Swedish Tourist Trapped Amidst Explosive Conflict at Thailand-Cambodia Border

Swedish national Håkan Nilsson is currently at the border between Cambodia and Thailand, where explosions have been occurring all day.

The 53-year-old from Vällingby was on vacation in Thailand when he awoke on Thursday to the sound of explosions.

"Bombs are flying, and there are explosions everywhere," he says.

He is staying at a hotel about five kilometers from the Cambodian border. He reports that it has been calm for the past ten minutes, but there have been constant explosions throughout the day. Håkan describes the atmosphere as "very tense."

"It's like full-scale war," he says.

Trapped in Thailand

On Thursday morning, the century-long conflict between Thailand and Cambodia escalated. At least eleven civilians have died in clashes at the border, with both countries blaming each other for firing first.

Håkan was on his way to Cambodia to renew a visa that expired today. He was supposed to return to Sweden in a week, but now it's uncertain how he will leave the conflict-ridden area. Hotel staff have advised him to stay in his room.

"I've tried to get help, but I haven't received any. I don't know how to resolve this," he says.

According to Anna Hammargren, Sweden's ambassador to Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, around 100 Swedes are in the conflict area on the Thai side.

"The embassy in Bangkok updates travel information for Swedes on Sweden Abroad. There is a special advisory for those in border areas to remain vigilant, stay informed, and follow authorities' advice," she tells Expressen.

No Swede has yet contacted the embassy regarding the situation.

"The situation is concerning, and the conflict escalated quickly. The embassy is closely monitoring developments," says Anna Hammargren.