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Metro
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Metro
Map shows Thailand-Cambodia border where UK tourists warned to 'take extra care'
Fighting is again raging along the long-disputed border region between Thailand and Cambodia, raising concerns for British tourists. As many as 12 people, including an eight-year-old boy, have been killed in the armed clashes – centred in the Thai Surin province and the Cambodian Oddar Meanchey province – with both sides blaming each other for firing the first shot. An F-16 jet has been deployed by Thailand, firing into Cambodia multiple times and destroying a military target. Meanwhile, artillery and rockets have been fired from the Cambodian side. This conflict has been simmering for months – with diplomatic relations deteriorating – and in fact the dispute over the region goes back almost a century. Clashes have again erupted between Thailand and Cambodia over a long-running border dispute. The Foreign Office has issued further travel advice to British citizens in Thailand. A dozen people have been killed, including a boy, aged eight, and a teenager, aged 15, in Thailand. Both sides have accused the other of firing the first shot. No one knows if it will boil over and into a full-blown war – but Cambodia has confirmed that it will start military conscription as early as next year. With scarce information available about the situation, Metro has prepared an explainer for those on the ground and those monitoring it from far away. At the heart of the conflict are differing interpretations of the colonial-era maps drawn more than a century ago by the French – who once colonised Cambodia – and by Siam (modern-day Thailand). Cambodia has been using the 1907 map as a reference to claim territory, but Thailand has argued it was never officially accepted. This ambiguity led to a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962, which awarded the land and the 11th-century temple Preah Vihear to Cambodia. Border disputes have long caused tensions between the two neighbours – but nationalist movements have further inflamed them. Relations hit rock-bottom in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed in an armed confrontation in a disputed border area. On Thursday, Cambodia downgraded diplomatic relations with Thailand to their lowest level, expelling the Thai ambassador and recalling Cambodian staff from its embassy in Bangkok. The day before, its neighbour also withdrew its ambassador and expelled the top Cambodian diplomat in protest after five Thai soldiers who were wounded in a land mine blast, one of whom lost part of a leg. Thailand has since shut all its border points with its neighbour. Fighting first broke out near the Khmer Hindu temple Ta Muen Thom, along the border of Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. The Thai military said Cambodian soldiers had opened fire near the temple, and deployed a surveillance drone. Additional forces – armed with heavy weapons, including BM-21 rocket launchers and artillery – were deployed shortly after. Both sides claimed they were acting in self-defence and blamed the other for the skirmish. So far, 11 Thai civilians and one soldier have been killed, including a boy, aged eight, and a teenager, aged 15. Most people were killed in a rocket attack near a supermarket and a gas station in Sisaket province. Another 14 people have also been injured. It remains unclear if there are any fatalities on the Cambodian side as the government has remained tight-lipped about its losses. Both nations attract large numbers of British tourists every year, but it is unclear how many citizens are in each country currently. The Foreign Office has urged travellers from the UK to 'take extra care and stay alert in border areas', saying: '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. More Trending 'There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. Stay on marked paths, especially around Ta Krabey.' The FCDO confirmed that land borders and crossings between Cambodia and Thailand are temporarily suspended. Separately, the UK advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border, including the Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province and southern Songkhla Province – south of the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and south of the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Padang Besar. FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Is it safe to travel to Tunisia? Latest advice as UK Foreign Office issues tourist warning MORE: Nine bar staff arrested for beating on British tourist over £460 bill MORE: Woman 'filmed herself having sex with Buddhist monks and blackmailed them for £9,000,000'
ITV News
6 hours ago
- Climate
- ITV News
Europe wildfires: What fires in Cyprus, Turkey and Greece mean for summer travel
More than a dozen people have been killed, with homes destroyed and villages evacuated as wildfires rage across Turkey, Cyprus and Greece. At least 10 firefighters and rescue workers have been killed battling blazes in northwestern Turkey, with seven fires still burning across the country. In Cyprus, the bodies of two people were found inside a burnt out car as a wildfire tore through more than 100 square kilometres on the island. Weather conditions show no signs of easing. ITV News explains the situation in each country, and whether travel will be affected. Turkey Seven fires are currently burning across Turkey, including one in Eskisehir which killed five forestry workers and five members of rescue organisation, AKUT. At least 14 other people have been injured. Turkey's Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said the wind suddenly changed direction, causing the flames to shift rapidly and surround forest workers. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Mr Yumakli said extreme heat and volatile wind conditions are continuing across Turkey. "We are facing extraordinary temperatures and extreme wind shifts," he said. "Once again, I call on all 86 million citizens to be vigilant and exercise extra caution." So far this year, 13 people have been killed in wildfires in Turkey which have been burning since June 26. Cyprus In Cyprus, at least two people have died, homes have been destroyed and towns evacuated as a wildfire tore through more than 100 square kilometres. More than a dozen villages on the southern side of the island have been evacuated with residents forced into temporary shelters. At least 20 homes have reportedly been destroyed in the village of Lofou. The local fire service said while there were currently no active fire fronts, winds were expected to increase later on Thursday which could be problematic for firefighters still battling flare-ups. Up to 14 aircraft are carrying out water drops over hard-to-reach areas, with Spain and Jordan also deploying helicopters to help. An RAF Chinook helicopter that operates from one of two British Bases on Cyprus is also assisting. Cyprus has been on high alert for fires this summer after three consecutive arid winters. Greece A major forest fire broke out near the city of Corinth on Tuesday, prompting authorities to evacuate several villages there. It flared up again on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of three other villages. Hundreds of firefighters are battling the blaze in pine forest in the mountains, where at least seven homes have been destroyed. Two men were arrested on suspicion of starting the fire. What does it mean for people travelling to these areas? The Foreign Office is not advising against British residents travelling to these areas. But it has warned there is a high risk of wildfires in Turkey, Cyprus and Greece during the summer season from April to October. It advises people travelling to these countries to ensure their mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts warning of wildfires near their location.
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Mom, 21, charged with drug trafficking after 'being caught smuggling cannabis from Thailand'
A British mother has been charged with trafficking drugs into Germany after being caught allegedly smuggling cannabis from Thailand. Cameron Bradford, 21, from Hertfordshire, was arrested at Munich Airport on April 22 when she attempted to collect her luggage. Authorities had become suspicious after she allegedly changed her flight at the last minute, having originally been due to fly to London Heathrow via Singapore. Her family had filed a missing person report after raising concerns when she did not return home as expected, but then learned the next day she was in Germany. Bradford was arrested and held in custody - and has been charged with attempted transit of cannabis and abetting the international trafficking of cannabis. The mother, who has a young son, is set to make an appearance at a hearing in Munich District Court on August 6 as authorities continue to investigate. A Foreign Office spokesman said today: 'We are supporting a British woman who is detained in Germany and are in contact with her family and the local authorities.' Bradford's arrest is one of a series of cases involving suspected young British female drug mules stopped by police at airports in countries around the world. Following her arrest, Munich chief prosecutor Anne Leiding said: 'We can confirm that we are conducting proceedings in this matter. The defendant is still in custody.' Germany legalized cannabis for recreational use by adults in February 2024, but this did not extend to tourists - and the unauthorized import of the drug is illegal. Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022, but last month brought in new rules which restrict the sale of the drug to those with a doctor's prescription. A UK Border Force and Thai customs agreement called Operation Chaophraya which aims to reduce attempted cannabis smuggling was launched in July last year. The British Home Office said in April that the scheme was working after cannabis arrivals by post from Thailand dropped by 90 per cent in the first three months of 2025. Parcels from Thailand must now be checked before they are shipped - and over 50 British nationals have been arrested in Thailand for attempted cannabis smuggling since the operation began. MailOnline contacted the Munich Public Prosecutor's Office and the UK's Foreign Office for comment today. A series of other cases in recent months have seen Brits arrested abroad for alleged drug smuggling. One of the most high profile involves 18-year-old Bella Culley, from Billingham in County Durham, who was arrested in Georgia in May after allegedly carrying 12kg of cannabis and 2kg of hashish into the country from Thailand, where she had been on vacation. She could face up to 20 years in jail if convicted, and her next hearing is scheduled for tomorrow.
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
'High risk' warning issued to holidaymakers travelling to Cyprus this summer
Cyprus is a popular tourist destination for British tourists, especially during the summer months. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for holidaymakers heading to Cyprus this summer. The island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea is popular with Brits, especially during the summer holidays. Over 1 million UK tourists visit Cyprus each year due to its stunning beaches, warm temperatures, rich history, and diverse landscapes. The country is currently experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar above 40C most days. On Wednesday, Cypriot firefighters battled a huge wildfire which forced people living in at least four villages in the southern Limassol area to evacuate, according to Euro News. The Foreign Office posted an update on its website yesterday to warn travellers of the fires. It states: "There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. "Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location." Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly so you should "be cautious" if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires and follow the guidance of the emergency services or call the Cyprus emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger, reports Liverpool Echo. According to forest fire statistics, nine out of 10 are caused by human activities, most of which is due to negligence. For this reason and in order to prevent forest fires, special attention is required when we visit forested areas and some basic rules are needed to be followed. Wildfires can start through natural events such as a lightning strike, or by human actions, such as sparks from a bonfire. However, it is often the weather conditions that determine how much a wildfire grows. A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in the wildland vegetation, often in rural areas. Wildfires can burn in forests, grasslands, savannas, and other ecosystems. They are not limited to a particular continent or environment. The warning comes after wildfires hit parts of Europe last month. Major heatwaves swept across Southern Europe and pushed temperatures above 40 degrees in many areas. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. These conditions were felt in countries including Italy, Spain, and Greece. Severe heat was recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. For those with a Cyprus holiday booked, you should also be aware of ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran. These could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region. You should: monitor local and international media for the latest information be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities Demonstrations may occur in cities with little or no notice. Events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely. Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may also be disrupted. The Foreign Office says: "Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Cyprus, attacks cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals."
Hans India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
PM Modi visits UK as India and Britain move to conclude major trade deal
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer received Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Downing Street in London on Thursday. The two sides were set to sign an important UK-India Trade Deal. This is the biggest economic India UK trade deal since it left the EU. The deal, valued at PS25.5bn in bilateral trade annually, promises to create thousands of jobs and boost growth for both countries. It will also reduce tariffs on certain goods. 'This new pact will see our relationship with India strengthened and that is what this is all about,' Prime Minister Starmer said. It will deliver for jobs and growth right across the United Kingdom and inject new dynamism and innovation into British businesses. "We're delivering our Plan for Change." A readout by the UK Foreign Office states that the leaders will unveil the UK-India Vision 2035, a renewed UK India economic partnership that will extend far beyond the realm of India UK bilateral trade. The UK-India Vision 2035 will also include new commitments in the areas of border security, defence cooperation, innovation, education and climate change. The new Defence Industrial Roadmap (DIR) is one of the initiatives that aims to strengthen ties with a rapidly changing global landscape. UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds added that the new India UK agreement 2025 will be a big leap towards strengthening the UK's economic future. 'Today's Modi Starmer meeting will help ensure people who work across all parts of the UK see the tangible benefits, with the almost £6 billion of new investment and export deals they have announced today creating thousands of high-quality jobs.' In his statement of departure, Prime Minister Modi described the UK as "a comprehensive strategic partnership," noting that the two countries had made "significant advances" in sectors such as technology, health and education. This timing is symbolic. India UK FTA signing agreement today includes additional pledges for collaboration on emerging technologies to bolster national security.
