US Travel Advisory To South East Asia

This information is current as of Saturday August 14, 2010

August 12, 2010

The Department of State has issued this Worldwide Caution to update information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This replaces the Worldwide Caution dated February 12, 2010, to provide updated information on security threats and terrorist activities worldwide.

Click here for Full International Travel Alert

TRAVEL ALERTS, ADVISORIES AND OTHER RELATED IMPORTANT MESSAGES

There are just many things happening all over the world and if not for the world wide web and all the latest tools, gadgets contacts and connections, we just cannot get on top of all these goings on.

And so for a first time travelers, especially to Southern Asia and surrounding areas, you would find a summary of the United States Department of State Travel Advisories, Travel Alerts and other Travel Messages for the Month of April 2010 below.

Updated weekends and current as of August 14, 2010

THAILAND (as of 04/12/2010)

TRAVEL ALERT

The U.S. State Department alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that the Royal Thai Government, under the order of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, has declared a State of Emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas following demonstrations by protestors from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (aka UDD or ″red-shirts″). The State of Emergency grants special powers to the Royal Thai Police and Army. U.S. citizens should expect to see an increase in the presence of security personnel on the streets of Bangkok and should adhere to any and all instructions from such personnel. This replaces the Travel Alert dated April 9, 2010, to include additional information about clashes between the UDD and Royal Thai Government security forces. This Travel Alert will expire on May 14, 2010.

U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little or no warning. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and to exercise caution in their movements around Bangkok.

Click here for Full Travel Alert

PHILIPPINES (as of 04/02/2010)

TRAVEL ADVISORY

The U.S. State Department warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the southern Philippine islands of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, and urges extreme caution if traveling there. Sporadic violence throughout the Philippines is also possible before and after the May 10 national and local elections and the June 30 inaugurations. This replaces the Travel Warning dated September 17, 2009.

U.S. citizens traveling, living, and working throughout the Philippines are urged to exercise heightened caution in public gathering places where events may occur in relation to the May 2010 Philippine elections and June inauguration. In past election years, deaths have occurred because of election-related violence, even in the period of time following election dates and inauguration ceremonies.

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MALAYSIA (as of 01/15/2010)

TRAVEL ALERT

The U.S. State Department alerts U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to eastern Sabah, in Malaysia, due to threat of violence against foreigners, and urges extreme caution if traveling there. This Travel Alert expires on April 15, 2010.

U.S citizens should consider the risks associated with travel to eastern Sabah in Malaysia due to the threat from both terrorist and criminal groups. There are indications that both criminal and terrorist groups are planning or intend acts of violence against foreigners in eastern Sabah, notwithstanding the Government of Malaysia's increased ability to detect, deter and prevent such attacks. The Abu Sayyaf Group, based in the southern Philippines, has kidnapped foreigners in eastern Sabah in the past.

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RECENT EMBASSY NOTICES

AND

RECENT WARDEN MESSAGES For AMERICAN CITIZENS

INDONESIA

BURMA

 LAOS

 JAPAN

 SOUTH KOREA

CHINA, HONG KONG AND MACAU

EXPO 2010

SHANGHAI, CHINA

MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31, 2010

(Fact Sheet)

U.S. CITIZENS: How To Get Help In A Foreign Country

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1205.html

Disclaimer of Liability:

Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information. However, with the thousands of documents available, often uploaded within short deadlines, we cannot guarantee that there will be no errors. With respect to documents and information on the current and archive State Department web sites, neither the U.S. Government, the U.S. Department of State, nor their employees and contractors make any warranty, expressed or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to documents available from State Department web sites. Additionally, the U.S. Government, and the U.S. State Department assume no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process disclosed herein and do not represent that use of such information, product, or process would not infringe on privately owned rights.

Source:

http://travel.state.gov/

Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State