The Government has updated travel advice for Thailand and Cambodia following armed conflict along their shared border in recent days, urging Kiwis to avoid non-essential travel to affected provinces.
Armed clashes have broken out between the Southeast Asian neighbours in long-disputed border areas, including gunfire exchanges, shelling, and rocket fire. Thai authorities say a soldier and 13 civilians were killed and 14 soldiers and 32 civilians were injured.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) said New Zealand was concerned by the increase in tensions and exchanges of fire resulting in fatalities and injuries on the land border between Thailand and Cambodia.
“New Zealand supports the efforts by ASEAN to de-escalate the dispute, and calls for restraint, diplomacy and dialogue.
“SafeTravel advice has been updated and advises that the land border between Thailand and Cambodia is currently closed.”
The SafeTravel website urged Kiwis to avoid Buriram, Si Saket, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces in Thailand and border areas of the Cambodian provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
“This is due to armed conflict in the area,” MFAT said.
“For safety and security reasons travellers should avoid the affected area until the situation stabilises. Travellers are advised to monitor the situation and to check the status of the border with local authorities.”
While there were no current consular cases involving New Zealanders, MFAT confirmed it had received inquiries from concerned travellers since tensions escalated on May 28.
“New Zealanders travelling in Thailand and Cambodia should register their details with SafeTravel.”