by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 2:30 PM ET, Wed December 17, 2025
The Canadian government has updated its travel advisory for Thailand, indicating a high degree of caution be exercised by anyone planning a visit to the country, with regional advisories to avoid all travel. The latest updates included adding information regarding the border region near Cambodia.
No travel is advised within 50 kilometers of the Thai-Cambodia border and the land borders are presently closed. The area has been subject to tensions over a long-standing border dispute, with the conflict intensifying in the last week beginning Dec. 9, 2025, resulting in military and civilian casualties. Global Affairs advises that the security situation remains “volatile and unpredictable”.
The updated advisory indicates "Thai authorities have declared martial law in several districts along the border with Cambodia. When martial law is in effect, local authorities have enhanced powers and may impose security measures such as:
- curfews
- evacuations
- and other movement restrictions."
Travellers are advised to expect an increased military presence, to ensure they follow the instructions of local authorities, including curfews and evacuation orders and to exercise increased caution if you are travelling to any areas along the border with Cambodia.
An existing regional advisory remains in place, with travel to the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala to be avoided entirely. The advisory has been updated to specify the regions of Hat Yai city and the area east of Highways 408 and 4113, including Sakom in southern Songkhla province.
Violent attacks that the advisory calls “criminally and politically motivated” have been directed at military and government buildings and personnel and have occurred in public places. The advisory states that Canadian visitors risk “becoming a collateral victim of an attack” including bombings, shootings and arson if travelling in these provinces.
A previously issued warning for the areas near the Myanmar-Thai border in the provinces of Mae Hong Son and Tak remains in effect, citing “occasional violence, banditry and clashes between government forces and drug traffickers.” Travellers are advised to only cross at official border crossings, with the required documentation but to note that these crossings may close without notice.
Finally, a note about political tensions in Thailand is included in the advisory, saying “Political instability in Thailand has created a volatile and unpredictable security environment throughout the country, particularly in Bangkok.”
Thai authorities have provisions under the law that allow the military to prevent public gatherings, censor media, impose curfews, set up checkpoints, restrict movement, search for weapons and exercise force in response to violence. Moreover, television, radio and some websites may become unavailable.
Clients will want to know access to social media may also be suspended without notice. They should also be aware that elevated threat levels and travel advisories might affect their travel insurance coverage. For emergency consular assistance, Canadians can reach out to the Honourary Consul in Chang Mai, the Consulate General of Australia in Phuket, or call the embassy in Bangkok and follow the instructions. They may also request help through the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
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