Foreign Office issues Brits 'harsh' prison warning over Thailand holidays

The UK Foreign Office has issued fresh advice for anyone heading to Thailand for a holiday in the South-east Asian sun.

Personnel at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office regularly change travel advice for those heading to every corner of the globe, with it being the government department's responsibility to do its part in looking after Brits abroad.

That includes giving the most up-to-date advice when it comes to issues such as travel warnings and insurance problems, as well as entry requirements.

If you're not familiar with where you're headed, it is best to check out the latest advice before embarking on your trip.

It's better to be safe than sorry, especially when new warnings are issued for the likes of Spain as we head into the busy summer months.

And that's the second piece of advice for Spain issued in the last month, with an earlier one reminding British tourists about passport rules in the country.

New travel advice for Thailand has been issued by the Foreign Office this month, with it going live on Saturday (June 1).

Brits love the country, which is incredibly popular for its rich and historic culture, gorgeous beaches, vibrant cities, and affordable cost of living.

Krabi, Thailand (Getty Stock Images)

And the changes are good news for those heading to Thailand, or wanting to, for extended periods, with the time you can spend in the country without a visa upped from 30 days to 60.

But that 60-day limit is a strict one.

And if you mess around with it, be prepared to find yourself put behind bars in a foreign prison a long way away from the British Isles.

Downtown Bangkok (Getty Stock Images)

"From 1 June 2024, British passport holders arriving by air or land can enter Thailand without a visa (visa exemption) for tourism and short-term business engagements for a period not exceeding 60 days," the Foreign Office says.

"If you intend to stay longer (for work, study, or other reasons), you need to obtain a visa before you travel.

"If you stay beyond the period of your visa, you will be fined 500 Thai baht per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 baht. You risk being held in detention.

"Conditions in detention centres can be harsh."

Seas and islands surround the sandy beach of Koh Hong in Krabi, Thailand (Getty Stock Images)

As well as being detained, you risk being sent back to the UK at your own expense (on top of the flight back you might have booked).

You'll also likely face a banning order when it comes to re-entering Thailand that can last for up to a decade.

Before heading there, you should also make sure you have six months left on your passport from the date that you enter the country. If this isn't the case, you could find yourself refused entry into the country.