socalfam

I am considering sending a teenager on a high school program by a U.S.- based group called Rustic Pathways . This group has a "base camp" in Udon Thani where the students will have a combination of community service and fun. If anyone has heard of this particular group and/or its base camp, or is familiar with Udon Thani, I would appreciate hearing your opinion. In light of the recent unrest in Bangkok, I do have some concerns about overall safety as well. I don't know if Udon Thani is in an area that might also have some problems. . Thanks.

simpsonc510

I wish I could help you with first hand information, but I have not been to Udan Thani. DS has been there, and enjoyed it very much. He was not of high school age when he went, but he went there to visit a girl from his old high school who was there for one year. She loved Udan Thani! I'm sure the people there are extremely friendly and helpful.

As far as unrest, I think things have subsided for now. I'm in Bangkok right now, and have not seen anything that looks threatening in any way. I've never felt UN-safe anywhere I have visited in Thailand.

Kathie

Like Carol, I have no safety concerns about Bangkok or Udon Thani. What I would carefully research, however, is the organization that is sponsoring this. There are excellent organizations with such programs and, well, some you would not want entrust your son.

Remember that the unrest in Bangkok was due to political demonstrations. While there was, unfortunately, some violence between the factions, this is not a situation where travelers are targeted in any way (think of some US political demonstrations that have gotten out of hand. In no way did this reflect that the country was unsafe, nor would tourists from other countries be targeted for violence).

socalfam

Thank you simpmsonc510 and Kathie for your responses. It seems like things are calm in BKK now, and I understand that the yellow v red shirt demonstrations are not targeted at foreigners. However, since various news articles suggest that no one knows what may happen in Thailand, I am just a little concerned about sending my 15-year old girl there. The organization has been doing the Thailand program for 20 years or so though, so I am inclined to believe they know what they are doing. Simpsonc510, if you have any further perspeective into possible strife while you are there, please let me know. In the meantime, hope you are having a wonderful time there. Thank you for your help.

filmwill

I think you are absolutely justified in your concern about sending your teenager.

This is coming from someone who goes to Thailand every year, absolutely loves everything about the place and would not hesitate to go again even through all this turmoil

...but, that said, I'm not a teenager traveling alone to Thailand for the first time and I have what I think is a pretty strong grasp of the lay of the land and feel comfortable getting out of the country should I need to.

I'm sure I'll get slammed for saying this, but I just think that, with kids going overseas, it's a bit more tricky in general. Moreso to a place where violence/protests could/most likely will flare up again. Of course none of this violence, as others have said, is directed at foreigners, but would you want your kid stuck in the middle of what could (if things get worse) turn out to be a civil war?

To play devil's advocate, on the flipside NOTHING could happen at all, this could all die down and he/she could have an amazing and enriching trip. If it's something your child feels strongly about doing, they should go...but just make sure they are informed and up-to-speed on the situation and have an "exit strategy" should things flare up.

socalfam

filmwill - appreciate your reply. Based on the news articles I have been reading, what you said makes a lot of sense. I think the bottom line is that even if the chance of violence/civil disturbance occurring may be remote, I don't want to risk putting my 15 year old in what could be a terrifying situation while I am thousands of miles away. I think I will wait another year to see how things turn out in the country... Thanks again.

jmousseau

I know Rustic Pathways very well and can highly recommend them!! They've been in business for over 30+ years and are the leading student education, service and adventure travel company. They've been taking students to SE Asia for 20 years, as it's one of their hubs, and their safety record is impeccable. You won't go wrong sending your child on a trip with Rustic Pathways.

khunwilko

What will they nbe engaged in in Udon Thani?

Kathie

The original post is from 2009.