Trouble in Thailand

Stretch · 3 Sep 2008 at 15:07

I need to plan a Holiday before the end of the month and I’m very keen on going to Thailand. I’ve been once already so I know what it’s like but I’m a little concerned about the recent trouble that’s flared up in the capital.

Is there anyone that’s been in the last few days who could tell me of their experiences? Is there anyone that's book a trip in the not too distant future that's felling a little apprehensive?

LiE · 3 Sep 2008 at 15:12

What troubles? An increase in the number of lady boys?

daz · 3 Sep 2008 at 15:13

I think they've declared martial law over there?

slambo69 · 3 Sep 2008 at 15:14

Check the foreign office website for travel advice.

Glaucus · 3 Sep 2008 at 15:14

if you've already been there, why not visit some other place. Loads of other places in that direction.

fluffmct · 3 Sep 2008 at 15:19

I hear Darfur is nice this time of year.

Cosimo · 3 Sep 2008 at 15:19

See here http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling...ravel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/thailand

I would avoid the place.

Stretch · 3 Sep 2008 at 15:21

msm722 said:
What troubles? An increase in the number of lady boys?

Yes, that's it. They've finally reached critical mass and the chain reaction has commenced.

slambo69 said:
Check the foreign office website for travel advice.

I’ve checked the foreign office website and the advice is vague to say the leased. They say you can go, but maintain caution and expect some disruption to public services. Tbh the fco always has warning against going to Thailand, as they do many other countries but most are safe the vast majority of the time

I'm looking for some "real life" experiences of how bad things actually are.

AcidHell2 said:
if you've already been there, why not visit some other place. Loads of other places in that direction.

Because I love the place, there's parts I've not been before and my girl friends not been at all.

howsertrading · 3 Sep 2008 at 15:23

I was really after some “real life” experiences of how bad thing actually are.

Where in Thailand are you heading?

PFLAPP · 3 Sep 2008 at 15:28

I wouldn't worry too much. We went 2 years ago (awesome place) when the same thing happened the day before I was about to go. when we got there was some military on the streets ........who were happy to pose for the cameras...... Bizarre I know but most of the people there weren't even aware off the coo?? You wont have any trouble, the tourists are well looked after over there. A friendly bit of advice when it comes to money, whatever price you are quoted for things you may want to buy don’t accept it, haggle. An example: I was offered a umbrella made out of wicker for 1500 baht which was about £10-12 (which too be fair was really well made and looked great) I saw it later at the croc zoo for 90 baht??? That goes for almost everything, same thing happened when we went to a live Thai-Kickboxing event, the people sitting next to us paid twice what we did because they didn’t haggle.

Hope you have a great time

Stretch · 3 Sep 2008 at 15:30

howsertrading said:
Where in Thailand are you heading?

I was going to start in Bangkok itself for a couple of days. Then head north to Chang Mai for the majority of the time (only going for 2-3 weeks). Then time/safety permitting head down south to one of the smaller islands round the Puhket area.

Skull · 3 Sep 2008 at 16:25

I've talked to some of my friends in Bangkok and they say its not a big problem, but it might an idea to avoid the traditionally troublesome southern region. I'm going for two weeks at the end of October, flying into Bangkok then up to Chiang Mai so I hope it doesn't get any worse!

RDM · 3 Sep 2008 at 16:28

Heading to Koh Lanta for a week at the end of October, hopefully things will have settled by then!

Hedge · 3 Sep 2008 at 16:36

My mate has went here for 3 months http://www.tigermuaythai.com/Muay_thai_camp_accommodations.htm

hope hes okay lol

Guardsmon · 3 Sep 2008 at 16:37

My sister left Thailand yesterday after spending 2 weeks there. She didn't have any trouble at all doing the normal student GAP year travelling. Depends where you going and what you're planning to do really.

Stretch · 3 Sep 2008 at 16:40

Guardsmon said:
My sister left Thailand yesterday after spending 2 weeks there. She didn't have any trouble at all doing the normal student GAP year travelling. Depends where you going and what you're planning to do really.

Where was she staying, what were her experiences of Bangkok?