Urgent travel warning issued to Aussies: What you need to know before you book flights to Cambodia and Thailand
Weeks of tension over a border dispute between the south-east Asian neighbours escalated into deadly clashes that killed at least 12 people on Thursday.
It comes after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia and planned to expel Cambodia's envoy in Bangkok, after a second Thai soldier in the space of a week lost a limb to a landmine.
Aussie tourists heading to provinces near the 800km-long border have been warned to reconsider their travel.
The Department of Foreign Affairs' Smartraveller website was updated on Thursday night to reflect the concerning developments.
Impacted Cambodian provinces include Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey, where there are a number of famous temples popular with foreign tourists.
'We now advise to reconsider your need to travel to the border areas of the northern and north-western provinces,' Smartraveller states.
'Armed conflict between Thai and Cambodian military forces along the Thai-Cambodian border has increased.
'This includes reports of military strikes, violence, and the use of landmines in the border areas.'
Tourists are urged to follow the advice of authorities, monitor local media for updates, and pay close attention to their personal security.
Land border crossing points along the Thai-Cambodian border remain closed.
Aussies should exercise normal safety precautions in other parts of Cambodia.
Aussies travelling to the Thai provinces of Buriram, Si Saket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani should also reconsider plans.
'We've reviewed our advice for Thailand and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution overall,' Smartraveller added.
'Border crossing points along the Thai-Cambodian border continue to be closed at short notice.'
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