By ESTHER MARSHALL

Published: 15:39 BST, 24 June 2025 | Updated: 15:39 BST, 24 June 2025

The UK Government has updated its advice for British tourists holidaying in Thailand and Cambodia. 

Thailand’s army has closed country’s border crossings into Cambodia after a deterioration in relations between the two Southeast Asian countries. 

In an update on the FCDO advice page for Thailand, the Foreign Office says: ‘Land borders/crossings between Thailand and Cambodia are temporarily suspended due to a dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. 

‘Take extra care and stay alert in border areas and follow the instructions of local authorities, especially at tourist destinations such as the Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai temple and the Ta Muen Thom temple.

‘There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. Stay on marked paths especially around Ta Krabey.’ 

The border is currently closed to nearly all travellers, including international tourists. 

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Monday that Thailand would block departing tourists. 

There are exemptions in place for students, medical patients and people who need to purchase essential goods.   

Tourists are pictured at the Poipet land border between Cambodia and Thailand following the closure

Tourists are pictured at the Poipet land border between Cambodia and Thailand following the closure

The UK Government has updated its advice for British tourists holidaying in Thailand and Cambodia

The UK Government has updated its advice for British tourists holidaying in Thailand and Cambodia

In the Foreign Office’s advice for Cambodia, the government also shared an updated warning over the closed land borders.

It advises tourists to ‘follow the instructions of the local authorities’ and ‘take extra care’.  

Tensions between the two countries have been high since May when troops exchanged fire at a contested area of the border. 

A Cambodian soldier was killed in the incident between the two countries. In the weeks since, Cambodia has banned Thai films from TV and cinemas and put restrictions on imports. 

Both Thailand and Cambodia are popular backpacking destinations with many travellers visiting both countries as part of one trip. 

Known as the ‘Banana Pancake Trail’, tourists tend to take follow a route through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. 

Many travellers choose to cross at the country’s land borders, rather than taking internal flights. 

The Poipet border is one of the busiest crossings between the two countries as it’s closest to Bangkok and the ancient city of Siem Reap in Cambodia. 

The Poipet border is one of the busiest crossings between the two countries as it's closest to Bangkok and the ancient city of Siem Reap in Cambodia

The Poipet border is one of the busiest crossings between the two countries as it’s closest to Bangkok and the ancient city of Siem Reap in Cambodia

Siem Reap is one of Cambodia's major attractions and a huge draw for tourists in southeast Asia

Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s major attractions and a huge draw for tourists in southeast Asia

Local media reported that many travellers were left stranded at the crossing after the border closure on the morning of June 24. 

Cambodia’s casino industry is likely to be impacted by the closure as the attractions are a key draw for Thai visitors. 

Casinos located in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh are a central part of its tourism industry. 

The Foreign Office has also recently updated its travel advice for Dubai and other key Middle Eastern destinations due to the Iran-Israel conflict.  

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Foreign Office issues urgent advice for British tourists in Thailand

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