Is Thailand Really More Dangerous Than Sudan?

[churchill]

The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued an advisory against all but essential travel to the whole of Thailand. This is because of the sporadically violent stand-off between authorities and protesters who would like immediate elections and the chance to bring down the government. The protests and sit-ins have largely been peaceful but this month they did turn violent and there were fatalities. Yesterday there was more blood shed.

Nonetheless the problems have been almost completely confined to the capital Bangkok, and even then to parts of and not the whole city. I understand the Foreign Office’s caution – the last thing it wants is British tourists to be killed after it had failed to warn of the dangers, and of course the situation could deteriorate. But at the moment the warning, as the Thais will be lobbying the British government today, looks over the top. Tourists and tourist areas have not been involved.

The Thais point out that the Foreign Office is not warning against travel in the whole of Sudan, the whole of Iran or even the whole of Iraq. Thailand of course is hugely dependent on tourism and the unrest is already strangling the economy. In the past Bangkok airport, through which much of the tourist trade passes, has been blocked. But that is not likely to be the case again. All those Brits stranded in Bangkok by the Icelandic volcano can testify to the hospitality on offer.

As some of the commenters on our stories point out, the advice as it stands today looks like an exaggerated exercise in covering one’s behind.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/adrianmi...ous-than-sudan/

[roamer]

The USA also today bought its warning up to the same level as the UK and you'll will find others doing the same. I think you'll find this is intelligence led. The belief is that there will be a major onslaught on the reds and that this will spark unrest throughout Thailand. I think they've called this one right. Wait and see.

Canada and, wait for it..............................Vietnam have also joined the club!!! Actually thats a break in ASEAN solidarity the Thai's won't take too kindly to.