Philippine diplomatic missions in Thailand and Cambodia have issued safety advisories as fighting flared anew along the border areas of the two Southeast Asian neighbors, urging Filipinos to steer clear of affected locations and comply with local security measures.
In Thailand, Philippine Ambassador Millicent Cruz-Paredes confirmed that evacuations were already carried out following the latest hostilities. At least 188 Filipinos were moved to safer areas after violence escalated near the frontier, she said on Saturday.
Both embassies stressed that travel to several border provinces is no longer advisable. Philippine officials in Thailand said journeys to Ubon Ratchatani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Chantaburi, and Trat “is highly discouraged due to the ongoing situation,” citing risks linked to the conflict.
Filipinos currently residing in these provinces were reminded to coordinate closely with local authorities and heed official instructions. The Philippine Embassy in Thailand advised nationals in the affected areas “to follow the advice, including any evacuation orders, from local public safety and community officials, their employers, and other pertinent authorities in the affected areas.”
Across the border, the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia echoed similar warnings, particularly for those living near contested zones. Filipinos were told to keep a distance from military activity, with the embassy cautioning: “Stay away from areas where military operations are reported and avoid military camps, facilities, and forces.”
The Cambodian mission also called on Filipinos based in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, and Preah Vihear to complete a survey intended to support coordination with local officials should emergency assistance be required.
“The safety and well-being of all Filipinos remain our top consideration,” the embassy said, while advising nationals to stay updated through reliable news sources.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 Filipinos are in Cambodia, including 87 in its two border provinces, while Thailand hosts 38,509 Filipinos, with 125 living across seven provinces near the border. The two countries share an 800-kilometer land boundary that has long been a flashpoint for political and security tensions within the region.
The Philippine mission in Thailand said it “stands ready to assist all Filipinos in need and will continue to monitor the situation in Thailand.”
