, consistently reaching load factors between 90% and 100% following the border closures. In response to fluctuating demand, the airline has consolidated its two daily services into a single flight during select timeframes.
As Thailand navigates through this turbulent phase in its tourism landscape, the long-term repercussions of these events will likely shape the future of cross-border travel in Southeast Asia. With ongoing efforts to revive the tourism sector, stakeholders remain hopeful that stability will return, allowing Thailand to reclaim its position as a leading destination for Cambodian travelers once peace and confidence are restored.
