Maxine19147

The surgical group,Healing the Children, plans to leave for Bangkok on Thursday. We have received a letter of warning about the safety issues and that American citizens should stay indoors and travel with a very high sense of caution. From my daily reading on this site I do not get the feeling that this mission should be cancelled. I would appreciate your input on this subject as I am looking forward to this incredible experience. Thank you. Maxine

Kathie

Personally, I feel these kinds of warnings are not helpful. Americans were not targeted in the bombings. I find the US government warnings have more to do with politics than with reality.

If three people died and 30 some injured in your city, would they tell everyone to stay indoors? I have to tell you that I find Bangkok safer than large American cities. There just isn't the level of violent crime there.

Only you can decide what you aqre comfortable with. I hope you'll go ahead with this wondedrful mission!

thursdaysd

The U.S. State Dept. tends to go overboard with its warnings. I always check the U.K. (www.fco.gov.uk) and sometimes the Canadian or Australian sites as well. Currently the U.K. is still warning against all but essential travel to four southern provinces, but for Bangkok just says: "There is a possibility of further attacks in coming days. You should exercise caution when travelling within Bangkok and where possible avoid crowded public places."

Elizabeth_S

Unfortunately the Canadian Government issued a formal notice hours after the attacks warning against non-essential travel to Bangkok......the notice invalidates our travel insurance if we go (we're scheduled to be there January 22-27) - we're monitoring the situation and hoping the advisory is lifted before we go. Also looking into backups such as 5 nights in Hanoi but really don't want to make the change at this late date.

Maxine19147

Thank you for your input, I have sent my response in and told them I am still voting to go!!!! ps, Kathy just viewed your picture, so nice to put a face to your words. Happy belated birthday!! You and the incredible other people on this site have helped plan my trip, I am so grateful!!! Thanks.. Max

rhkkmk

maxine...the only place i would have a concern about going in thailand is in the extreme south near to malaysia...

go and enjoy and do good work!!

christo

Elizabeth;
Interesting about what you relayed on the cancellation of travel insurance due to the warning put out by DFAIT. I too am Canadian and will be arriving BKK Jan 24 so will have to check my insurance policy !
Decided to go anyways and have been monitoring US State Dept. and BKK newspapers. There is some buzz but that is all so far. It is interseting how different governments view the bombings. I think they are being prudent but we must decide based on the complete picture ie other safety and security factors. Auto accidents are still the number 1 health and safety concern anywhere !
Bon Voyage.

WinterTravel

We were in Bangkok when the bombings took place (walking around, on public transport, in crowded places) and only became aware of what had taken place when the hotel informed guests that night. While there would have certainly been a sense of danger in the actual spots (and the official New Year events were cancelled), we walked around without knowing.

We'd never presume to give advice about whether to go or not to go -- that is really a question of personal comfort. We just wanted to share the perspective that if you do decide to go it seems certainly likely that you can enjoy Bangkok and go about your important work.

Good luck and travel safely.

Elizabeth_S

Christo - in our case (Manulife insurance) the warning invalidates all of the interruption insurance but not the cancellation insurance (should we decide to cancel BKK - even if we did we don't really have direct losses).

The only aspect the advisory invalidates (at least for Manulife) is medical coverage and evacuation if you are affected by the events. A very small risk but a risk nonetheless.

We're going to stick to our plans unless there is a dramatic development between now and a few days before arrival. I've spent the weekend reading about BKK restaurants - can't wait!

Have a great time!

rhkkmk

i feel compelled to comment....i feel sorry that you might consider cancelling a trip because your insurance policy may be cancelled or invalidated based on some action (warning) by government...

i never take an insurance policy for trips...this may be foolish but i don't see the benefit other than saving some money should the unlikely happen...think of the money i have saved over the years...what's the worst possible--an unlikely potential $5000+ liability...

Maxine19147

Just spoke with one of the physicians going on the trip, he is concerned that we are doing our surgery at Bhumibol Hospital Royal Thai Air Force. He feels since it is military related there is more of a risk. I think he is being a bit neurotic..am I being more naive ? I'm packed and ready !! I believe our insurance is in tact. Thank you all for your positive words...I do go with awareness and excitement !!

Gpanda

Max-I don't think you're being naive. I would think that a military setting would be safer. Also, my memory is that none of the recent SEA troubles have been closely followed by another incident in the same location. Lightning not striking twice theory may actually apply