PH embassies warn Filipinos as Thailand-Cambodia border conflict escalates
Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine Embassies in Thailand and Cambodia have issued urgent advisories to Filipino nationals as clashes intensify in the Thailand-Cambodia border, where recent fighting has displaced tens of thousands and prompted regional security concerns.
In an official alert dated July 24, the Philippine Embassy in Thailand called on all Filipinos in the border provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Chanthaburi, and Trat to exercise extreme caution and immediately comply with all directives from local authorities.
“All overseas Filipinos in areas near the border are enjoined to remain vigilant, ensure their personal safety, and report their whereabouts to the Philippine Embassy,” the advisory stated.
The embassy also discouraged all travel to the affected provinces and activated its Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) hotlines and digital channels to facilitate support. A mapping survey was launched to help locate Filipinos near the conflict zone and coordinate assistance.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia issued a similar alert urging Filipinos residing in border areas to stay informed, avoid travel near conflict zones, and contact the embassy if assistance is needed.
DFA expresses concern, calls for peaceful resolution
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila issued a statement reiterating the Philippines' support for a peaceful and lawful resolution of the conflict. While maintaining neutrality on the border dispute, the DFA emphasized the safety of civilians and the need for diplomatic restraint.
“We are hopeful our two fellow ASEAN member states will resolve this issue in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” the DFA said in a statement on Thursday.
“We urge both parties to extend due consideration and care to innocent civilians who may be affected by the ongoing conflict.
The Philippines said it does not take any position on this dispute but underscores the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring the de-escalation of the situation.
“We are continually monitoring the situation and we are ready to extend all possible assistance to Filipinos living in these two countries if necessary. To date, no Filipino nationals have been reported to be affected by this conflict,” the DFA added.
Border clashes
Hostilities broke out across multiple locations on the Thailand-Cambodia border, with military exchanges reported near long-disputed sites such as the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temple regions. Artillery and small-arms fire have reportedly resulted in dozens of civilian and military casualties, forcing mass evacuations on both sides.
Thai authorities report that airstrikes were carried out in retaliation for Cambodian shelling, while Cambodian officials denounced the actions as “aggression.” Several villages have been evacuated, and both countries have closed border crossings in the affected regions.
