Report Tensions with Cambodia Impact Thai Baht and Tourism

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai baht has experienced a downturn as tensions escalate with Cambodia, reflecting the currency's sensitivity to regional conflicts. After having reached 32.11 per US dollar, its strongest point since February 2022, the baht fell by 0.3% on Thursday. This reaction follows a surge driven by optimism in trade negotiations and foreign capital inflows, complemented by high gold prices.

 

The trigger for this market response was an aggressive confrontation between Thai and Cambodian military forces near their disputed border, resulting in Thai fighter jets targeting Cambodian army posts. This heightened conflict has prompted investors to reconsider their positions, as observed by currency strategist Lloyd Chan of MUFG Bank, who noted, "The escalating border conflict is giving investors a reason to book some gains."

 

The clash could pose challenges for the baht's remarkable rally this year, which had been buoyed by potential tariff negotiations with the United States. Encouragingly, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira recently indicated that Thailand is nearing an agreement to reduce a looming 36% tariff.

 

However, the baht's strength is a double-edged sword, pressuring tourism and exports. Christopher Wong, a senior foreign-exchange strategist at OCBC in Singapore, highlighted the Bank of Thailand's vigilance against excessive currency volatility, noting that a firm resistance level lies at 32 to 32.1 baht per dollar.

 

Thailand’s foreign-exchange reserves hit $263 billion in July, as officials sought to temper the baht's rise. Meanwhile, easing tensions between the US and China have allayed some investor fears, resulting in a notable $12 billion inflow into Thai equities in July.

 

Impact on Tourism

 

The conflict's repercussions extend beyond finance, notably affecting tourism and trade at the Thailand-Cambodia border. Authorities, led by Nattareeya Thaweewong, have instructed regional tourism offices to effectively communicate the situation to tourists.

 

Significantly, Prasat Ta Muen Thom has been closed to visitors, and activities at Prasat Ta Kwai remain stagnant. In Sa Kaeo province, border regions such as Aranyaprathet, Ta Phraya, and Khlong Hat have seen a decline in tourism and hotel bookings, though other areas appear unaffected.

 

A security situation emerged on Thursday in Surin province, where a shooting incident occurred in Phanom Dong Rak district. Surin’s governor, Chamnan Chuenta, has taken precautionary measures, setting up an incident command centre and advising residents to prepare for emergency evacuations.

 

As tensions continue, these developments underscore the delicate balance in regional diplomacy and economics, highlighting how geopolitical dynamics can swiftly alter market conditions and affect everyday lives.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-25

 

 

[John Drake]

3 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

This reaction follows a surge driven by optimism in trade negotiations

 

Where exactly is the trade optimism coming from? BRICS? It sure isn't with Trump's tariffs.

[ozz1]

Maybe the Teflon baht might be cracking I think they have more to worry about than tourists if this conflict escelates any further the world does not revolve around Thailand even though they think it does

[StayinThailand2much]

16 minutes ago, ozz1 said:

Maybe the Teflon baht might be cracking I think they have more to worry about than tourists if this conflict escelates any further the world does not revolve around Thailand even though they think it does

 

Exactly. Thailand will have to consider what is more important, flourishing trade and tourism, generating billions, or childishly claiming a temple (which the International Court of Justice awarded in 1962 to Cambodia), and the surrounding 4.6 square kilometres (about 1.5 times the size of Don Muang Airport)...

[vangrop]

Ridicoulous, Thai baht still around the same level. Nobody cares about these toddlers sandbox fights. And now I'm going to enjoy my Chang watching the rice farmers daughters dancing in a gogo

[StayinThailand2much]

Just now, vangrop said:

Ridicoulous, Thai baht still around the same level. Nobody cares about these toddlers sandbox fights. 

 

Cambodia would at least have to drop an A-bomb onto Thai territory, in order to weaken the baht to 33... 😆 

[KhunLA]

Someone must be looking at different charts than me, as THB been lower than now.

 

Last 5 days, and some low points prior to this week below the chart ...

 

 

 

 

Let me know when it gets to 30 or 35,as the average low / high for past 19 years.

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Exactly. Thailand will have to consider what is more important, flourishing trade and tourism, generating billions, or childishly claiming a temple (which the International Court of Justice awarded in 1962 to Cambodia), and the surrounding 4.6 square kilometres (about 1.5 times the size of Don Muang Airport)...

Thailand cannot give it up, even ignoring the ICJ verdict.

Or is it rooted a bit deeper..

Some skeptics might even say this is a Thaksin deflection action.

[lordgrinz]

9 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Someone must be looking at different charts than me, as THB been lower than now.

 

Last 5 days, and some low points prior to this week below the chart ...

 

 

 

 

Let me know when it gets to 30 or 35,as the average low / high for past 19 years.

 

I won't purchase any baht below 36, and I'd prefer 37-38.

[lordgrinz]

3 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Thailand cannot give it up, even ignoring the ICJ verdict.

Or is it rooted a bit deeper..

Some skeptics might even say this is a Thaksin deflection action.

 

The ICJ verdict is based on French maps, and would obviously support the colonizers first, Thailand doesn't care what the corrupt UN or ICJ thinks, I applaud them for it.

[Dr B]

14 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

The ICJ verdict is based on French maps, and would obviously support the colonizers first, Thailand doesn't care what the corrupt UN or ICJ thinks, I applaud them for it.

Maps printed by the French, based on surveys by the French which the Siamese asked them to do. The Siamese then received at least 150 copies of the set of 11 maps, and cikrculated them tto foreign countries such as the USA and UK, and also within the country to provincial governors. All of that happened in 1907.

[lordgrinz]

3 minutes ago, Dr B said:

Maps printed by the French, based on surveys by the French which the Siamese asked them to do. The Siamese then received at least 150 copies of the set of 11 maps, and cikrculated them tto foreign countries such as the USA and UK, and also within the country to provincial governors. All of that happened in 1907.

 

And Thailand contested it, which they have the right to do. The UN and ICJ don't have jurisdiction over Thailand, so they can go pound sand, just like Cambodia.

[carlyai]

15 hours ago, vangrop said:

Ridicoulous, Thai baht still around the same level. Nobody cares about these toddlers sandbox fights. And now I'm going to enjoy my Chang watching the rice farmers daughters dancing in a gogo

Get some pics to share. 🙂

[scubascuba3]

Obviously the currency manipulation team are working hard supporting the baht, with the war frightening off tourists it should be heading down

[Dr B]

15 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

And Thailand contested it, which they have the right to do. The UN and ICJ don't have jurisdiction over Thailand, so they can go pound sand, just like Cambodia.

When did Thailand contest it? 1907?

[thongplay]

Of course it's a Thaksin deflection. It's obvious. Also Thaksin is Chinese. He wants Xi to take over Thailand and install Thaksin as dictator. Couldn't be clearer.

[StayinThailand2much]

56 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

I won't purchase any baht below 36, and I'd prefer 37-38.

 

So, you have euros?? 😆 

[Peter Crow]

1 hour ago, lordgrinz said:

 

I won't purchase any baht below 36, and I'd prefer 37-38.

But instead use your credit card?

[lordgrinz]

13 minutes ago, Peter Crow said:

But instead use your credit card?

 

Still living off money I sent before the tax change on Jan 2024, I believe at that time I got 37-38.

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, lordgrinz said:

 

I won't purchase any baht below 36, and I'd prefer 37-38.

So you must be working in TH, as it's rarely 36

 

 

On topic as always, this little skirmish won't affect THB and should be over before high season kicks in.   Though may affect Nov / Dec bookings a bit, for the ignorant tourists.

[lordgrinz]

1 minute ago, KhunLA said:

So you must be working in TH, as it's rarely 36

 

 

On topic as always, this little skirmish won't affect THB and should be over before high season kicks in.   Though may affect Nov / Dec bookings a bit, for the ignorant tourists.

 

Just sending money in chunks now, when baht is up above 36....buy....when down....wait.

[Shocked farang]

1 hour ago, Dr B said:

Maps printed by the French, based on surveys by the French which the Siamese asked them to do. The Siamese then received at least 150 copies of the set of 11 maps, and cikrculated them tto foreign countries such as the USA and UK, and also within the country to provincial governors. All of that happened in 1907.

Plus the fact that the temples are of Khmer architecture, exactly the same style that you find at Angkor archeological Park in Siem Reap. When the Khmer empire built these temples they were Hinduism and after they became Buddhist temples. Both countries now are Buddhists, so why not have the temples as point in common between both sides? 

Why not create a DMZ and let both sides visit freely? 

Stupid politicians want conflicts in order to feel powerful. 

[lordgrinz]

2 minutes ago, Shocked farang said:

Why not create a DMZ and let both sides visit freely? 

 

Umm? That's pretty much what they already had in place, until Cambodia started digging trenches in the "DMZ", then when confronted about it, fired on Thai troops.

[jacnl2000]

The intent here is not to signal an impending economic upswing, but to stabilize perception and safeguard institutional credibility amid ongoing uncertainty. Since its founding in 1907, the bank has leaned on deeply rooted symbols to project trust and continuity. The original black-and-white emblem—featuring a leaf and six coins—was a calculated design choice, blending organic growth with monetary solidity.

Coming from a country where coins might just as easily evoke the wheels of early bicycles ridden by our first captains of industry, I see in that symbol both motion and intent—progress forged from modest beginnings:

 

Today’s visual identity, sleek and contemporary, retains that foundational spirit. It signals resilience, reliability, and cultural alignment. For financial analysts, it reflects a branding strategy carefully designed to mitigate reputational risk. For investors, it communicates a deliberate effort to uphold stakeholder confidence through coherent symbolic storytelling. For tourists, it provides visual clarity and emotional reassurance—reinforcing the perception of the Thai Baht as stable and accessible, presented fluently in three languages.

Yet after observing Thailand’s economic and social evolution for over four decades, I can say with conviction: the image portrayed here—though effective—is incomplete. Economic sentiment, particularly in periods of volatility, is shaped by structural dynamics far deeper than surface-level visuals can reveal. Symbols may project confidence, but without the backing of fundamentals, they risk becoming little more than aesthetic veneers.

In this case, the crafted image is not deceptive—but it is selective. It builds a narrative of stability and continuity atop a far more intricate and uneven reality. It’s akin to living in a house with thick carpets—warm, comforting, and polished on the surface, yet quietly collecting dust beneath. The shine is genuine—but so too are the cracks it conceals, if one reads between the lines.

 

[diveasia666]

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai baht has experienced a downturn as tensions escalate with Cambodia, reflecting the currency's sensitivity to regional conflicts. After having reached 32.11 per US dollar, its strongest point since February 2022, the baht fell by 0.3% on Thursday. This reaction follows a surge driven by optimism in trade negotiations and foreign capital inflows, complemented by high gold prices.

 

The trigger for this market response was an aggressive confrontation between Thai and Cambodian military forces near their disputed border, resulting in Thai fighter jets targeting Cambodian army posts. This heightened conflict has prompted investors to reconsider their positions, as observed by currency strategist Lloyd Chan of MUFG Bank, who noted, "The escalating border conflict is giving investors a reason to book some gains."

 

The clash could pose challenges for the baht's remarkable rally this year, which had been buoyed by potential tariff negotiations with the United States. Encouragingly, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira recently indicated that Thailand is nearing an agreement to reduce a looming 36% tariff.

 

However, the baht's strength is a double-edged sword, pressuring tourism and exports. Christopher Wong, a senior foreign-exchange strategist at OCBC in Singapore, highlighted the Bank of Thailand's vigilance against excessive currency volatility, noting that a firm resistance level lies at 32 to 32.1 baht per dollar.

 

Thailand’s foreign-exchange reserves hit $263 billion in July, as officials sought to temper the baht's rise. Meanwhile, easing tensions between the US and China have allayed some investor fears, resulting in a notable $12 billion inflow into Thai equities in July.

 

Impact on Tourism

 

The conflict's repercussions extend beyond finance, notably affecting tourism and trade at the Thailand-Cambodia border. Authorities, led by Nattareeya Thaweewong, have instructed regional tourism offices to effectively communicate the situation to tourists.

 

Significantly, Prasat Ta Muen Thom has been closed to visitors, and activities at Prasat Ta Kwai remain stagnant. In Sa Kaeo province, border regions such as Aranyaprathet, Ta Phraya, and Khlong Hat have seen a decline in tourism and hotel bookings, though other areas appear unaffected.

 

A security situation emerged on Thursday in Surin province, where a shooting incident occurred in Phanom Dong Rak district. Surin’s governor, Chamnan Chuenta, has taken precautionary measures, setting up an incident command centre and advising residents to prepare for emergency evacuations.

 

As tensions continue, these developments underscore the delicate balance in regional diplomacy and economics, highlighting how geopolitical dynamics can swiftly alter market conditions and affect everyday lives.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-25

 

 

Baht fell 0.3%… OMG…happy times for us farang  🙄🙄🙄

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, lordgrinz said:

Just sending money in chunks now, when baht is up above 36....buy....when down....wait.

You joined AN in 2023, so you haven't been here long enough, maybe, to realize, it's rarely 36 or above.  As the chart shows.

[lordgrinz]

1 minute ago, KhunLA said:

You joined AN in 2023, so you haven't been here long enough, maybe, to realize, it's rarely 36 or above.  As the chart shows.

 

I've been here since 2016. Are you Thai? Like Thailand, the AN isn't the center of the universe.

[black tabby12345]

Downturn in tourism and currency rate?

Hardly my problems; just a matter of self inflicted losses and damages.

They(other than those in war zones) wanted their current conflict for "national pride", didn't they?

So don't complain about what they " invited".

Taking responsibility means accepting the result of own choice/decision.

[KhunLA]

8 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

I've been here since 2016. Are you Thai? Like Thailand, the AN isn't the center of the universe.

Well, I was giving you the benefit of the doubt, before calling ... BS ...

 

So you were here from 2016 to mid 2022 with no money ... got it.

[lordgrinz]

6 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Well, I was giving you the benefit of the doubt, before calling ... BS ...

 

So you were here from 2016 to mid 2022 with no money ... got it.

 

You're assuming again, you know what they say, "When you 'assume' you make an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me'".