News & Reports

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecast heavy rainfall across 38 provinces through September 2, with the highest risk in Lampang, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Lamphun, Chiang Mai, Tak, Mae Hong Son, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Loei, Nakhon Sawan, Trat, Ranong, and Phang Nga. Authorities warn of flash floods and landslides, particularly in foothill and river-adjacent communities. Strong winds and waves of 2–3 meters (exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorms) are expected in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand.   Advice: - Avoid travel in landslide-prone and flood-prone areas, especially in the northern provinces. - Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf should remain ashore; larger vessels should navigate cautiously. - Monitor updates from the Thai Meteorological Department: www.tmd.go.th.  

Between Sunday evening and early Monday morning, bombs detonated at six sites across five districts, injuring two people. Targets included a village road, mosque, market, and multiple ATMs/branches of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). Authorities also reported tire fires set on Highway 4056 shortly before the blasts. Military forces have ordered heightened security across economic and public areas.   Advice: - Avoid affected districts in Narathiwat; more incidents may occur. - Expect heightened checkpoints and delays in southern border areas. - Follow official updates from Thai authorities. - If in the area, remain indoors during the night and avoid large gatherings, banks, and markets until further notice.  

Norwegian health authorities have reported 38 hepatitis A infections since mid-July, most of them in Oslo. Patients range widely in age, and officials have confirmed a common viral strain among cases. Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact, and symptoms may appear up to 50 days after infection. While most people recover fully, the illness can cause significant discomfort and disrupt travel plans.   Advice: - Practice strict hand hygiene, especially before eating and after restroom use. - Drink only safe, treated water and avoid food from questionable sources. - Consider vaccination if traveling to Oslo. - Seek medical attention if you develop fever, nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, or jaundice. - For updates, see the Norwegian Institute of Public Health https://www.fhi.no/.  

South Korea has declared a state of disaster in Gangneung as the city faces its worst drought on record. Obong Reservoir, which supplies nearly 90% of Gangneung’s drinking water, has dropped below the emergency threshold. Authorities have restricted household water supply by 75% and are trucking in thousands of tons of water daily. Rainfall is expected to remain far below normal through early October, meaning shortages will likely continue for weeks.   Advice: - Conserve water and limit use to drinking, cooking, and hygiene. - Stock bottled water in advance where available. - Travelers should prepare for low water pressure and service disruptions. - Follow updates from the Korea Meteorological Administration and local authorities.  

Torrential rain and storms have led to widespread flooding in southern Croatia, with red weather alerts issued. Key highways, including parts of the A1 and coastal routes, have faced closures due to flooding and rockfalls, causing significant travel disruption. Coastal towns and inland valleys have reported water entering homes and businesses, while emergency crews continue to respond. More unstable weather is forecast in the coming days, raising risks of further delays.   Advice: - Expect transport disruption on major coastal roads and highways. - Check road conditions before traveling between Split, Dubrovnik, and inland routes. - Avoid driving through flooded or debris-covered roads. - Prepare for possible delays to accommodation check-ins or tour schedules. - Monitor updates from the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service https://meteo.hr/  

Nationwide protests in Indonesia have turned violent after outrage over a motorcycle taxi driver’s death involving a police vehicle. Demonstrators opposing lawmakers’ financial perks and low wages have clashed with riot police, leading to fires, property damage, and at least three deaths. Protests have spread to Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya, with tensions especially high near government and police buildings.   Advice: - Avoid protest areas in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and other cities. - Expect traffic disruptions and possible public transit closures. - Stay clear of government buildings, police stations, and large gatherings. - Monitor updates from the Indonesian National Police and local news. - If unrest escalates nearby, leave the area immediately.  

Rail services in Jammu Division remain suspended for a third consecutive day after flash floods caused major infrastructure damage, including misalignment of a critical bridge and track breaches. Northern Railway has canceled 40 trains and short-terminated or diverted others, stranding thousands of passengers. Special trains have been arranged, but capacity is limited, and disruptions are expected to last several more days as repairs continue. The disruption is also impacting tourism and pilgrim travel to Vaishno Devi.   Advice: - Expect delays and consider alternative transport to Jammu and Katra. - Refunds or rescheduling are available for canceled tickets- visit station counters for assistance. - Prepare for long waits; food, water, and limited shelter are being provided at key stations. - Check official railway apps or Northern Railway for train status and cancellations.  

Students will gather at the Basic Court in Niš at 11:30 local time (09:30 GMT) and will march from Belgrade's Old Railway Station to Republic Square. The march will take place at 18:30 on September 1st to commemorate the 10-month anniversary of the tragic canopy collapse at the Novi Sad train station. Additional protests are expected in other cities across the country.   Advice: - Avoid march routes and assembly points in Niš and central Belgrade due to crowds and tensions. - Expect traffic delays and possible closures of public transit stations near rallies. - Be aware of heavy security presence; follow law enforcement directions. - Keep a safe distance from crowds and do not engage with protesters or security. Leave the area if tensions escalate.  

Anti-migration activists gathered outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf this afternoon, calling for the closure of hotel-based asylum accommodation. A sizeable counter-protest was also on site, defending refugee rights and opposing inflammatory rhetoric. Similar protest activity is expected later this week at the Best Western Hotel in Manchester and the Bell Hotel in Epping.   Advice: - Avoid areas around asylum hotels in Canary Wharf, Manchester, and Epping- tensions may rise and spread rapidly. - Expect disruptions: Traffic may be heavily delayed, and public transit stations near rallies could face closures or restricted access. - Protest dynamics can shift unexpectedly. Maintain a safe distance and follow the directions of law enforcement. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders. If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately.  

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel notice for Guangdong, particularly Foshan city, due to a major chikungunya virus outbreak. Local authorities report thousands of confirmed cases, making this the largest known outbreak in the region. Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness, causes fever, debilitating joint pain, swelling, headaches, and rash; while not usually lethal, recovery may take weeks to months.   Advice: - Use Mosquito Protection: Apply insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants. - Consider Vaccination: If eligible, vaccinate before traveling. - Monitor for Symptoms: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience fever, joint pain, rash, or swelling during or shortly after travel. - Delay travel to affected regions if pregnant. - For more information on Chikungunya, check the attached link.