Travel warning issued by 10 countries against Southern Thailand

BANGKOK, 28 September 2011 (NNT) – The recent car bombs in Su-ngai Kolok district of Narathiwat province have prompted ten countries to warn their citizens against traveling to Southern Thailand, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

In the wake of three deadly car explosions in Su-ngai Kolok district on 16 September, which left 50 people injured and 4 dead, TAT Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific Markets Sansern Ngaorungsri stated that several nations had instructed travelers to avoid visiting the three southern border provinces of Thailand. They include Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, South Korea, Portugal and Malaysia.

Meanwhile, ten other countries, consisting of Australia, Canada, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, have cautioned their citizens against coming to the Deep South. Nonetheless, Mr Sansern believed the bomb attack only had short-term effects on local tourism, citing that Su-ngai Kolok still remained a popular destination among foreign tourists.

According to the Deputy Governor, the number of Asian visitors to Thailand during the first eight months of this year reportedly stands at 6.9 million, a 35 percent increase year-on-year. Chinese tourists alone account for 1.1 million.

-- NNT 2011-09-28

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It takes more than a bomb to keep Malaysian punters away from their whores.

Not just Malaysians.

Many happy nights spent in Takbai and Betong back in the 90's....!!!

Seems like the Thai government will hope this crisis in the South will go away, meanwhile in the past 7 years,over 74 Thai teachers have been killed plus monks and other peaceful, loving citizens. Yes, the bombing and attack on school busses and school is a work of terrorists and the question is ...the government can't stop outsiders that are connected to these Islamic militia groups?

Australia has been advising travelers not to visit the south for years.

Is this anything to do with the amnesty report a few days ago ?

18.000 people dying on Thailands roads per year, that should be worth a travel warning.

It takes more than a bomb to keep Malaysian punters away from their whores.

More important, why aren't those 10 countries issuing warnings about Pattaya and Phuket? The chances of being blown up in the deep south is less than the chances of getting raped, robbed, assaulted, conned, extorted, and being punished for it with jail time.

It takes more than a bomb to keep Malaysian punters away from their whores.

More important, why aren't those 10 countries issuing warnings about Pattaya and Phuket? The chances of being blown up in the deep south is less than the chances of getting raped, robbed, assaulted, conned, extorted, and being punished for it with jail time.

you forgot motorbike mugging {jewellery/gold snatchers}, murder, jet ski scams,tuk tuk mafia and the strange compusion that the over 50s seem to suffer from,.......to leap from balconies, especially if they are also disabled with a thai wife, not to mention the motorbike gangs that like to kill old men , and the fact that the police will find that you will be the guilty party cos you had the misfortune to be in thailand at the time, ....... why are we left to find these things out from experience ? our government should be warning of all these problems.

Australia has been advising travelers not to visit the south for years.

Same for UK

It takes more than a bomb to keep Malaysian punters away from their whores.

More important, why aren't those 10 countries issuing warnings about Pattaya and Phuket? The chances of being blown up in the deep south is less than the chances of getting raped, robbed, assaulted, conned, extorted, and being punished for it with jail time.

Not sure about those 10 countries but UK does warn about assault, theft and sexual assault.

There ARE bombings and terror attacks going on in the south. So it makes sense that governments warn their citizens about what is going on.

It isn't their role to give a complete run down of all the risks associated with travel in a poor country. And if you've come here for cheap sex you really are on your own. No one else has any moral obligation to look out for you.

From the Australian Government site :-

• Carefully consider your safety and the implications of accidents if you hire a motorcycle or jet ski. Australian travellers continue to report harassment and threats of violence by jet ski operators on tourist beaches, particularly in Phuket. You should check with your travel insurer whether these activities are covered by your policy. You may be detained and arrested by police following jet ski and motorcycle accidents until compensation, often in thousands of dollars, can be negotiated between parties.
• Tourists may be exposed to scams and more serious criminal activity in Thailand. Be aware that food and drink spiking occurs in Thailand, including around popular backpacker destinations such as Khao San Road in Bangkok and the night-time entertainment zones in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.

They also have Southern Thailand down as their highest warning - Do Not Travel.