Is it safe to holiday in Thailand? Latest advice for Irish amid fresh conflict
At least 16 people have died, with more than 120,000 residents forced to flee the border region amid the clash.
As a result, the Department of Foreign Affairs has updated its travel advice for both Thailand and Cambodia, advising Irish tourists against all travel to the border region. Government personnel load water supplies for people evacuated from border areas at Surindra Rajabhat University evacuation centre amid the escalation of the Thailand-Cambodia dispute in Surin Province. Pic: Valeria Mongelli/Anadolu via Getty Images
'We advise against all travel to the entirety of the border region between Thailand and Cambodia, where armed clashes have been taking place between Thai and Cambodian armed forces arising from escalating tensions related to longstanding border disputes,' the statement began.
'The clashes have resulted in fatalities, including civilian fatalities,' they added.
'Border crossings are subject to restrictions and closures, and there may also be a possibility of disruption to air travel between the two countries.' Damage from a fire caused by Cambodian artillery at a 7-11 convenience store is seen at a PTT gas station in the Thai border province of Sisaket province. Pic: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images
The Department stressed that they 'strongly' advise against any attempts to approach or even cross the Thailand-Cambodia border.
They also added that all Irish citizens visiting either country 'should pay close attention to authoritative sources of information and advice, and remain vigilant at all times.'
'A heightened risk of terrorism' has also been noted for Thailand, with attacks occurring 'from time to time' in popular tourist spots such as Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi. A Thai military officer stands guard in a temple amid the escalation of the Thailand-Cambodia dispute in Surin Province. Pic: Valeria Mongelli/Anadolu via Getty Images
'A number of suspected explosive devices have been detected by the Thai Security Forces, in a number of popular tourist locations in southern Thailand in the period since mid-June 2025. One incident occurred at Phuket Airport. Irish citizens are advised to be vigilant at all times.
'Additional security measures put in place in response to these incidents may require intending passengers to factor in extra time for security checks ahead of flights, so you should make sure to check with airlines and allow sufficient time at airports ahead of scheduled departures.
'Please follow the advice of Thai Authorities, avoid any large gatherings and be aware of your personal safety at all times.'
Tensions between the two nations date back to the days of French occupation and the original drawing of the border.
In recent years, the region has seen ongoing conflict, with tensions rising between the southeast Asian countries back in May when soldiers exchanged fire.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
‘I quit my job to travel around Asia for two months – it taught me a lot about burnout'
I read a statistic a couple of months ago that said more Irish people have travelled to south east Asia than to Leitrim. I guess I'm in the minority then because I've been to both.
Irish Examiner
6 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Eoghan O'Mara Walsh: When tourism highlights warning signs, Government must take heed
Now that we are in the peak summer season, how is the Irish tourism industry faring? It's a simple question, but one with a complex answer. CSO numbers indicated a double-digit tourism decline for the first half of the year, but data released on Wednesday saw a continued recovery of US visitors. Meanwhile, outside investors continue to vote confidence in the sector — as shown last week when a Scandinavian consortium bought Dalata, Ireland's largest hotel group, for €1.4bn. Consistent feedback from tourism and hospitality enterprises is that the unprecedented macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical upheaval that Ireland is facing is making business owners understandably nervous. With 70% of the Irish tourism economy dependent on international visitation, the health of overseas source market economies is all-important. North American business may be strong this summer, fuelled by ever-growing transatlantic services, particularly from Aer Lingus, however other key markets are looking stubbornly soft Industry leaders are acutely aware of the growing risk of an over-dependence on the US market. That's not a good place to be for any sector. Tourism chiefs want to defend and deepen transatlantic links, but there is a realisation that, with tariff tensions and a weakening dollar, US tourism flows into the future are, at best, unpredictable. Regional employers Market diversification is a strategy that Irish tourism has quietly adopted although mining more business from Britain and continental Europe is not an easy task, particularly as those markets struggle with their own economic woes. Tourism and hospitality is the country's largest indigenous industry, and biggest regional employer. There are more than 250,000 people employed in the sector across 20,000 businesses. Put simply, tourism matters. That's why when tourism leaders highlight warning signs, Government must sit up and take heed. Ministers have repeatedly said that Ireland's response to the uncertainty around the new global trading order should be to "control the controlables". Industry bosses are in full agreement. Competitiveness, connectivity, and investment are all within Government's gift, and must be addressed. Budget day on October 7 presents an ideal opportunity. In terms of competitiveness, all evidence points to a worrying erosion in our standings compared to international peers Eurostat figures last month ranked Ireland as the second-most expensive country in the EU, with prices 38% higher than the average. Many business costs are State-induced, and Government can start rowing back on some of these impositions. From a tourism perspective, the Vat rate for hospitality must be restored to 9%, as committed to in the programme for government, and it was good to hear tourism minister Peter Burke restate his support of this last week. Most tourism and hospitality businesses are SMEs and are labour-intensive, therefore generally operating with tight profit margins. The 9% Vat rate is an important competitiveness measure bringing Ireland in line with its EU peers, and its introduction would ease some of the cost burdens that a vulnerable but viable sector is wrestling with. Ministers need to face down internal hawkish finance mandarins and reinstate the reduced Vat rate on budget day. Passenger cap Another key programme for government commitment is the promise to lift the Dublin Airport passenger cap. This should happen in tandem with supporting regional airports, and it is not just Ryanair's Michael O'Leary who is frustrated by Government's prevarication on such a critical issue. As an island nation, it is self- evident that there are no bridges, tunnels, or roads connecting us to other markets. Aviation access is fundamental, and as a small open trading nation, having an arbitrary cap at our main gateway is an act of economic self-sabotage. Connectivity is not just a tourism concern, but has consequences for the wider economy, from exports to FDI And the case for investment in tourism services in Budget 2026 is surely indisputable. Research by Indecon Economic Consultants for Fáilte Ireland outlines that 29c of every €1 spent by a visitor is returned to the exchequer in tourism-related taxes. That means the tourism industry contributed €2.9bn to the exchequer last year. And yet annual investment by the State in tourism services is only €251m. Can any other sector of the economy point to such a return on investment? Industry chiefs are well within their rights to look for a sharp increase in funding to help tourism agencies and businesses navigate the choppy waters that lie ahead. A new national policy on tourism is expected from minister Peter Burke this autumn. Hopefully it will match the ambitions of the industry. But sustainable growth can only be enabled by pro-tourism and pro-enterprise policies. Control the controllables please, minister. Eoghan O'Mara Walsh is chief executive of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation.
Irish Post
12 hours ago
- Irish Post
'Perfect fit': Irish firm Fexco acquires Sainsbury's Travel Money business
IRISH financial services firm Fexco has acquired Sainsbury's Travel Money business in what the Kerry-based company has described as a 'perfect fit'. Offering foreign exchange and payment services, Fexco operates an extensive network of travel money stores and agents across Ireland, Britain and the Pacific. The Kilorglin company said the Sainsbury's deal will significantly expand its British operations, giving it control of more than 220 travel money bureaux within the supermarket chain's stores "We are thrilled to welcome Sainsbury's Travel Money, its talented team and their millions of loyal customers to Fexco Group," said CEO Neil Hosty. "The reputation and reach of the Sainsbury's Travel Money business, with over 220 locations, make it a perfect fit with our commitment to delivering market-leading travel money services. "Since 1981, Fexco has built a legacy of outstanding customer service, delivered through strong partnerships and product innovation. "We are excited to extend that same level of excellence and continuity to the exceptional Sainsbury's group as we bring the Sainsbury's Travel Money business into the Fexco family." 'Strong fit' Fexco says the deal, which includes Sainsbury's digital platforms as well as outlets, will place the company among the top five players in the sector. It also opens up access to over 18m Nectar members, offering an opportunity to extend Fexco's travel money services. Bláthnaid Bergin, Sainsbury's Chief Financial Officer, said customers in Britain will see no immediate changes, with the Sainsbury's Travel Money brand continuing as normal. "Travel money is a service our customers value and we're pleased to be entering a new long-term partnership with Fexco Group that ensures they can continue to access foreign exchange both in-store and online with the same ease and confidence," she said. "With over 220 bureaux nationwide and almost 10 per cent of the UK market, this is a well-established part of our offer and we're pleased it will continue under the Sainsbury's brand. "With specialist expertise and a strong track record in foreign exchange, Fexco Group is a strong fit for our business. "I'm also pleased to confirm that there will be no immediate changes, and customers can expect the same high level of service they know and trust." Fexco say full integration is planned for early 2026. See More: Fexco, Sainsburys
