Iraq, India And Colombia Top Maplecroft Terrorism List - Thailand Emerges As Extreme Risk Nation

[churchill]

Iraq, India And Colombia Top Maplecroft Terrorism List - Thailand Emerges As Extreme Risk Nation

A global ranking, revealing the countries most at risk from terrorist attacks, has rated Iraq as the most dangerous country for the second year running, whilst Thailand has slipped into the extreme risk category for the first time.

The Terrorism Risk Index (TRI) has been developed by Maplecroft for companies to assess terrorism risks to their international assets. The index measures not only the risks of an attack, but also the chances of mass casualties occurring.

Iraq (1), Afghanistan (2), Pakistan (3) and Somalia (4) top the ranking of 162 countries and are rated, along with Lebanon (5), India (6), Algeria (7), Colombia (8) and Thailand (9), as the only extreme risk nations.

More: http://www.maplecroft.com/about/news/terro...dex_feb_10.html

[Scott]

The two are not mutually exclusive. Egypt and India are also popular tourist destinations.

The point here is that this report will not help tourism. At some point, when bombings and civil disorder become common place enough, then tourists will think twice about coming here.

As a tourist destination, Thailand is known for it's night life (which is less vivacious than in years past) and for it's beaches. It's a destination where people come to relax. These problems are bad for tourists who seek a refuge from the stress of everyday life. Most tourists going to places like Egypt, do so to see the archeological sites. Thailand doesn't really have much attraction to these tourists.

[Mario2008]

The reports talk about countries as a whole, while it often certain regions that are dangerous, while other regions are much less or not dangerous. But the ranking of Thailand is worrysome and sign on the wall about the current political situation.

[plachon]

If Maplecroft's TRI is to be believed (and no reason to doubt they have not done their homework) and Thailand is only a whisker behind the likes of Colombia and Algeria in terms of risk, then isn't it time that tourists were given a bit more warning than they presently are? I know the British and Australian embassies have recently upped the level of risk they post on their websites with regards to Thailand, but what about other countries?

Supposing their is a serious terrorist incident and a number of foreign tourists are injured or killed, could they hypothetically sue their respective governments for not giving them sufficient prior warning of the risks faced? If people can sue cigarette manufacturers retrospectively for giving them lung cancer before the warnings appeared on the packets, then what about the failure of a govt to warn tourists about the threat posed by terrorism in this country or that? Sure as hel_l can't be too many tourists rocking up in Algeria or Iraq thinking it's all sun, sand and frolics on the beach; but the same cannot be said for those heading to Phuket or Patters.

Mind you, I do wonder if they (Maplecroft) base their forecast on past acts or future potential, in which case this should be stated upfront.

[Crushdepth]

Might want to look at how they define 'terrorism' if Thailand is on this list. Probably includes airport sit-ins, traffic blockades and similar dastardly acts.

[RJJ]

Might want to look at how they define 'terrorism' if Thailand is on this list. Probably includes airport sit-ins, traffic blockades and similar dastardly acts.

Thailand's rating probably plummeted when it announced the crackdown on farang bars; could be seen by some as an act of terrorism.

[kuffki]

Funny having this kind of rating now, following the reports of bad relations between Thailand and USA

I personally said long time ago, when Thailand refused to extradite Victor and spoke against USA wishes in regards to Burma that USA will find some diplomatic way to punish Thailand.

I think this is just the beginning of the punishment,there could be more to come

[astral]

Sorry, who/what is Maplecroft to make these statements????????????

Even their home page does not offer any answers,

just a load of waffle about "global risk indices".

No real credentials as far as I can see.

[backsoon]

Funny having this kind of rating now, following the reports of bad relations between Thailand and USA

I personally said long time ago, when Thailand refused to extradite Victor and spoke against USA wishes in regards to Burma that USA will find some diplomatic way to punish Thailand.

I think this is just the beginning of the punishment,there could be more to come

Yeaa, turn the Gulf of Thailand into Bay of Pigs!

P.S. If Thailand is a high risk country, where would you go?... Just be careful and don't stay at your home country!

Edited February 17, 2010 by backsoon

[JohnSkliros]

Perhaps you are all missing the point here. The Maplesoft Risk Index referred to in the news report deals with the risk of TERRORISM. It has nothing to do with "political risk" or other instability:

To provide a comprehensive picture of worldwide terrorism risk Maplecroft analyses terrorist incidents every six months for their frequency, intensity and number of victims, plus the proportion of attacks that were 'mass-casualty' in each nation. A country's historical experience of terrorism was also factored in along with threats made against it by groups such as al-Qaeda.

Ranked 11th in last year's Terrorism Risk Index, Thailand has now dropped two places in the ranking and into the extreme risk category. Terrorism incidents in Thailand's restive Muslim south - such as the October 2009 bomb attacks in Sungai Kolok - largely account for the country's rating.

The paragraphs above are taken from the Maplesoft website.

We must all be aware that in this instance (the southern province of Thailand), one rotten apple does NOT spoil the whole barrel.

Personally, I think that Maplesoft's method of rating an ENTIRE COUNTRY based on what are admittedly (by Maplesoft) isolated incidents is misleading and irresponsible in the extreme.

And the press should get their act (and facts) together too!

[FunkyGuru]

Sorry, who/what is Maplecroft to make these statements????????????

Even their home page does not offer any answers,

just a load of waffle about "global risk indices".

No real credentials as far as I can see.

True. Absolutely true. Risk to what? Human life? Well US should ranked even higher in that case. Incidences of gun shots and mugging are way to high in places like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Just because some fancy definition their law does not qualify such acts as crime, they don't get registered in statistics. How ridiculous it is.

US and it's friends, are so good at using such Statistics and prediction models to confuse the world. It is all matter of playing with words. I know of story for sure. Sometime back the Health Department or whatever it is called redefined the condition of 'constipation'. Initially it used to be 3 days of inactivity of bowels. Now it is 7 days of inactivity of bowels. Result? Suddenly the health index Showing health of average American improved. WoW.

Makes me think about all such analysts and Risk forecasters. Reminds of term 'arm chair intellect'. These are the ones who discuss poverty in Africa whilst sipping on some expensive French wine. No connection to ground reality nor the world at large. Ranking Iraq and Thailand, in sort of same category looks so farcical that it is hard for me to believe this report at all.

[backsoon]

Funny having this kind of rating now, following the reports of bad relations between Thailand and USA

I personally said long time ago, when Thailand refused to extradite Victor and spoke against USA wishes in regards to Burma that USA will find some diplomatic way to punish Thailand.

I think this is just the beginning of the punishment,there could be more to come

Yeaa, turn the Gulf of Thailand into Bay of Pigs!

P.S. If Thailand is a high risk country, where would you go?... Just be careful and don't stay at your home country!

One more thing. I live here. I like many things here. I also dislike many things here.

But honestly it must be said:- Thailand is safe and stable. That's for sure...

[123ace]

Sorry, who/what is Maplecroft to make these statements????????????

Even their home page does not offer any answers,

just a load of waffle about "global risk indices".

No real credentials as far as I can see.

True. Absolutely true. Risk to what? Human life? Well US should ranked even higher in that case. Incidences of gun shots and mugging are way to high in places like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Just because some fancy definition their law does not qualify such acts as crime, they don't get registered in statistics. How ridiculous it is.

US and it's friends, are so good at using such Statistics and prediction models to confuse the world. It is all matter of playing with words. I know of story for sure. Sometime back the Health Department or whatever it is called redefined the condition of 'constipation'. Initially it used to be 3 days of inactivity of bowels. Now it is 7 days of inactivity of bowels. Result? Suddenly the health index Showing health of average American improved. WoW.

Makes me think about all such analysts and Risk forecasters. Reminds of term 'arm chair intellect'. These are the ones who discuss poverty in Africa whilst sipping on some expensive French wine. No connection to ground reality nor the world at large. Ranking Iraq and Thailand, in sort of same category looks so farcical that it is hard for me to believe this report at all.

Go and live in the deep south where there is a very serious problem and a huge death toll. There is more to this place than Bangkok and a few beach resorts! you appear tp be 'the arm chair intellect' by making no reference to this, and please respond on the issue is the south in your reply and not just slate me on principle.

[Khun Jean]

Would the risk in Thailand be higher because there are so many USA companies in Thailand.

Maybe kick them out and the risk will be less.

[tomahawk]

The report is based on total number of terrorist incidents in country. In Thailand these occur frequently in the south, but nowhere else. If it were not for the southern violence, Thailand would not be on the list.

[selftaopath]

Funny having this kind of rating now, following the reports of bad relations between Thailand and USA

I personally said long time ago, when Thailand refused to extradite Victor and spoke against USA wishes in regards to Burma that USA will find some diplomatic way to punish Thailand.

I think this is just the beginning of the punishment,there could be more to come

Any action that, even remotely, suggests changing a corrupt system I am in favor of. The wonderful Thai people deserve better. Thailand is their country which appears to have been hijacked by the rich and corrupt who wield the only authority in Land of Scams.

[daveb1]

What a load of old cobblers! This is just put of a bigger plan to make everybody constantly scared of everything, keep everybody scared and they are easier to control!. Don’t believe a word of it!

[hawthorne]

Listing Thailand should destroy all credibility when so many countries actually have active terrorist groups operating within their boundaries and be pursued by that countires military. The Abu Sayef of the Philipines is a live and well and one Americain soldier from the 10th Mountain Division died in this fight this year, 2010, working along side the Fhilipino Ranger battalion.

A little less boistorious group in Spain "September Party" I am sure I got that wrong but didn't they just take credit for a bombing at the end of 2009?

Talk to anyone that lives in Colombia and has to deal with the country side rebels fighting for socialism.

The Mexican rebels of the south comprised of the indians who claim to be oppressed by the present government.

These are actual terrorist groups commiting crimes against the populace for the purpose of terrorizing the citizens.

[mythBuster]

But for now insurgents only kill Thai people, he government kills refugees and tourists with wallets are kept alone. London, Madrid, Paris, New York they all appeared to be more deadly for foreigners than Thailand. OR did the people who made the list did forsee the army's response on February 26th?

[londonthai]

the last time foreign tourists were killed (one or two) by the terrists act was on the new years eve in 2006. Before that one tourist was killed in hat yai by a bomb at the shopping centre. Non of bombs were aimed at foreigners.

compare that to indonesia (bali in 2004 I think) where some 50 people (mostly foreigners) were killed.

and where is israel on this list, where terrorism is common? some goes for many african countries

[Loyhaasip]

76 provinces - 3 have problems, (mostly generated by non-Thais) - Extreme Risk Nation???????????????????

[Sisaketmike]

Funny having this kind of rating now, following the reports of bad relations between Thailand and USA

I personally said long time ago, when Thailand refused to extradite Victor and spoke against USA wishes in regards to Burma that USA will find some diplomatic way to punish Thailand.

I think this is just the beginning of the punishment,there could be more to come

Yeaa, turn the Gulf of Thailand into Bay of Pigs!

P.S. If Thailand is a high risk country, where would you go?... Just be careful and don't stay at your home country!

One more thing. I live here. I like many things here. I also dislike many things here.

But honestly it must be said:- Thailand is safe and stable. That's for sure...

Thanks a lot. Thailand is still one of the best places to live. There’re problems all around the globe.

[mitrapaap]

Perhaps you are all missing the point here. The Maplesoft Risk Index referred to in the news report deals with the risk of TERRORISM. It has nothing to do with "political risk" or other instability:

To provide a comprehensive picture of worldwide terrorism risk Maplecroft analyses terrorist incidents every six months for their frequency, intensity and number of victims, plus the proportion of attacks that were 'mass-casualty' in each nation. A country's historical experience of terrorism was also factored in along with threats made against it by groups such as al-Qaeda.

Ranked 11th in last year's Terrorism Risk Index, Thailand has now dropped two places in the ranking and into the extreme risk category. Terrorism incidents in Thailand's restive Muslim south - such as the October 2009 bomb attacks in Sungai Kolok - largely account for the country's rating.

The paragraphs above are taken from the Maplesoft website.

We must all be aware that in this instance (the southern province of Thailand), one rotten apple does NOT spoil the whole barrel.

Personally, I think that Maplesoft's method of rating an ENTIRE COUNTRY based on what are admittedly (by Maplesoft) isolated incidents is misleading and irresponsible in the extreme.

And the press should get their act (and facts) together too!

Thank you for a very thoughtful explanation. I think you are right. I'm looking into this forum since years - finally I have learnt something in here.

[Garry9999]

LONDON (Reuters) - Iraq is the country most at risk from terrorist attacks for the second straight year, according to a ranking by global analysts Maplecroft, while Thailand has joined the nine countries most in danger for the first time.

<snip>

Violence in Thailand's restive Muslim south, such as October 6 2009 bomb attacks in Sungai Kolok that killed two and wounded 42, largely account for the country's rating of 9th, a rise from 11 the year earlier, the index of 196 countries shows.

<snip>

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61F28D20100216

[Credo]

So, first let's shoot the messenger (who are THEY to say this), then let's bury our heads in the sand (I haven't seen anything bad, so it's safe). The facts are the facts. The three southern provinces are the biggest contributor to problems, but let's remember that there are areas along the Burmese border that are no-go areas. There are areas along the Cambodian border that are not only no-go areas, but are mined.

Then there is the jewel in the crown of Thailand--Bangkok--which seems to have bombs or bomb scares on a far too frequent basis. A grenade or two here and there. It adds up.

As for it's not fair to list the entire country, the posters right. It's safe to visit Buri Ram. Well, maybe.

[sstuff3]

Funny having this kind of rating now, following the reports of bad relations between Thailand and USA

I personally said long time ago, when Thailand refused to extradite Victor and spoke against USA wishes in regards to Burma that USA will find some diplomatic way to punish Thailand.

I think this is just the beginning of the punishment,there could be more to come

Yeaa, turn the Gulf of Thailand into Bay of Pigs!

P.S. If Thailand is a high risk country, where would you go?... Just be careful and don't stay at your home country!

I am amazed by the constant USA bashing on this site. It appears that Maplecroft is a UK-based company (Registered in England and Wales, 24th Oct 2001)...

I'm am by no means saying that the USA is a "model of excellence"; in fact FAR FAR away from it! USA deserves bashing on a lot of issues.... but please check the facts before assuming that everything bad is originated from the USA.....

[webfact]

UPDATE

Korn upset with Thailand's ranking in terrorism risk index

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij on Wednesday expressed concerns over Thailand's ranking in Maplecroft's Terrorism Risk Index (TRI), where the country slipped into the extreme risk category for the first time.

While Iraq is ranked as the country most at risk from terrorist attacks for the second year running, ranked 11th last year Thailand has now dropped two places in the ranking and into the extreme risk category. Terrorism incidents in Thailand's restive Muslim south - such as the October 2009 bomb attacks in Sungai Kolok - largely account for the country's rating.

Korn said he was upset with the ranking, as the country has shown development in many areas in the past year. However, terrorism is still holding the country down.

He urged all Thais to focus on building peace. On Tuesday, the ministry joined 12 financial institutions to launch a commemorative pink wrist band campaign, to remind all Thais how happy they were on the previous birthday on His Majesty the King.

"We should focus more on our own problems and convey the message to the outside world how peaceful we are and how much we try to improve the situation. The problems would be solved only with Thais' supports," he said.

The Terrorism Risk Index (TRI) has been developed by Maplecroft for companies to assess terrorism risks to their international assets. The index measures not only the risks of an attack, but also the chances of mass casualties occurring.

On the list published on Maplecroft's web site are Iraq (1), Afghanistan (2), Pakistan (3) and Somalia (4) top the ranking of 162 countries and are rated, along with Lebanon (5), India (6), Algeria (7), Colombia (8) and Thailand (9) are the only extreme risk nations.

Others on the list are the Philippines (10), Turkey (14), Russia (15), Nigeria (24) and Spain (34) all rate as high risk countries, whilst the UK (41), China (43), USA (46) and France (56) are considered medium risk. Countries rated at low risk include Germany (81), Canada (116) and Australia (120).

-- The Nation 2010-02-17

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Tanaka]

Funny having this kind of rating now, following the reports of bad relations between Thailand and USA

I personally said long time ago, when Thailand refused to extradite Victor and spoke against USA wishes in regards to Burma that USA will find some diplomatic way to punish Thailand.

I think this is just the beginning of the punishment,there could be more to come

Yeaa, turn the Gulf of Thailand into Bay of Pigs!

P.S. If Thailand is a high risk country, where would you go?... Just be careful and don't stay at your home country!

One more thing. I live here. I like many things here. I also dislike many things here.

But honestly it must be said:- Thailand is safe and stable. That's for sure...

Absolutely. At least as long as you stay off the roads here.

[kuffki]

Funny having this kind of rating now, following the reports of bad relations between Thailand and USA

I personally said long time ago, when Thailand refused to extradite Victor and spoke against USA wishes in regards to Burma that USA will find some diplomatic way to punish Thailand.

I think this is just the beginning of the punishment,there could be more to come

Yeaa, turn the Gulf of Thailand into Bay of Pigs!

P.S. If Thailand is a high risk country, where would you go?... Just be careful and don't stay at your home country!

I am amazed by the constant USA bashing on this site. It appears that Maplecroft is a UK-based company (Registered in England and Wales, 24th Oct 2001)...

I'm am by no means saying that the USA is a "model of excellence"; in fact FAR FAR away from it! USA deserves bashing on a lot of issues.... but please check the facts before assuming that everything bad is originated from the USA.....

I think you misunderstood, i am the last person to bash USA.

In my opinion, good lesson has been taught to Thailand-Never bite a hand that feeds you!

I mean in reality, refusing to extradite V.Bout with the excuse that Thailand does not recognize FARC as being terrorist organization is such an insult to your "friend" who has been supporting you in so many ways.

Not to mention his extradition had no impact on Thailand at all.

Speaking against USA in regards to Burma, this is also something that you do not do in public to embarrass your friend. You either keep your mouth shut or discuss it in private.

Thailand decided to show the teeth and bite, fine so now there is no "food" for the hungry dog.

Just another perfect example that it helps to think prior to acting, and for every action there always is a reaction.

I really do not think its important what any of us Thai Visa members think. safe or not safe or whatever else.

Bottom line is Thailand has been placed in the 9th spot and this is where it will stay, "till further notice"

Impact of this ranking could be devastating for Thailand, not only in terms of tourism but also investment and relations. Should it turn violent in the next few weeks, it will only make the matters worse and really place Thailand in hot waters.

I wonder where or to whom they will run to seek help????

[ovenman]

While Iraq is ranked as the country most at risk from terrorist attacks for the second year running, ranked 11th last year Thailand has now dropped two places in the ranking and into the extreme risk category.

If Thailand was in eleventh place on this same list last year, moving just two places to ninth place hardly makes it sound like there has been a perceived descent into chaos in the past year.