| Is it safe to come to Thailand on Holiday? | | | | From the airport you have access to the major |
| This article is time dependent. So if you're reading | | | | road networks that take you North, South, West |
| it in 2015 you already know the answer. | | | | and East to Pattaya well away from Bangkok. |
| I'm writing about now. May 2010. Watching the | | | | Bangkok today is returning to normal and there |
| news no matter where in the world you are you | | | | are no more demonstrations or attacks on |
| can not help but see the coverage of the Red | | | | government buildings anywhere in Thailand. There |
| shirts blockading the city center of Bangkok. | | | | have been rumors that the demonstrators where |
| The violence and killings shocked the world and | | | | paid to be there. How true that is I don't know. |
| many countries advised there citizens not to | | | | What I do know is the leaders of the Red Shirts |
| travel to Thailand. This advice has seriously | | | | have been arrested and are awaiting charges. Is |
| damaged Thailand's reputation as the number 1 | | | | their cause just? It's not for me to say. Rather |
| holiday destination in South East Asia not only for | | | | the people of Thailand to decide. |
| value for money but safety. | | | | So if you're planning to visit one of Thailand's |
| As a long time resident of Thailand I feel I should | | | | holiday destinations then come. Do not be put off. |
| explain what is really happening in Thailand and to | | | | You will find Thailand and the Thai people most |
| answer the question "Is it safe to come to | | | | welcoming. |
| Thailand" | | | | At the moment many Hotels and apartment |
| I will not give a history lesson as what lead to this | | | | owners are offering special low rates to holiday |
| situation Thailand now finds it's self in as I would | | | | makers. |
| have write a whole new article. | | | | Also Christmas and New Year bookings are now |
| But just to say. In Thailand change comes from | | | | being offered at reduced rates. There is always a |
| Bangkok. So if you want to change the | | | | worry when you see the troubles in a foreign |
| government you protest in Bangkok. A quote | | | | country you're planning to visit. Understandable. |
| from the General who lead the 2006 coupe which | | | | But in Pattaya alone there are over 50,000 |
| toppled Prime Minister Taksin from power. | | | | expats living, there has been no rush to get out. |
| Quote: "The country elects the government but | | | | There is no panic no sense of impending doom. |
| Bangkok decides on it" | | | | Far more serious are the troubles in the far South |
| What does this tell us? It means nothing of | | | | of the country. The last three provenances have |
| importance happens without Bangkok agreeing. | | | | suffered from a Muslim insurgency for an |
| Back to the question. (Is it safe to come to | | | | independent state for well over 6 years which |
| Thailand on holiday?) I say yes it is. | | | | has resulted in many deaths and bomb attacks in |
| Outside of Bangkok life goes on as usual. | | | | that region. This does have some news coverage |
| Especially in all the main holiday destinations, such | | | | abroad but this has not resulted in putting holiday |
| as Phuket, Koh Sumui, Chang Mai, Aytthaya and | | | | makers off visiting Thailand. |
| of course Pattaya. As a tourist, Thai's welcome | | | | This is an area I would strongly recommend |
| you now more so than ever. | | | | avoiding. |
| Pattaya is the closest holiday destination to | | | | The current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is |
| Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. The fact that | | | | committed to holding a general election with in the |
| this is the main international airport of Thailand and | | | | next year and half and he is working to repair the |
| is in Bangkok has put people off coming. But the | | | | social imbalances that exist in Thai society. |
| airport is south of Bangkok, no where near were | | | | So is it safe to come to Thailand on holiday? I |
| the troubles have been. | | | | THINK YES. |