The Border Force activity highlighted in the press release formed part of wider operational and safeguarding work to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation by organised crime groups involved in drug smuggling. The activity was delivered using existing Border Force resources, staff and communication channels.

Border Force undertakes internal reviews of operational activity to identify lessons learned and inform future safeguarding and prevention work. There are currently no plans to publish internal evaluations produced for operational learning purposes.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals arrested overseas for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the UK.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals recruited by organised criminal groups to smuggle controlled drugs into the UK.

As part of its safeguarding work, Border Force works with a range of partners, including the travel industry and media organisations, to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation. Border Force has not engaged directly with social media companies as part of this activity.

The activity was intended to raise awareness of the risks associated with organised criminal groups exploiting individuals to act as drug couriers. Border Force considers a range of information when reviewing such activity, including operational intelligence, detection trends, media reach and feedback from frontline officers and partners.

The Home Office and operational partners work closely with international partners to prevent illegal drug trafficking and disrupt the organised crime groups enabling it. There is frequent and ongoing engagement with the Government of Thailand on countering drug trafficking from Thailand, including by senior Home Office, FCDO, National Crime Agency and Border Force officials. In July 2026, Thai authorities introduced a scheme to fine drug couriers who are caught smuggling cannabis out of Thailand to any other country. So far, almost 100 couriers have been caught, over 60 of whom were heading for the UK.

The UK is monitoring developments following the reported attack on Kamonsak Leewamoh. We note reports that arrests have been made and that investigations are ongoing by the Thai authorities.

The Government has not commenced any negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Thailand. My department keeps its approach to FTAs under active review to support growth, resilience and the UK’s strategic interests.

Thailand is an important economic partner and a significant market for UK goods and services. We continue to engage closely with Thailand through a range of cooperation mechanisms, including the UK-Thailand Enhanced Trade Partnership, while assessing where future agreements could deliver the greatest value for the UK.

None.

The Government has not commenced any negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Thailand. My department keeps its approach to FTAs under active review to support growth, resilience and the UK’s strategic interests.

Thailand is an important economic partner and a significant market for UK goods and services. We continue to engage closely with Thailand through a range of cooperation mechanisms, including the UK-Thailand Enhanced Trade Partnership, while assessing where future agreements could deliver the greatest value for the UK.

The UK PACT Thailand programme is funded from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's (DESNZ) Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget.

Further details of all FCDO and DESNZ funded programmes can be found at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK. Proposed activities are assessed in advance for the impact they will have in meeting the UK's programme and partnership objectives in the country in question, and for their cost-effectiveness in achieving that impact. ODA programmes are evaluated on an ongoing basis for their performance against their agreed objectives, and for their delivery on time and on budget.

The UK PACT Thailand programme is funded from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's (DESNZ) Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget.

Further details of all FCDO and DESNZ funded programmes can be found at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK. Proposed activities are assessed in advance for the impact they will have in meeting the UK's programme and partnership objectives in the country in question, and for their cost-effectiveness in achieving that impact. ODA programmes are evaluated on an ongoing basis for their performance against their agreed objectives, and for their delivery on time and on budget.

Consular staff have provided support in the following cases where a British national has died in Thailand in each of the last three years.

The data is based on the cases that are reported to us by the local authorities, families or others. We record the cause of death based on what we are told, and Consular staff are unable to independently investigate the cause of deaths. There will also be cases where we may not be informed of a death.

Where the figures are 5 or fewer (but more than one), we do not publish a breakdown of the numbers, as this risks identifying the individuals involved. To release this data would contravene one of the data protection principles, and sections 40(2) and 40(3) of the Freedom of Information Act apply.

The renewed ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand is a welcome development. Throughout the recent tensions, I engaged directly with both governments to encourage dialogue and de‑escalation. I will continue to seek opportunities to encourage long-term peace and stability. The UK will continue to work closely with key international partners, including ASEAN, to support efforts to maintain the ceasefire.

The UK Government continues to monitor reports of human rights concerns in Vietnam. We regularly raise these issues with the Vietnamese authorities - including at the highest levels - through bilateral engagement and in multilateral forums such as the UN Human Rights Council. Our Embassy in Bangkok is following the arrests of Montagnard Protestants in Thailand. This includes liaising with the relevant authorities to understand potential next steps. We continue to urge all governments to uphold their international human rights obligations, including the non-refoulement principle.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 15th September to question 75809.

The clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border in July were a cause for serious concern. The Government welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached on 28 July, as well as the subsequent framework established to support its implementation. Since then, we have consistently encouraged both parties to uphold the ceasefire and to foster mutual trust and understanding.

Officials from our Embassies in Thailand and Cambodia have conducted site visits to the affected areas to assess the situation first-hand. We continue to work closely with our international partners to support efforts by both countries to de-escalate tensions, strengthen dialogue and maintain lasting peace along the border.

The Government continues to monitor the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute closely with officials from our Embassies in Bangkok and Phnom Penh conducting site visits to affected areas to better understand the impact on local populations. We urge all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and take all necessary steps to protect civilians.

As set out in our public statements of 28 July and 7 August, the agreement of a framework for a full ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand is a welcome development. It is essential that both sides now work together to implement and maintain this agreement. This message has been conveyed directly to both governments.

We support the Association of South East Asian Nations' leadership in working with Cambodia and Thailand to resolve the border conflict, including its efforts to deploy an Observer Mission. We believe this can play an important role in providing an independent assessment of the situation and in de-escalating tensions on the border.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's travel advice for Thailand highlights the lèse-majesté law in Thailand and the potential penalty for breaking this law. We regularly review our travel advice for each country or territory to ensure it includes up-to-date information and advice on the most relevant issues for British people visiting or living there.

The UK Government regularly monitors the use of lèse-majesté and other defamation-related laws in Thailand and has raised concerns with the Thai authorities. We also regularly observe public court hearings to reinforce the importance of due process and visibly supporting and promoting the work of local human rights defenders.