13 Nations Urged To Withdraw Their Travel Advisory Against Travelling To Thailand

[webfact]

13 nations urged to withdraw their travel advisory

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand is calling on 13 countries to withdraw their advisory against travelling to the Kingdom based on fears of possible terrorist attacks, senior government figures said Thursday.

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said he would discuss the matter with diplomats from European Union member countries and update them on the current situation in Thailand.

"It has been a long time since they first issued the warning. Now the threat no longer exists. There is no terrorism here because Thailand is friendly with every country, including Muslim nations and the Middle East," he said.

Surapong added that he was also planning to speak to the US ambassador about the matter.

"People often believe in what the United States has to say, though sometimes the information can be inaccurate," he said, urging the US to be more careful about making announcements that could adversely affect Thailand in the future.

Of the 21 countries that issued travel advisories, nine - namely the US, China, Germany, France, Israel, Brazil, Norway, Netherlands and Denmark - have either withdrawn or eased their warnings. However, 13 countries, namely the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Taiwan, Greece, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Sweden, Italy, Romania, Ireland and New Zealand, have retained the warning, the minister said.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung Thursday called on these countries to withdraw the warning, saying that the government had the matter under control.

"Everything is alright now," he said.

Speaking at Thursday's House of Representatives meeting, Chalerm said he felt the United States was "too easily startled" and was the first to issue the travel advisory, which encouraged other countries to do the same.

Chalerm said Thai authorities worked closely with the international police organisation Interpol about the movements of terrorist suspects.

He explained that the Lebanese man arrested in Thailand for suspected terrorist activity was not planning an attack in the country. He said investigators had found that the suspects were in Thailand to prepare for attacks in another country.

-- The Nation 2012-02-02

[OccamsRazor]

"People often believe in what the United States has to say, though sometimes the information can be inaccurate,"

Doesn't appear to be the case this time considering who and what was found.

"Speaking at Thursday's House of Representatives meeting, Chalerm said he felt the United States was "too easily startled"

As usual, Chalerm opens his mouth and garbage comes out. The Thai government was given ample advanced notice and decided to sit on their thumbs. When the alert was given, seems he was the one 'too easily startled'.

[whybother]

The Australian travel advisory for Thailand.

• We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to the threat of terrorist attack, particularly in the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where we advise you not to travel.
  
• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
  
• In January 2012, Thai authorities made arrests and seizures in Bangkok in relation to an alleged terrorist plot. A number of governments have warned their citizens about possible terrorist attacks against tourist areas in Bangkok. The Thai investigation is ongoing.
  
• Large scale political demonstrations and related incidents in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand have occurred in recent years. You should avoid protests and political rallies, and any security deployments associated with such events.
  
• ...
  

http://www.smartrave...Advice/Thailand

It doesn't look like anything needs to be changed ... except remove the bit about demonstrations maybe.

Edited February 2, 2012 by whybother

[Pib]

There is no terrorism here because Thailand is friendly with every country, including Muslim nations and the Middle East," he said.

Yes, Thailand is on every terrorist's list of friendly countries because its a good place to buy bomb making material and chances of getting caught are low. And of course the Muslims in southern Thailand show their love for Thailand almost daily in the bombings and shootings.

[Buchholz]

Thailand is calling on 13 countries to withdraw their advisory against travelling to the Kingdom

Why doesn't Foreign Minister Surapong simply threaten to sue them if they don't. His cousin Thaksin would.

.

[Buchholz]

Foreign Ministry tells foreign ambassadors to mollify terror warning

BANGKOK, 2 February 2011 (NNT)-Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul is set to speak to ambassadors of seven EU countries this afternoon over the situation in Thailand following the terrorist alert by the U.S. earlier this month.

He revealed that 9 countries have already lifted their travel warning against Thailand while the advisory remains active in 13 other nations namely Australia, Japan, South Korea, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The ambassadors from the said countries, including the United States, are expected to arrive at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this afternoon for an update on the current situation in Thailand. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been assigned to give them the explanation.

Mr. Surapong said foreign tourists continue to travel to Thailand despite the warning.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister expressed his reservation regarding a call by international scholars to amend Article 112 of the Criminal Code, saying that the Thai government would not change its course.

He added that the government was not obligated to reply them in letter, and that it was their rights to free speech.

Mr. Surapong said, on other issues, that the relationship between Thailand and Myanmar is strong and this has helped promote trustworthy that European nations have when they come to talk with Myanmar. It should also open an opportunity for Thailand to play an important role in promoting relations between Europe and Myanmar.

-- NNT 2012-02-02

[wolf5370]

He revealed that 9 countries have already lifted their travel warning against Thailand while the advisory remains active in 13 other nations namely Australia, Japan, South Korea, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Erm, namely means to name them, 1-Australia, 2-Japan, 3-South Korea, 4-Italy and the 5-United Kingdom, 6?,7?,8?,9?

I presule the "tells" in "Foreign Ministry tells foreign ambassadors to mollify terror warning" is just a translation issue, and should read "asks", and "mollify" is a strange word to use here, OK it can also mean "to soften, but I wonder if that too was meant to be "modify"

[Buchholz]

"There is no terrorism here because Thailand is friendly with every country, including Muslim nations and the Middle East," he said.

urging the US to be more careful about making announcements that could adversely affect Thailand in the future.

"Everything is alright now," he said.

-----

So he says that because Thailand is friendly with every country that it is safe here? Ummm, look south and he'll see that's not the case. It's just a matter of time before that bloody war comes to the capital.

Then says that another country, regardless of it's decision to protect IT'S citizens should worry about how it affects Thailand?

Then acknowledges that there WAS an issue but "is alright now"

I ask everyone, what kind of clowns work for this country? Sheeesh.

Just read about 2 of them that were identified.

Looks like Coco (Jatuporn) and Bozo (Chalerm) are having a clowning competition.

[lungmi]

The Travel Advisory must change. Terrorism is not the main aspect: Only farangs with lifeguard experience or life vest should come to Thailand, the next flood is promoted by the terrorizing ignorance of the government.

[PoodMaiDai]

Anyone see the horrible photo floating around of the Thai soldier carrying the HEADS of two other Thai soldiers who were BEHEADED in the south?

Yea, no terrorism happening here.

What should be added to any travel warning about Thailand is just how dangerous it is for tourists. Be it the road, faulty showers electrocuting people, violence against foreigners, scams that turn violent, and the general mafia presence in general that is targeting them. Giving people better information BEFORE they get here may save lives and keep them from being abused and/or extorted.

[PoodMaiDai]

I ask everyone, what kind of clowns work for this country? Sheeesh.

They should make all public officials were clown shows so they can easily be identified in public.

[Sharp]

Come on please stop the warnings it won't be long before the idiots r on the streets again lets have a month or two with no drama

[Macmundi]

Terrorism is nothing compared to the scam artists everywhere in Thailand. It will not kill you, but it will let you go home broke.

[AZBill]

Given that the Thai police actually found a terrorist with a house load of bomb making material despite their denials of terrorists beforehand gives just a tad of credence to the US warning and, well, discredits an already dubious self-serving and clearly inept and overtly corrupt Thai government. It's funny to hear the Thai government try to chastise the US. Like anyone, especially Americans, cares what the Thai government has to say about anything! Don't get me wrong. I love Thailand and the people are wonderful, but I am definitely not a fan of their government on certain issues, just as I am not a fan of my own on many occassions. But having lost friends in the 9/11 disaster, I can say with a critical eye that the US is much better at this kind of thing than the Thai government can ever hope to be, and if our government thinks there is a threat to its citizens, then I'm paying attention. If we learned anything here, its better to be safe than sorry, because sorry can be pretty damned bad! I hope Thailand never has to learn that lesson firsthand.

[noitom]

"People often believe in what the United States has to say, though sometimes the information can be inaccurate,"

Doesn't appear to be the case this time considering who and what was found.

"Speaking at Thursday's House of Representatives meeting, Chalerm said he felt the United States was "too easily startled"

As usual, Chalerm opens his mouth and garbage comes out. The Thai government was given ample advanced notice and decided to sit on their thumbs. When the alert was given, seems he was the one 'too easily startled'.

Second of all, it was the Israelis who smoked out the threat and identified the cell and notified the Thai government as early as Dec 18, and some documentation states that the Israelis notified as early as Dec 8, then again on Dec 18, Jan 8 along with the US. No action taken by complacent Thais motivated embassy alert notices.

[gopnarak]

There is no terrorism here because Thailand is friendly with every country, including Muslim nations and the Middle East," he said.

I really like Thailand.

"People often believe in what the United States has to say, though sometimes the information can be inaccurate," he said, urging the US to be more careful about making announcements that could adversely affect Thailand in the future.

Another point probably many other here at this forum would agree with.

I mean someone who would believe these in these alarmist terror warnings, would have probably left Thailand already for the sake of his own safety, thus have no reason to hang around here and moan how scary, terrible and extraordinarily dangerous everything here is.

[noitom]

I ask everyone, what kind of clowns work for this country? Sheeesh.

They should make all public officials were clown shows so they can easily be identified in public.

They can easily be identified in suits and other street clothes. No need for clown otfits and pop on red noses. What's hard to spot is anyone who is not a clown.

[gopnarak]

Given that the Thai police actually found a terrorist with a house load of bomb making material despite their denials of terrorists beforehand gives just a tad of credence to the US warning and, well, discredits an already dubious self-serving and clearly inept and overtly corrupt Thai government. It's funny to hear the Thai government try to chastise the US. Like anyone, especially Americans, cares what the Thai government has to say about anything! Don't get me wrong. I love Thailand and the people are wonderful, but I am definitely not a fan of their government on certain issues, just as I am not a fan of my own on many occassions. But having lost friends in the 9/11 disaster, I can say with a critical eye that the US is much better at this kind of thing than the Thai government can ever hope to be, and if our government thinks there is a threat to its citizens, then I'm paying attention. If we learned anything here, its better to be safe than sorry, because sorry can be pretty damned bad! I hope Thailand never has to learn that lesson firsthand.

What kind of lesson has to be learned firsthand?

How about this one:

There is no terrorism here because Thailand is friendly with every country, including Muslim nations and the Middle East.

Thailand or "the Thai government try to chastise the US"??? I think you got something wrong here and the Thai govt or Thailand is friendly with the US too.

[webfact]

'Withdraw travel warning'

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand is calling on 13 countries to withdraw their advisory against travelling to the Kingdom based on fears of possible terrorist attacks, senior government figures said yesterday.

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said he would discuss the matter with diplomats from European Union member countries and update them on the current situation in Thailand.

"It has been a long time since they first issued the warning. Now the threat no longer exists. There is no terrorism here because Thailand is friendly with every country, including Muslim nations and the Middle East," he said. Surapong added that he was also planning to speak to the US ambassador about the matter.

"People often believe in what the United States has to say, though sometimes the information can be inaccurate," he said, urging the US to be more careful about making announcements that could adversely affect Thailand in the future.

Of the 21 countries that issued travel advisories, nine - namely the US, China, Germany, France, Israel, Brazil, Norway, Netherlands and Denmark - have either withdrawn or eased their warnings.

However, 13 countries, namely the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Taiwan, Greece, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Sweden, Italy, Romania, Ireland and New Zealand, have retained the warning, the minister said. Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday called on these countries to withdraw the warning, saying that the government had the matter under control.

-- The Nation 2012-02-03

[oggie911]

i am irish and i could not give a flying f@@k what the stupid irish goverment says there f@@king con men and if some other european country tells then what to do they jump,i was there when the red shrits where out looking to fight the thai goverment i had no problem now back in ireland the slaves of the euro zone are scared,no work mafia everywhere junkies shooting people daily,thailand ok

[ralphlsasser]

The US and all the other countries should keep the warnings. The clowns are hurting for tourist dollars and will say or do anything to get them back. That's the THAI way. MONEY is all they are interested in. Corrupt a$$holes.

[mijan24]

i am irish and i could not give a flying f@@k what the stupid irish goverment says there f@@king con men and if some other european country tells then what to do they jump,i was there when the red shrits where out looking to fight the thai goverment i had no problem now back in ireland the slaves of the euro zone are work mafia everywhere junkies shooting people daily,thailand ok

Whose side are you on Red, Yellow or have you donned a "Green Shirt" to cause confusion amongst the Thailacorns.

[Gianni77]

There are worse things in Thailand than terrorist attacks, but I see no warnings on that

I just see these countries have no confidence in the government's ability to handle these things, can you blame them? Hmmm...

Have a great weekend everyone!

[ricdb]

They were planning attackin another country?

Does any one ask , what country?

[IAMHERE]

It isn't that the specific threat is solved, it is that the Thai Government covered it up for so long and was willing to do absolutely nothing about it or to even admit that a threat existed. The basic problem is still intact in that it will take a lot of blood on the streets before a worth while warning comes from those that should have issued it in the first place and not wait till they were forced to by falang influence.

[oggie911]

i am irish and i could not give a flying f@@k what the stupid irish goverment says there f@@king con men and if some other european country tells then what to do they jump,i was there when the red shrits where out looking to fight the thai goverment i had no problem now back in ireland the slaves of the euro zone are work mafia everywhere junkies shooting people daily,thailand ok

Whose side are you on Red, Yellow or have you donned a "Green Shirt" to cause confusion amongst the Thailacorns.

i wear a green on on paddys day,lol

[oggie911]

i am irish and i could not give a flying f@@k what the stupid irish goverment says there f@@king con men and if some other european country tells then what to do they jump,i was there when the red shrits where out looking to fight the thai goverment i had no problem now back in ireland the slaves of the euro zone are scared,no work mafia everywhere junkies shooting people daily,thailand ok

Thank you for your meaningfull contribution to the topic at hand. I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday.

it was not a holiday i was there for a year just got married it was a 1 yr honeymoon plus the fights ,she just had a baby 1 hour ago my 1st daughter i drunk in real thai fashion she tell you drunk stay home and go work tomorrow weird night for me,plus the microwave blew up

[oggie911]

i a green coat i just became a daddy 1 hour ago new daughter i happy

[alanferdi]

"People often believe in what the United States has to say, though sometimes the information can be inaccurate,"

Doesn't appear to be the case this time considering who and what was found.

"Speaking at Thursday's House of Representatives meeting, Chalerm said he felt the United States was "too easily startled"

As usual, Chalerm opens his mouth and garbage comes out. The Thai government was given ample advanced notice and decided to sit on their thumbs. When the alert was given, seems he was the one 'too easily startled'.

GIGO - garbage in garbage out

[alanferdi]

i am irish and i could not give a flying f@@k what the stupid irish goverment says there f@@king con men and if some other european country tells then what to do they jump,i was there when the red shrits where out looking to fight the thai goverment i had no problem now back in ireland the slaves of the euro zone are work mafia everywhere junkies shooting people daily,thailand ok

Whose side are you on Red, Yellow or have you donned a "Green Shirt" to cause confusion amongst the Thailacorns.

i wear a green on on paddys day,lol

yea.....typical Paddy. view the world through the bottle neck and drink and everything is not what it seems. Keep fiddling ole lad. The world will play your tune some day.