The Foreign Office has issued an urgent warning for British tourists travelling to the Thailand-Cambodia border, following renewed fighting between the two countries. The conflict has closed land borders and prompted advice against all but essential travel within 31 miles of the border, including popular destinations such as Koh Chang and Koh Kood.
Around one million UK nationals visit Thailand annually, and many make short trips across the border to Cambodia. However, the Foreign Office now advises that travel insurance may be void in affected areas, leaving travellers personally liable for medical emergencies, cancellations, or repatriation. Assistance from the British Embassy may also be more difficult to obtain.
The fighting resumed after a ceasefire brokered by Donald Trump in October was broken. Both sides accuse each other of firing first. Cambodia's senate president Hun Sen stated, 'Cambodia wants peace, but Cambodia is forced to fight back to defend its territory.' Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said military action was necessary to safeguard national sovereignty.
The border dispute dates back decades, with sporadic clashes until this year. In July, five days of conflict killed at least 48 people and displaced 300,000. The latest fighting has resulted in casualties, including seven civilians killed, according to Cambodia's military.
