Job Discussion Forums

giannifaz · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 6

Hallo there !

I hope that some of you that are already living and working in Thailand can reassure me about safety in Thailand and particularly Bangkok. The international press writes a lot of things about risks for foreigners, which are apparently the main target of terrorists. I was already told not to worry too much about this but, as i am supposed to come over shortly, i am very much indecised on the decision to make now. I have never been to Thailand before and a while ago I was excited about it. Now, after reading all these news, I am very nervous about it and my safety always comes FIRST !

I look forward to receive some replies on this matter.
Many thanks !
Laughing

Regards,

Gianni

White_Elephant · Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 175

I travel all over BKK and I feel safe. BKK is a lot more safe than some areas of Thailand, especially the southern part where there was a bomb recently that exploded and killed several people including a few monks. There are all kinds of tourists who come to BKK alone and I've never heard any horror story from them other than a stolen ring from a pick pocketer. Stick to the main roads and you shouldn't have any trouble at all in BKK.

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

norbdemn · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 128

[quote="sigmoid"][quote] The international press writes a lot of things about risks for foreigners, which are apparently the main target of terrorists.[/quote]

I haven't read anything of this nature in either the international or local press. I would be interested if you could specify your source of this 'information'? It simply is not true.

Actually there were a number of bombs that were detonated in the city of Hat Yai in mid-September and two foreigners (the first and only) were unfortunately in the area and were killed.

Some facts:

1) the terrosists are active in the provinces along the Thai border with Malaysia, [u]quite far from Bangkok[/u].

2) they [u]do not target foreigners[/u], but in general have killed police, soldiers, government officers and in somes cases civilians and Buddhists monks. :(

Anyway, there is plenty of actual information here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Thailand_insurgency:

Also, there is an Italian version of wikipedia where you should search
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagina_principale[/quote]

I gotta disagree with Sigmoid in some aspects. Specifically, what happened in Hat yai recently (I was among the injuried) they actually did target foreigners! They want to make headlines. Targeting foreigners is the only way to attain this goal. Ironically, a few days prior to this incident there was a story on the Southern Violence on CNN and I was watching it at a Restaurant in the area that got hit!

Although the violence seems to be focused down south, it can easily make it's way to Bangkok (being realistic here).

I am not trying to crash your party, but your safety here in Thailand, in my opinion is not 100% guaranteed ( like anywhere else). Currently, the new Government is still trying to settle after the Coup took place (Thaksin may even try to challenge the Govt. - this remains to be seen - it's been said but doubt it will happen) and with the Violence down south the safety here remains in question.

It's peaceful now and believe it will remain that way in Bangkok and everywhere else (obviously not including the violent provinces) but you never know........

By the way, Authorities still do not know specifically who is responsible for the bombings in hat yai and they refuse to come forward (obviously) to have peace talks. The New PM is Muslim so it can help settle the unrest but it will not happened overnight.

I would refer to the Bangkok post for current information:

http://www.bangkokpost.com

You can also contact your Embassy.

ShaggyZ · Joined: 20 Nov 2006 Posts: 25 Location: Alberta

I lived in Nonthaburi (suberb of Bangkok) for 11 months and felt safter walking around there at night then I did back home. The terrorism is down south as sigmoid mentioned and they don't target tourists.

dvasas · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 138 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

I have been to Thailand 6 times before on vacations and find it quite safe, I did have a camera stolen but left my bag unattended.

norbdemn · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 128

[quote="ShaggyZ"] The terrorism is down south as sigmoid mentioned and they don't target tourists.[/quote]

Again, I strongly disagree. I pretty near lost my life in the bombings down south. Where did they occur? In high tourist areas. They did this for a reason - To confirm their presence.

All I recomend 'Giann' is to stay away from tourist areas especially if you are down south. Exercise caution. Bangkok and other provinces remain peaceful currently.

They still do not have the South under control and will probably take a long while before they do.

Actually, I would not be surprised if it escalates further.

Take care.

BedTiger · Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Posts: 55

Did you guys know that Thailand has the 3rd highest murder rate in the world ?

How safe you feeling now ?

http://www.chiangmainews.com/ecmn/viewfa.php?id=1612

gypsywoman · Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Posts: 63 Location: bangkok

That was an interesting article, but not that surprising if you read the papers here. Most of the murders are between thais, but then of course you get the guys who think they have found their Angel! lol who turns out to be something not so angelic! But at the end of the day, it is a poor country, you just have to be smart, dont argue, especially when drunk or with a drunk. Stay out of areas that are not right and follow your gut instinct.
If it was easy here, we would all stay home I'm sure. I like that it is an adventure every day, just depends what you are looking for I suppose.
But good article, I sent it to a few people that needed a wake up call lol
Cheers for that.