Hi,

We're plaing to take 1+ week vacation in Thailand. But we heard that there's bird flu in there. Is this true? If so, can we still go? How can we find more info regarding this?

Also, how safe will be there? (like terroist attack, since many western people in there for vacation in that season)

Thanks a lot!

While there are no guarantees, Thailand is likely to be very safe. There have been only a few cases of Human contraction of Avian Flu. These people were exposed to live poultry and feces. Not on the usual tourist path. Thailand is 90-95% Buddhist and has not been subject to any significant terrorist activity. There have been a few small outbreaks in the extreme southern area. Again, not on the usual tourist path.

My wife and I are going for two weeks at the end of November. We've been before (post 9/11) and had no worries.

Have been to Thailand many times on business- almost always in November. Weather will be hot (it's always hot in Thailand) but it's a great place to go. Re the Bird Flu, I wouldn't worry about that- just avoid eating food sold on carts in the street.

If you are concerned about the avian flu go to www.cdc.gov/travel and read their section on the Avian flu.

I was jut in Bangkok in August. I vacation there regularly. Had no problems. As for the bird flu...the Four Seasons had a sign up in the breakfast buffet area stating that due to the bird flu it would only cook its eggs well done. Other than that...no one really seemed concerned about it. Check out the Bangkok Post newspaper which can be bought at Thai bookstores if there's one near you or you can go on line to bangkokpost.com. Happy Travels!

"(it's always hot in Thailand)"

Not necessarily so, if you head north around this time of the year. It is a very pleasant 25 degrees here at the moment and last night we had the duvets out.