The Foreign Office is advising Brits against travel to some areas of Thailand amid an increased risk to travellers. The official advice upated on Saturday (July 26) and warned tourists from the UK that they risk insurance issues if they ignore the travel guidance.
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), there have been “regular attacks” in areas near the border with Malaysia. Tourists are also urged to avoid areas near the border with Cambodia due to “reports of fighting including rocket and artillery fire”. Some casualties have been reported while others have been forced to evacuate.
Near the Thailand and Malaysia border, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Pattani Province, the Yala Province and the Narathiwat Province. Tourists are also advised to avoid the southern Songkhla Province.
Meanwhile, tourists should not go within 50km of the whole Thailand border with Cambodia. In their latest travel advice for Thailand, the Foreign Office said: “There are updated reports of fighting including rocket and artillery fire on 24 July between Thailand and Cambodia, spreading across locations along the border.
“Casualties have been reported, as well as evacuations of areas close to the border. Land borders/crossings between Thailand and Cambodia have been suspended.
“Some tourist destinations in border areas such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple are currently closed.”
They added: “There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. We advise against all but essential travel to the affected border areas.”
The single mum, from Knebworth in Hertfordshire, is accused of smuggling cannabis from Thailand and could spend several months in a German prison. She will remain in custody in Munich until a court hearing on August 6.
The FCDO said: “British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis out of Thailand. There have been arrests of British nationals caught transiting through airports in other countries.
“Many international airports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, which may be used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.”