Ministry issues travel warning

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Maltese nationals to avoid any non-essential travel to Kyrgyzstan and certain areas in Thailand due to the prevailing situation there. Kyrgyzstan has just gone through its second revolution in five years. Thailand, especially the capital Bangkok, has also experienced violent protests in recent weeks as thousands of citizens demand a general election.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency in the capital on Wednesday, handing the army broad powers to restore order after anti-government protesters broke into Parliament, forcing some lawmakers to flee by helicopter.