The Cambodian and Myanmar border areas contain a volatile mixture of land mines, bandits, smugglers and rebels, and are the scene of occasional low-level military stoushes. Travellers should steer well clear of the borders or contact their embassy to receive the latest reports on the security situation.

An incident in March 2000 in which one Australian tourist was murdered and his partner attacked in the Doi Ang Khan National Park in Chiang Mai has prompted embassy warnings not to camp in undesignated areas in national parks.

Anyone foolish enough to accept free air-tickets and a new set of luggage from sudden friends in Bangkok deserves to be called a mule.