The Land of Smiles is smiling again – slowly. Travel and Tourism, as well as the reputation of a peaceful and welcoming country, are key common goals between the two rivals in Southeast Asia.
Thai people feel angry and betrayed by Cambodia and what they call illegal attacks on schools and civilians. Thais love their kingdom. Ordinary people are convinced Thailand remains a peaceful country and a land of smiles, but they can get angry when attacked.
It’s welcome news that the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire on Monday, effective at midnight, in a bid to bring an end to their deadliest conflict in more than a decade, following five days of fierce fighting.
Many people in Cambodia own guns, and gun crime and shootouts are familiar. Explosions have also occurred. These incidents usually arise from commercial, personal, or other disputes. They can and have occurred at a wide range of locations, including popular tourist destinations. The Cambodian people, having experienced years of torturous war, poverty, and horror, remain courteous, friendly, and welcoming.
Thailand is considered safe for travelers, especially in tourist-friendly areas, but caution is advised in the southern provinces due to ongoing civil unrest. There are no special travel advisories against Thailand, except for the recent conflict with Cambodia.
Thai people started speaking out in what many say is biased international media, not reporting the truth about this conflict.
The Thai and Cambodian leaders held talks in Malaysia, a fellow ASEAN country, hosted by its Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is currently the chair of the ASEAN regional bloc. Both Thailand and Cambodia agreed to halt hostilities and resume direct communications.
Currently, 35 people have died in the conflict, and 200,000 people have been displaced.
