Travel alert: Landmines, theft, violence concerns at these 2 Southeast Asian countries

Federal authorities are warning Americans that traveling to two Southeast Asian countries can be dangerous and they should be extra cautious if visiting. They also advise against traveling to the countries’ border altogether.

The U.S. Department of State advisory level for Thailand and Cambodia were increased Friday to a Level 2, “exercise increased caution.”

The travel advisories were raised due to unrest in Thailand and concerns for crime and landmines in Cambodia, according to the advisories.

The U.S. government also issued a Level 4 “do not travel” advisory, advising against traveling within about 30 miles of the Thai and Cambodian border due to fighting between the countries’ military forces that started in May.

“There are reports of fighting, including rocket and artillery fire, between Cambodian and Thai forces along the border. Armed conflict has led to reports of civilian casualties,” the advisors read. “There is a collateral risk of violence, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all but essential travel to within 50km of these border areas until further notice. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces due to the ongoing risk of armed conflict.”

The caution regarding travel to Thailand is “due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces,” that advisory said.

There is occasional violence between Thai security services and armed insurgents in those three southernmost provinces, the advisory explained, and 17 districts in that region are under a state of emergency due to the violence. Visitors risk getting caught up in the fighting and U.S. officials can’t guarantee they’d be able to help, the advisory warned.

The issue in Cambodia is different. That country’s capital city, Phnom Penh, is dealing with street crime, with many travelers losing their phone and bags to thieves, that advisory said. Sexual assault and murder are also concerns.

Landmines and unexploded ordnances are the concern in the provinces of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom, the advisory said, particularly in forested areas and dry rice paddies.

If you decide to travel to Cambodia or Thailand, the U.S. Department of State advises:

• “Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate.  Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. 
• Review the Country Security Report for Cambodia and Thailand.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• The government highly recommends you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.”