ricster

My husband and I have a trip planned to thailand at the end of December. We've been reading the past 2 days about the Muslims that were killed and the resulting unrest - including a bombing today. They say that they are going to move their fight to Bangkok.

Is it still wise to take a trip to the region? We had planned on Bangkok, Chang Mai, Ankor Wat, and the beaches in the south.

Lyndie

The Thai Government (unlike the Indonesian Government) rightly or wrongly will not tolerate terrorism, racial disharmony, riots & civil unrest or risk the flow of tourism dollars being interupted due to the above. You could call it whatever way you see it, however I feel just as safe in Thailand as I do in Sydney. This is of course, all personal opinion and perception. You need to make your own mind up. In April 2004 a similar (though less people killed) incident occurred and the same extremists warned of violence further north. We were in Krabi (very close to the riots) and had not one ounce of trouble there. Good luck!

rhkkmk

this stuff is not new in thailand...mostly centered way in the south near the malay border you are totally insulated in bkk and elsewhere that you have mentioned...as said the thai gov't is on top of it and has little tollerance....an isolated incident may be planned for bkk, but it is doubtful...
keep your plans

glorialf

I read that the group that said they were going to take the fight to Bangkok are not a serious threat to anyone.Just a few people-- no money or organization.

Hanuman

Hey it only took a few people with box cutters and a few plane tickets to bring down the world trade center.

We're praying nothing will happen but who knows?

marmot

I wouldn't cancel a trip to Thailand as I think the risk of being affected by a terrorist attack are very, very low.

I would say however that anyone who the underplays the likelihood of an attack in Bangkok or one of the tourist resorts doesn't understand the nature of INTERNATIONAL Muslim extremism. The Thai government has taken a hardline approach to terrorism, which although in theory in positive, in practice has resulted in the deaths of some 200 Muslims (80 something last week and 100 something a few weeks ago, plus more in isolated incidents). These people are not all terrorists! The government's heavy handed approach is asking for trouble in the form of retribution and although the group in Southern Thailand may be disorganized and underfunded, the situation has now got the attention of extremists worldwide.

I would feel a whole lot safer in Thailand if the major buildings, including and hotels and shopping centers, upped their level of security screening.

sydneyx

If you worry about terrorism you shouldn't go anywhere,Thailand is safer than a lot of western countries,I have lived here for five years and have not felt threatend once.Last week I was in Hat Yai deep south and everything was peaceful and quiet ,'no problem' as they say in Thailand,come and have a great hliday.

divediva

during our trip to thailand, the tragic incident in southern thailand occured where over 80 people died. it was front page news and all thais were concerned and wanted a quick
peaceful resolution to the muslin problems.

in burma...there was a military coup and we went there without much disruption.

in cambodia...the king just resigned due to poor health and is son is reported to be taking over although i heard many educated
cambodians voice their concerns about his
intentions and qualifications.

there seemed to be headline news everyday, something happening in the region, yet I do not remember the last time
i felt more safe. the thai people are friendly and thoughful buddhists...its the extremists
(probably from other countries) who may
try to take advantage of the strife and create
terror and havoc. the people are aware of the problem, its reported daily...

hopefully...the thai government, king, police
will do everything they can to increase security etc. terrorist love to cause terror...
and that would be a horrible unjust thing to happen to such a peaceful, beautiful country.

SidB

It's been said so many times before. Don't bow to the pressure. I honestly feel safer staying in Bangkok than in most other cities.

Personally I don't want to see security increased, at least not with regards to tourism. How can you increase security in every major building ? It's just not practical. Just use common sense and you'll be as safe as you are at home.

I'm more worried about getting ripped off by scammers.

helen63

We are planning to go to Thailand in the beginning of February, but started worrying about terrorism, because new acts of violence happen there almost every day now. Of course, everything is happenning in the deep south and far away from BKK, but it is still frightening. I was just wondering if anyone cancelling vacation plans because of that

thartnett

I just returned from Bangkok and the north of Thailand last Sunday (11/8). There was absolutely no evidence that things were dangerous. I would not miss an opportunity to see any part of Thailand because of this unrest. Bangkok is a big place and the chance of you running into a problem is remote. Chang Mai is even less likely to have an issue.
As always, be careful and watch your surroundings. Thailand is a beautiful country with kind, gentle people, great food, and the exchange is good.
Have fun and tread lightly!

harzer

As long as your "beaches in the south" don't mean Songkhla and south of there you have no worries.

Even Songkhla is peaceful. I was there six months ago and went to the beach regularly, and it quiet, quiet, quiet.

Harzer

Lyndie

We cancelled our trip to New York and Sth America in 2001 just after Sept 11 2001. It was a horrible time and we thought about it a lot before we finally cancelled. We do not regret it, however we decided last year that our time on this planet is diminishing fast and nothing (bar our health and a major disruption to air travel) is going to stop us again! I don't think we are at all foolhardy, just pragmatists, and we have been caught in many countries where Terrorist incidents were occuring or had occurred, however nothing happened to us. We try to avoid any troubled areas and always read our govt.'s travel warnings and ask local for advice on areas we wish to visit. There is only one destination we would not travel to and that place is Bali because of the horrible deaths of so many young Aussies on Oct 12 2002. We have travelled there before (my husband lived in Indonesia for many years) and nothing will ever be the same for us, there. I'm guess what I'm trying to say is don't go unless you really are having second thoughts!

Lyndie

Dear Lord- I meant to say go, unless you are having second thoughts. Sorry!

dj_canada

Just returned last night from a wonderful vacation on Thailand. The problems you write of are in the news daily but are happening in the very south of the country. At no time, did we see or experience anything that made us feel our personal safety was in danger.

My advice is take the same common-sense precautions you do each day at home, go and have a great time. The Thai people are wonderful, friendly and gracious hosts. I would go back in a heartbeat!

helen63

Thank you for all responses. I guess, I heard what I wanted to hear. I did not plan to cancel, but wanted some reassurance that other people feel the same way.