I'm returning to Thailand next month (Bangkok). My fiancee had wanted to take me to stay at her family plantation (Durian farm. urgh!) in Chumporn for a few weeks, but her dad expressed concern about my safety. Even though Chumporn is not one of the provinces that has been experiencing troubles, he's worried that as a farang, I might be more in danger anywhere in the south, not just in the border provinces. Any of you around that area? Any concerns over safety?

He may be genuinely concerned as there have been threats beyond the border region but so far no evidence of any such problem that I have seen.

But I would go with his word as it may make a problem for him or other family members as well as you?

"But I would go with his word as it may make a problem for him or other family members as well as you?"

Good point...he may be making a very polite point by asking you to refrain from visiting for the present.

I'm sure you understand and wish him well.

was with my family 2 weeks ago in chumphon,we had no problems at all and enjoyed it there.can recomment the Thung wua len beach as a very nice and quiet bay.two kilometers long,white sand,many accomodations available.if you want an alternative to the durian farm-we stayed in chumphon in the Miao Guesthouse-wasn't sooo nice.very gready and impolite people.maybe u try the soksamer guesthouse,looked pritty nice and the owner is a friendly young beauty of a women.

See Paraglider's comment.

I live here around Chumpon, no safety problems whatsoever.

These paragliders are still around having fun, looks difficult though....

Lungling, maybe he probably doesn't realise how many farangs there are in Thailand at any given time. How many farangs are living or traveling down in the worst hit provinces? Must be some surely. Anyone been targetted or killed yet? Not that I know of.

You'll more than likely be more at risk from an accident just getting to the airport than being a victim of the southern problems.

If he's worried for yours and his own safety(from his community) so much then visit elsewhere in Thailand. Invite him to Hua Hin or Cha-Am. But don't let terrorists win by preventing people like yourself from traveling.

Get your a55 over here.

How many farangs are living or traveling down in the worst hit provinces? Must be some surely. Anyone been targetted or killed yet? Not that I know of.

An English guy was killed in Narathiwat about three months ago and another westerner was shot by two guys on a motorbike just before that.

I was down there myself a few weeks ago on a visa run to Kota Bharu and whilst sitting at an outside cafe waiting for the minivan to Hat Yai, the owner pulled me inside for my own safety.

Havng had a good chat with this cafe owner, a really nice guy, there is a SERIOUS threat to ANYONE down there. I can't stress highly enough the dangers in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and to an extent Songkhla (Hat Yai). Come 8pm the streets are empty!

That said, Chumphon (my old home town, how I miss her!) is hundreds of miles north and has no dangers regarding these issues.

To all the expat crew in Chumpers: How's it going down there guys...? I miss the place soooo much! Thung Wua Len (Cabana) Beach - Ooh baby, the seafood. Yummy!

Me and the missus spent a good few days in Chumpon town recently and found it one of the friendliest places we've been to.

Thanks all for the comments. Sounds like a wonderful place, I think I'll talk it over with my lady and recommend we go. (Just so long as she doesn't make me eat any durian!)

The best Durian comes from Chanthaburi anyway!!!

The best Durian comes from Chanthaburi anyway!!!

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And you can smell it from miles away.