Travel In Deep South?

[garyinthailand]

I'm planning a visit to Songhkla for a few days next month, flying into Had Yai and working with a Peking Opera troupe at a Chinese temple.

Of course I know the general situation in South, and the bomb at Had Yai airport not so long ago. But I have no read on general conditions of travel for a Westerner. Best I can tell, the conflict there has been strictly Thai-on-Thai.

Has anyone visited the area recently, or have other information to help me? Thanks much.

[lopburi3]

I would hardly call blowing up the interior of an international airport "Thai on Thai". Or the bombs at tourist hotels. But yes; most deaths so far have been Thai.

That said the real danger is probably minimal; but I would not plan elective travel in that area. Can not give you an on the scene report but I have been in Hat Yai when train station was attacked in the past and the feeling is not good.

[mnoorsapl]

Driven to Songkhla and Kor Yor for seafood last week. People do go out for outings still, no impact in this region. Had Yai is busy as usual.

[Scalawag]

We live in Hat Yai just a mile from the airport.

I still feel safer here than I do in downtown LA or trying to cross the street in Bangkok!!!!!!!!!!!

[lopburi3]

We live in Hat Yai just a mile from the airport.

I still feel safer here than I do in downtown LA or trying to cross the street in Bangkok!!!!!!!!!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would also agree. But would not consider either of those examples as being very safe.

[fox]

Hatyai and Songkhla are quite safe.

However, avoid visiting Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.

These three provinces/states in the South are more than 90 % Thai muslims.

These are the dangerous places for Thais and visitors.

Some time ago a few Malaysian tourists suffered fatal casualties in these three

dangerous provinces. They just happened to be there.

Hatyai is ok, but be very cautious and be careful.

I was there a few months ago, but I was very careful where I went.

I am a regular visitor to Hatyai. It takes me about a five hours drive to Hatyai

from my Malaysian home.

Mai mee pan ha. Sawatdi.