The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is once again on a boil. On Thursday, there was heavy firing between the soldiers of the two countries near the Ta Mun Thom temple. The Thai Army says Cambodia started firing first, while Cambodia claims that it only fired in self -defense. At least two Thai soldiers have been injured in this struggle, while the death of nine citizens is reported and 14 people are injured.
This area was under extreme stress for the last few weeks. The Thai army alleges that Cambodia had flown a monitoring drone before sending heavy weapons armed soldiers here. The two countries have accused each other of starting the struggle, due to which the situation seems to deteriorate further.
In this era of border disputes and regional tension, Thailand has to trust its international partners more and India has emerged as the most important among them. On the one hand, while there has been a huge decline in international visits from China, India has given a new support to Thailand’s tourism and business economy.
A strong relationship of $ 16.5 billion
The total trade between India and Thailand in 2024 has reached US $ 16.51 billion. India exported $ 4.88 billion, while imported by $ 11.63 billion.
Major exports to Thailand from India
- Precious stone and pearls
- Automobiles and Vehicles
Import to India from Thailand
- Vegetable oil
- Plastic raw
- Biological chemicals
Due to this strong trading relationship, the economies of the two countries are becoming dependent on each other, but India has become a big source of tourism and employment for Thailand.
Indian tourist became Thailand’s new strength
In 2024, Thailand welcomed a record 21 million Indian tourists. This figure is not only above the earlier level of epidemic, but also makes India the second largest international air travel market for Thailand.
In the summer season (June-July 2025), the highest number of passengers from India went to Thailand, leaving India behind countries like Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong. This was the same time when there was a drastic decline in the number of passengers from China.
The OAG report states that this journey from India was very beneficial for Thailand. There was a decline of about 1 million seats on the China-Thailand routes, but India compensated for this decline.
Tourism, hotel and travel sector relief due to India
The tourist crowd from India gave a new life to the tourism sector of Thailand. New avenues of employment opened for those working in hotel industry, travel agencies, taxi services, restaurants and local markets. Three major reasons, which are pulling Indians towards Thailand.
- A visa-free policy causing travel easy and economical.
- The growing middle class which is now ready to roam abroad.
- The Indo-ASEAN Tourism Campaign was exclusively promoted to Thailand.
Let us tell you that due to the travelers coming from India, Thailand’s economy has earned millions of dollars in the year 2024-25. Not only this, Thailand has also got a chance to reduce its dependence on China. In such a situation, India is not only a Tourism and business partner of Thailand today, but has also become a strategic economic support for it.