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Reviewed: 18 March 2009, 16:10 NZDT
Still current at: 12 March 2010
There is high risk to your security along the Burma/Thailand border and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel. Military activity, ethnic conflict and the presence of landmines pose a particularly high risk to your safety. Travel restrictions are in place in most border areas and there are only a limited number of legal crossing points.
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Burma due to the unsettled political situation and threat from terrorism and we advise caution.
In 2007, civil unrest led to violent clashes between government forces and protesters, resulting in death and injury. The political situation remains unsettled and tensions could resurface in the build up to the elections in 2010. New Zealanders in Burma are advised to avoid all protests, marches and demonstrations and comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities.
We advise you to be security conscious in public and crowded places as there is a threat from terrorism in Burma. Small scale bombings resulting in fatalities do occur. Past targets have included commercial interests, public transport and tourist areas. In October 2008, several explosions occurred in Yangon and one person was killed. In September 2008, an explosion in a video lounge in Kyaukkyi township killed two people. In July 2008, an explosion on a bus travelling on the Mandalay to Yangon highway killed four people. In January 2008, explosions in Pyu and at railway stations in Yangon and Pyinmana killed two people and injured several others.
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Burma, the ability of the government to assist New Zealanders who require consular assistance is limited.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Burma should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders visiting or living in Burma are encouraged to register/update their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Southeast Asia
For other countries' travel advice
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Contact details are
Street Address: M Thai Tower, 14th floor,
All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Bangkok Postal Address: PO Box 2719, Bangkok 10500,
Bangkok 10330,
Thailand
Telephone:+66 2 254 2530
Facsimile: +66 2 253 9045
Email: nzembbkk@loxinfo.co.th
Website: New Zealand Embassy Thailand [external link]
Office hours: Mon - Fri 0800-1200, 1300-1630 hrs
