Updated Thailand Travel Regulations and UAE Traveler Alerts: Key Information You Need
In recent updates, several foreign governments have issued travel advisories for Thailand, particularly along parts of the Thai-Cambodian border, due to increased tensions and sporadic violence.
The Thai-Cambodia border region is currently a zone of concern, with agencies strongly discouraging travel to or near the border within a 50 km radius. This advisory is in response to ongoing armed conflict and security risks, including reports of civilian casualties and collateral violence.
Routine cross-border land travel has been largely suspended as of June 2025. The conflict remains unresolved despite a ceasefire brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and full stability has yet to be established. The affected area includes Cambodian provinces Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, Kampong Thom, and adjacent eastern Thai border provinces.
Heightened security measures are in place on the Thai side near the border, but travel elsewhere in Thailand continues normally. Travelers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in Cambodia overall, avoiding border areas and following local laws and customs carefully.
In addition to these advisories, the Royal Thai Embassy has issued updated guidance on the Digital Travel Arrival Card (TDAC) for foreign nationals entering Thailand. The TDAC is a mandatory online pre-arrival form that replaced the physical arrival card on May 1. UAE travellers must submit their TDAC form online before flying to Thailand and prepare to show digital confirmation at Thai immigration upon arrival. The TDAC must be completed within 72 hours before arrival in Thailand.
UAE travellers are also advised to stay vigilant in crowded areas due to terrorism risks, including urban areas such as Bangkok and Phuket. However, the article does not provide any new information about the ongoing risk of terrorism in these provinces.
Lastly, it's worth noting that a new long-stay visa option in Thailand is attracting UAE expats for remote work, although this is not related to the travel advisories. UAE travellers are encouraged to monitor embassy alerts regularly during their stay in Thailand.
As always, travellers are advised to stay informed, follow official updates, and consider alternative arrangements when planning their trips to Thailand.
- For Thai-Cambodia border travel, routine cross-border land travel has been suspended due to increased tensions and sporadic violence.
- The Royal Thai Embassy has issued updated guidance on the Digital Travel Arrival Card (TDAC) for foreign nationals entering Thailand.
- UAE travellers are advised to stay vigilant in crowded areas such as Bangkok and Phuket due to terrorism risks.
- A new long-stay visa option in Thailand is attracting UAE expats for remote work, offering an alternative arrangement for travelers considering trips to Thailand.
