The UK Foreign Office has issued updated advice for travelling to Cambodia and Thailand amid clashes on the border. This morning (July 24), skirmishes broke out at a disputed part of the Thailand-Cambodian border, with troops exchanging fire.
Both sides have accused each other of firing the first shot. At least 12 civilians have been killed in Thailand as a result of the fighting, including two children, and at least 14 have been wounded, including a five-year-old. Cambodia has not released any information on casualties or injuries. This comes a day after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia, following a landmine explosion that injured a Thai soldier along the border. Thailand has closed its border with Cambodia after telling all its nationals there to leave.
In its latest Foreign Office advice for Cambodia, issued today, UK officials warned the border between the two countries has been suspended for the time being. The advice read: “The line of the international border near the Preah Vihear temple (‘Khaoi Pra Viharn’ in Thai) has been in dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, with occasional clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops. There have also been disputes over control of the Ta Moan and Ta Krabey temples, which are close to the Cambodia-Thailand border. Take extra care when travelling in this area, and follow the instructions of the local authorities.”
In its page dedicated to Thailand, the Foreign Office is currently advising against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the border with Malaysia, including the Pattani Province, the Yala Province, the Narathiwat Province, and the Songkhla Province.
It also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces. This is due to regular attacks in the provinces by the border with Malaysia.
At the time of writing, the Foreign Office had not issued a fresh update related to the skirmishes.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said he will speak to the leaders of both Cambodia and Thailand, saying: “The least we can expect from them is to just stand down and hopefully to try and enter into negotiations.”
