ASIA
Laos,
August 18, 2000
– The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane reports that a number of bombings
have occurred in public places frequented by tourists in Vientiane since
March 30. Several foreigners and Lao citizens were injured in separate
explosions in the Morning Market and in a restaurant near the Nam Phu
Plaza area. At the end of July, a bomb exploded in the Vientiane Central
Post Office, injuring several Lao nationals. Police also discovered a
small explosive device in the domestic terminal of the Vientiane Airport.
Other incidents involved an explosion in Vientiane's Central Bus Station
near the Morning Market, the detonation of an explosive device on a bicycle
in a restaurant parking lot, an explosion near an outdoor restaurant,
and the accidental detonation of a grenade by a gang of youths. In addition,
there have been credible reports of other explosive devices found in Savannakhet
and Pakse cities. While there is no evidence that this violence has been
directed against American citizens or institutions, Americans should be
aware that more such incidents could occur in the future. The U.S. Embassy
also advises Americans in Laos to avoid travel to Xieng Khouang Province,
including the Plain of Jars. The U.S. Government has received credible
reports of violent incidents throughout the province, including increased
military activity. In addition, at various times, the Lao government has
restricted travel to parts of the province. Persons traveling overland
on Route 7, or to other areas of Xieng Khouang Province, particularly
Muang Khoune and Paxai Districts, run the risk of ambush by insurgents
or bandits. Finally, the U.S. Government has information of unknown reliability
that a group or groups may attack tourists in the Bolovens Plateau region
in southern Laos sometime within the next two months. Laos is a developing
country with a socialist government that is pursuing economic reform.
The Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic
Republic in Washington, DC is online. The U.S.
Embassy in Loas also has a home page.
India,
August 1, 2000 – Following the recent kidnapping of a popular
Indian actor near the border between the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka, Bangalore—the
capital of Karnataka—has been the scene of sporadic protests that
have closed government offices, businesses, and much of the public transportation
network in the city. The local press has reported scattered protests throughout
Bangalore and surrounding areas. The protests have taken various forms,
including isolated looting, burning of tires, breaking of windows, and
general disruption of traffic. American citizens residing in or planning
to travel to Bangalore and surrounding areas should exercise extreme caution
and travel only if necessary. India is an economically developing democratic
republic. The Embassy of India
in Washington, DC is on the World Wide Web.
Malaysia,
July 24, 2000 – Concerning the attack of April 23 by members
of the Philippine-based terrorist group Abu Sayyaf on a dive resort on
the Malaysian island of Sipadan, the U.S. Department of State urges Americans
considering travel to Sipadan and the adjacent areas of Tawau and Samporna
on the Sabah mainland to review their security procedures, remain vigilant
to their surroundings, keep a low profile, and vary routes and times of
all required travel. Sipadan is located offshore from southeastern Sabah
State on the Island of Borneo. The armed group seized several hostages
of various nationalities. Two Americans were initially captured by the
group, but they escaped while being boarded onto boats to leave Sipadan.
In view of this incident, Americans traveling to these areas are particularly
encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the capital.
Malaysia is a federal parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch.
Its population of approximately 22.7 million is ethnically divided into
Malay (47%), Chinese (26%), Indian (7%), other indigenous (10%), and other
ethnic groups (10%). Islam is the national religion. Bahasa Malaysia is
the official language although English is widely spoken. The Malaysian
National Tourist Organization offices in New York are online; as is
the Malaysian Government. The Malaysian
criminal code includes a provision for a sentence of caning for certain
white collar crimes, Malaysian legislation provides for a mandatory death
penalty for convicted drug traffickers. The U.S.
Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has a home page.
South
Korea, August 11, 2000 – The U.S. Embassy in Seoul advises American
citizens traveling or residing in South Korea that health care services
in Korea may be restricted due to doctors joining other health care personnel
on strike protesting government medical reforms. The strike remains unresolved
and may seriously affect medical and hospital services throughout the
country. Those seeking routine and other non-essential medical care may
find such care unavailable or experience lengthy delays in service. Emergency
care is available, although delays can be expected. Those seeking medical
care may telephone 119 within South Korea to find the nearest available
treatment facility. The U.S.
Embassy in Seoul is on the Internet. The Republic of Korea (South
Korea or ROK) is a highly developed, stable, democratic republic with
powers shared between the President and the legislature. It has a modern
economy, and tourist facilities are widely available. The Korean
Embassy in Washington, DC isonline. There are South Korean consulates
in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Guam, Honolulu, Houston, Miami, New York
City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. The Korea
National Tourism Organization office in Fort Lee, NJ has a web site.
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