I'm asking ASEAN Members if/how the War affected YOU today ? It was really interesting to read first hand comments on another thread yesterday. Please indicate your 'area' in Isaan or the East, as much as you feel able.

 

The fighter aircraft I heard Saturday at 6am - it turns out - they were attacking a strategic bridge in Cambodia, trying to impede the movement of heavy weaponry, (tanks maybe). (Nothing today as happily asleep!). I'm guessing that was c 60 km or more from Chanthaburi, where I am and I'm surprised the noise carried that far.

 

Please, no personal jousting, just reports. It is serious. Thanks and stay safe all. 

is the ferry to KoaChang really still operating?  do they still take tourests to their hotels on the island?

Koh Chang Notes

The ferry is still in service. Nothing has changed, safety wise on Koh Chang. However, a noticeable difference is a tourist outflow and no matching inflow. This morning at the hotel breakfast we were the only ones. The last three morning there would have been four or more guest groups having breakfast. Last night pretty quiet, that because people have left the island and their numbers are not being replaced. No one is fleeing the island, but if you can cancel your upcoming trip, that happens.

The real issue for us was getting correct travel information when we were coming down last week. It took some time but finally ran onto a Thai site which had official government statements saying no roads were closed in Issan even though martial law was going to be enforced in 4 amphurs of Seo Keow province. We took HWY 317, SK, down to Chanthaburi. That highway skirts a good section of the Cambodian border.

There was a Thai corvette or frigate a couple days ago off the coast in the far distance.

Yes on the news we heard about the explosions in Trat (grenade launchers) but again nothing we are that concerned about. Now as the normal tourists numbers are thinning, one of the groups that is left, or more visible, are the crusty beach drifter guys. Singlet & shorts, shave once a week. Gather at the Seven at 11 to buy beer. If you have visited Pattaya you know the type.

Going down to the beach in an hour, morning haul out with walrus set, mainly German.

 

Last note - sea lice - stingers - whatever you want to call the. Had them on white beach today. Not bad 1 day out of 4. Still Koh chang gets stingers more than other islands. That per a couple other trips.

Today the curfew at Kho Chang has been lifted. The Ferry is still running but coming off the last ferry you are/were given a pass but must leave Trat province inside 1 hour.. A friend just returned from the very south of the island reports that explosions could be heard in the distance most days but that's all.

 

The Hotels are affected by absence of  Cambodian Staff.

 

I'm reassured that the curfew has been lifted. An underbelly of the border must have been made secure - earlier a major bridge was blown away by the Air Force which would have been crucial to move heavy weapons this far south.

 

I feel sad for the Folks on the Northern border still being attacked. 

 

Take care all and well done to Thai forces . . . .

On 12/17/2025 at 9:12 PM, TorquayFan said:

Today the curfew at Kho Chang has been lifted.

What curfew was that? 

On 12/20/2025 at 9:26 AM, Dcheech said:

What curfew was that? 

 

@TorquayFan might have been referring a curfew in Trat (which, in any event, hasn't affected Koh Chang, it would appear):

 

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3157713/planes-buses-adjust-timetables-for-trat-curfew

 

Moving on. I did read that a curfew had been lifted. Also a Friend who lives on the very South of Kho Chang told me. However, it's hard to be sure in this changing situation. However, it does seem more relaxed in that area now. ATB

 

Most governments now put a "no travel" warning on the mainland and "essential travel only" on the islands. this has rmamifications for insurance cover

The main concern for tourists is that their travel insurance won't cover them for Koh Chang, Koh Kood and surrounding islands.

If they still want to go, they will need to buy special insurance at a premium price, and they need to compare levels of cover.

Just returned from Klong Yai ...without the border

trade very sad. Just the one expat style Thai food

restaurant I could find .Hotel open for only a tiny breakfast.

Bang Chuan beach has one or two seafood places still

open ...delicious.