Thai-Cambodian border conflict disrupts holiday high season as tourists shy away

Economic and political stakes continue to rise from the Thai-Cambodian border conflict as the crucial high season for tourism begins for both countries.

Thailand has imposed an overnight curfew in parts of Trat, the southern Thai province abutting Cambodia and a gateway to several popular resort islands.

Late on Monday, Thai immigration police also announced extra screening of all air arrivals to prevent foreign “mercenaries” from slipping into the country.

Meanwhile, Cambodia alleged the Thai air force struck Siem Reap province, 70km (43.5 miles) over the disputed border line, on Monday. Siem Reap houses the country’s biggest tourist draw, the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.

Already, there have been reports of international visitors rattled by the ongoing violence and unsure of safe routes to the country cancelling holidays to Cambodia – a blow to a nation which relies on tourism for around 10 per cent of its economic output.