Is it wise to travel to Thailand

Thorbar

Not sure if this thread should be in here or the travel / holidays board but seeing as its concerned with the current political climate in Thailand I though it would be suited here.

I'm planning on going for a month's holiday with my girlfriend in Thailand this summer. We're a bit concerned about the recent unrest over the last 4 months, with over 100 people killed in the latest outbreak. Although we're not going to the south where the violence has been occuring, do you reckon we're taking a major risk heading there? At the moment our plan is to just monitor the situation and try and judge closer to the time if its alright to make the trip. If anyone has any more information on the situation or advice on what we should do it would be greatly appricated.

monument

It look as if it's only in the south???

11.45am Today
112 killed in Thai battle

Hobbes

Checked iJet. (btw this should be in holidays).

You might not be able to read the link without a PW (which I can't give you).

http://worldcue.ijet.com/tic/FindLocation.action?locSrch=thailand

UPDATE: Security heightened at the Songkhla Hat Yai International Airport Thailand. Islamic separatist attacks continue in restive southern provinces April 21.

Locations affected by this alert:
Thailand

UPDATE to April 19 alert; new intelligence in [brackets]:

[Thai authorities increased security at southern Thailand's Songkhla Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) following attacks against police in southern Thailand April 20-21. Thailand's Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit ordered increased security in Hat Yai and added that the number of soldiers in the southern region would double. Travelers to the airport will be subject to extra security checks. Air force troops will also be deployed in all passenger halls. Avoid non-essential travel to the restive southern provinces of Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani; authorities fear an increase in public attacks.]

[Thailand's southern violence continues; attacks against police officers and their homes occurring April 20-21 left at least one police officer dead. An estimated 1,000 police are seeking to transfer from the south, according to Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh April 19. Security could deteriorate further as recent attacks may prompt more police officers to request transfers.]

Authorities deployed troops at railway stations and on trains indefinitely in southern Thailand following the killing of a rail worker April 18. Separatists are increasingly targeting Thailand's southern railways.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT), union representatives and security authorities held an urgent meeting following a one-day strike that halted train service April 18 by union workers seeking stronger security measures. Since separatist violence renewed in early January, suspected militants have killed three rail workers and removed 60 bolts from train tracks in an attempt to derail trains on April 18.

Maintain a high level of security awareness and be alert to surroundings at all times. Report suspicious objects to local authorities; never handle a suspicious object or package.

Security



Introduction to the security situation in Thailand.

Crime is a concern throughout Thailand. Be aware that crime problems include petty theft and a variety of scams. Also be aware that some theives drug victims' food or drinks before stealing property. Crime in the capital city, Bangkok, with a population of approximately 6 million, is similar to that of other major international cities. Theft of personal property in beach resort areas is endemic. Buy valuable items such as antiques and jewelry (gems) only from reputable dealers. Limit credit card use to high-end restaurants, hotels and stores; monitor all transactions closely.

Public buses and trains are generally safe for travel, but petty crime is a concern. Limit use to daylight hours and avoid routes that service poorer areas. Although legitimate taxis generally provide good service, a series of murders of foreign tourists in late 1998 and early 1999 prompted local authorities to advise travelers against taking unlicensed taxis from the airport. Hotel limousines or private cars/drivers are preferable to both taxis and tuk-tuks. (Tuk-tuks are the local three-wheeled vehicles that can maneuver quickly through Bangkok's traffic but are often involved in serious accidents.) Women should avoid taking taxis alone at night.

Large-scale demonstrations and protests do not occur often in Thailand, but travel may be impeded by general strikes. Public transportation and other services are severely affected during strike periods. Labor unions may hold large demonstrations. Most demonstrations occur in urban areas and are generally peaceful.

International terrorism is not a concern in Thailand; Thai officials maintain a high level of security awareness and actively conduct terrorist investigations. Domestic terrorist activity is mostly conducted by Muslim separatists active in the southern regions of Narathiwat, Pattalung, Pattani and Yala. Thai and Malaysian authorities have agreed to improve the security situation along the border, where many rebels operate. Attacks on police and military personnel and installations are common in the southern regions. Bombings and other attacks on local politicians, police stations and newspaper offices occur with some frequency, but are usually attributed to personal disputes rather than to terrorism.

Fighting between Myanmar's army and the Shan State Army (SSA) is causing tensions between Thailand and Myanmar; Myanmar is accusing Thailand of aiding SSA rebels. Most of the fighting is occurring in Pan Kan Kaw and Kaw Muang, adjacent to Thailand's Mae Hong Son province. Travel to this region should be avoided.

Lots more, but more then I can post. From personal experience (in other countries) always research a country you are going to well in advance.