Thailand remains politically unstable and is likely to remain so with some demonstrations. Check the FCO web site for latest information. 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 of terrorism by seperatist will remain in the 3 southern states, approx 60,000 Thai troops are deployed in this area and whilst attacks are directed against security forces tourist should adhere to FCO advice and avoid the area. Away from security, we strongly advised travellers not to have tattoos done in Thailand or elsewhere in SE Asia following numerous stroies of people contracting HIV or Hepatitis. 

Travellers may consider going to Burma (fab country) , especailly now that the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been released and is encouraging visitors. The security situation should be carefully monitored and border areas are to be avoided due to rebel activity.

The threat from terrorism is Indonesia is also high, please check FCO and Australian government travel web site for advice.

High tension still exists along 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. The situation may worsen.

In recent weeks Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador have experienced civil unrest, generally related to worsening economic situation. These conditions are likely to continue, therefore we advise travellers to constantly check the situation.  In Peru the Shining Path (Maoist terrorist group, highly active in 80 & 90s but dormant for years) is reasserting its presence, especially in Ayacucho province and a further attacks are likely against government forces. 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 early August 2011 bandits struck and robbed scores of vehicles on roads close to the Bolivain border.

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. It is feared that this gang based crime may spread to Guatemala & other countries in C America.

Relations between Colombia and Venzuela remain poor but seem to be improving since Santos became Colombia's, president, Vezuelan President Hugo Chavez has moderated stance against his neighbour. However,  the border areas must be avoided  between Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador as they are  unsafe and havens of numerous guerilla group;s including FARC. Colombia is certainly safer than it was 3 or 4 years ago but jungle areas near both the Ecuadorian and Venezulean border should be avoided.       

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 country 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. Red 24 advise against all non-essential travel to the rural and remote areas of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa states in eastern India. However, its worth remembering that approx 275 people die in India every day from road traffic accidents - that is the greatest threat to travellers. 

The risk of a terrorist attack in Kenya is currently assessed as high. Information released in early January 2012 assessed that Somalia based grouping Al- Shabaab may be planning an attack, the most likely venues being either Nairobi or Mombassa. The situation may have occurred as a result of Kenya forces conducting operations across the border into Somalia from October 2011 onwards. Travellers are reminded to be vigilent and to avoid crowded areas. Whilst the political situation relatively stable at present, the ruling coalition is weak and fractured and we fear that political violence may reoccur. The coastal area close to the Somali border should be avoided, two travellers were abducted in late 2011

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 vacine is available. If concerned see a doctor immediately.  In the vast majority of cases a full recovery occurrs within a month. 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. 

Countries across the Middle East face political turmoil following the revolutions in Tunesia , Egypt, Syria and the ongoing one in Syria. The death of Gadaffi should result in an improving situation in Libya but it will remain unstable. The FCO advise against all travel to Syria, unrest will continue and could lead to civil war