Thailand is highly unstable politically with countless demonstrations and the imminent threat of another military coup. The FCO has upgraded its travel advice and now advices Against all travel to Bangkok, travellers must avoid areas of unrest, especailly the capital. Objective continues to be concerned over the continued threat of a terrorist attack against tourists in Thailand.  Whilst to date Islamist attacks have been confined to the southern provinces, intellligence assessments are warning of the growing possibility of attacks against the major cities and popular beach resorts. Objective would urge travellers to avoid very popular nightclubs and restaurants in the most popuar beach resorts.  The threat from terrorism is Indonesia is also high, please check FCO and Australian government web sites for advise. Fighting has broken out on the Thailand/Cambodia border, travellers are advised to avoid the area of land near to the Preah Vihear Temple, the temple ruins currently remains closed to tourists and tension remains high in this area.

In recent weeks both Peru and Bolivia have experienced unrest, therefore we advise travellers to constantly check the situation.   In Peru on 4th Aug 09 the Shining Path( Maoist terrorist group, highly active in 80 & 90s but dormant for years) killed 3 policeman in Ayacucho province and a further attacks occurred in 2008.Travellers in Peru should research the situation, as yet travellers have not been targetted. Within the rural areas of Peru there has been a increase in drugs related violence, extreme caution should also be exercised in the rural provinces of Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Junin and Huallaga due to the presence of narco-terrorists.

In northern Mexico the crime situation is getting much worse, drug related murders are spirraling out of control and travellers need to take extreme caution in the border area with the USA..

Nov 09 - Relations between Colombia and Venzuela deteriorate, Ven' President Hugo Chavez tells his army to prepare for war, The latter is highly but visitors are advised to monitor rthe situation closely and be aware that support of Chavez is waning & unrest in Venezuela may increase..  

The terrorist threat level in Ski Lanka has decreased following the end of the civil war but we still advise against travel to the post conflict areas of north and east of the country.   

Terrorism remains an ongoing problem in some areas of India, The threat stems from islamist terrorism Pakistan and an alarming increase of  Maoists attacks against the police and army . These have have significantly increased in 2010. Travellers are urged to research the current situation. The threat is likely to continue (the Commonwealth games will present a good target). Most of the courntry is safe but all travellers are urged to spend time researching the situation. Maoist activity in the past have been restricted to the NW but is spreading. However, its worth remembering that approx 275 people die in India every day from road traffic accidents - that is the greatest threat to travellers. 

Whilst Kenya is relatively stable at present, the ruling coalition is weak and fractured and we fear that poitical violence will return in 2010. A referendum is due on constitution on 4 Aug and 5 people werre killed in an explosion on 14 June.Travellers should be aware of the situation is fragile.        

In South America, Central America and South East Asia there has been a  dramatic rise in cases of Dengue Fever, the virus is caused by mosquitos which bite in the day time  Symptons are headaches, nausea and sore joints.   The best form of protection is using insect repellant with a high DEET content & covering up to prevent being bitten. No vaccinne is available. If concerned see a doctor immediately.  In the vast majority of cases a full recovery occurrs within a month. New outbreak occurs in Brazill in February 2010, affecting Mato Grosso, Acre, Roraima & Goias districts.  See www.who.int  for details and advice.  

In India and parts of SE Asia there has been an increase in the mosquito bourne Chikungunya Fever, standard bite prevention measures are advised and please research threat if travelling to an infected area.