Hey every1,

I was planning to take my wife to Karon beach next week for holidays but am unsure of situation there.We have been many times previously but concerned now because we saw on news here (Ireland) that swine flu rates were highest in bangkok and phuket and that airport flu scanners were installed.We were told we should wear surgical masks on airoplane! We are both healthy and 30's and not in the risk bracket but dont want to spend holidays in bed sick.

Also,I am wondering if bars and restaurants we frequent when we're usually there will still be opened with current economic situation. So basically I am worried I go with my wife and the place is empty and I have to listen to her for 3 weeks! (kidding)

Cheers,

Fintan

Hey every1,

I was planning to take my wife to Karon beach next week for holidays but am unsure of situation there.We have been many times previously but concerned now because we saw on news here (Ireland) that swine flu rates were highest in bangkok and phuket and that airport flu scanners were installed.We were told we should wear surgical masks on airoplane! We are both healthy and 30's and not in the risk bracket but dont want to spend holidays in bed sick.

Also,I am wondering if bars and restaurants we frequent when we're usually there will still be opened with current economic situation. So basically I am worried I go with my wife and the place is empty and I have to listen to her for 3 weeks! (kidding)

Cheers,

Fintan

Hi

Really not my business, but is it not possible that this poster would get 100% better feed-back for his valid queries from helpful tv members if the topic was included, right up top?

NSU? Non Specific Uselessnomenclature?

Don't give swine flu a single thought. Practice your germ control as you always would, (or always should). Wash hands often, especially before eating, avoid toughing things in public such as door handles, avoid sick people if possible, etc.

Some restaurants are closed, but vast majority are open. There are still lots of tourists here now. It is a great time to visit due to low prices on airfares and rooms. Just be careful at the west coast beaches as the surf can be big and dangerous this time of year.

...well his inquiry is politely formulated with a clear context and at the right level of details to include us in ;-)

Unfortunately I am not in Phuket right now and as such I am not able to give any answer. :-(

Don't give swine flu a single thought. Practice your germ control as you always would, (or always should). Wash hands often, especially before eating, avoid toughing things in public such as door handles, avoid sick people if possible, etc.

Some restaurants are closed, but vast majority are open. There are still lots of tourists here now. It is a great time to visit due to low prices on airfares and rooms. Just be careful at the west coast beaches as the surf can be big and dangerous this time of year.

Hi,

Thanks for your info,and I know from first hand experiences about the surf as I had a very close call the first time I went to Phuket.I got caught in a rip and couldnt swim back in but luckily I was spotted by someone who alerted the lifeguards.I have been back since many times and trust me I dont leave the sand!

Yea I am pretty sure we will go to Phuket,just want to leave booking to last minute in case things change.There are too many travel agents going bust here in Ireland every day!

Thanks

Current situation in Phuket is fairly normal for low season, some restaurants closed but such is usually the case in low season. Many great hotel deals are available, even more than usual doe to lower occupacy. The lower tourist arrivals seem more related to the global economy than the swine flu. I see very few people here with face masks and concern seems much less than during the bird flu time several years ago.

This is the SW monsoon season, and Karon beach faces W so times of high winds and waves are normal during this period, which can be expected to persist until Oct-Nov.