Australians have been urged to avoid travelling to a substantial section of Asia as tensions escalate between Thailand and Cambodia. The 550-mile border from the Gulf of Thailand to the southern junction with Laos is now considered high risk for potential attacks.

The Australian Government told holidaymakers to stay clear of the area, warning that assistance may not be available if they encounter difficulties. Smartraveller also issued updated guidance on Tuesday regarding the Thailand-Cambodia border, telling Australians “do not travel” within 30 miles of either side of the border.

The “do not travel” advisory is for the provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Battambang, Pailin, Pursat, and Koh Kong.

It warned of the risk of terrorist and politically motivated attacks, particularly during major events, holidays, and at crowded tourist hotspots.

A level four “do not travel” warning indicates an Australian’s health and safety would face “extreme risk”, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), which operates Smartraveller.

Thailand launched airstrikes along the disputed border on Tuesday, claiming Cambodia had violated the peace agreement brokered by Donald Trump, while Cambodia made similar accusations.

The border tensions escalated into a five-day conflict in July before a ceasefire was negotiated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Mr Trump.

In July, clashes resulted in at least 48 deaths and temporarily displaced an estimated 300,000 people, with both sides exchanging rocket and heavy artillery fire.

Following a landmine explosion last month that injured one of its soldiers, Thailand announced it was suspending the ceasefire agreement with Cambodia.