Where Can A Tourist Go In Thailand?

[lovelomsak]

I was just reading the news about the bombings in southern Thailand and got thinking where can a tourist go anymore in Thailand. The more I read the news the more I wonder.

Down south insurgents with car bombs.

Phuket has tuk tuk mafia ready to attack and main tourists who willnot use their service or refuse to pay the over the top prices. On the beach jet ski operators scam people and attack them if there is any sign of displeasure

Pattaya just plain lots of crime,murders,drugs ,violent attacks. Jet ski operators doing same business there too as Phuket.

Chiang Mai has so much smoke it is unhealthy to be there. Many people die in the same hotel and nothing happens.

Bangkok is now dealing with foreigners with bombs. One lost his legs in a poor attempt to use a bomb,in public.

How many tourists really want to see the northeast?

Cambodia and Thai border still having problems.

Burma and Thailand borders still lots of problems.

Whats left?

Some of us could care less about these things . But people who save for 1 or 2 years for a holiday, I donot see much for them here any more. In my humble opinion.

[beano2274]

Just go anywhere you want to.

Why be scared, it could happen anywhere including your own country?

America - school killings

Norway - bombs shootings

just examples.

[brit1984]

I do not follow your logic. Are you being serious?

You have simply pointed out some imperfections, most of which are quite random and unlikely to affect the vast majority of tourists.

If tourists avoided travelling to places that aren't perfect there would be no tourism, globally.

Apologies if you were just joking.

[kerryk]

You have not mentioned why any of the reasons Thai Visa members come to Thailand yet.

[brit1984]

You have not mentioned why any of the reasons Thai Visa members come to Thailand yet.

To visit temples?

[isanbirder]

I've lived in Thailand for 20 years, and have nowhere near exhausted the possibilities. Mind you, I never go to Phuket or Pattaya, haven't been to Bangkok for ten or more years... but love Chiangmai.

What do tourists come here for, do you think? Birds and booze? One might hope some of them are more discriminating.

[MrJohnson]

Maybe you need to buy a map or take a break outside Thailand. There are beautiful and interesting things to see all over Thailand. The troubles you speak of get lots of news coverage but most affect only a relatively few tourists. There are still many repeat visitors to Thailand and not all of them, by the way, are spending their time in places like Pattaya. Many people come here to escape the cold winters of Europe or the oppressive and all too numerous 'nanny sates' around the globe. It sounds like you may need a break from Thailand and have a little reality check. It ain't that bad. Really.

[lovelomsak]

You have not mentioned why any of the reasons Thai Visa members come to Thailand yet.

I didnot mention them because I was actually thinking of the 2 week millionaires. The ones who make a large majority of the worlds tourists.These people want a nice beach and good restaurants and hotels they can brag about. Many of them donot want scam,bombs and to be threatened by locals. Mexicos violence has lost many people I know personally who went there for decades..I honestly feel Thailand is starting to be on the lossing end of tourism also because of everything that is happening here.

And that is the caucasian tourists. Asian tourists are even more concerned about safety and their health.

[Semper]

You have not mentioned why any of the reasons Thai Visa members come to Thailand yet.

I didnot mention them because I was actually thinking of the 2 week millionaires. The ones who make a large majority of the worlds tourists.These people want a nice beach and good restaurants and hotels they can brag about. Many of them donot want scam,bombs and to be threatened by locals. Mexicos violence has lost many people I know personally who went there for decades..I honestly feel Thailand is starting to be on the lossing end of tourism also because of everything that is happening here.

And that is the caucasian tourists. Asian tourists are even more concerned about safety and their health.

Are you in the tourist business, if not, why do you care if Thailand lose some tourists?

[Ulysses G.]

There has been "bad" things happening in Thailand since travelers first started coming here and pretty much everywhere else in the world too. This topic is just plain silly.

[JSixpack]

^Yeah, just ol' gloom 'n' doom. Tourism will increase this year, not to worry.

[sirineou]

Never had a problem anywhere, well nothing other than the usual.I remember the first time I came to Thailand,over 10 years ago, I was warned about the taxis and how they could take advantage of tourists and overcharge. When I arrived in BKK I found out that taxi was about 100 bth, so that even if they charged me double, I would loose $3, big deal.

I am not saying not to be careful, but if to save a couple dollars you ruin your vacation, then you are better off staying home where it is safe .

[bangkokburning]

I met a guy who was caught up in a Hat Yai bombing some years back. I personally arrived in Hat Yai the morning after that big explosion (I met him years later). My GFs good friend who I know well enough was talking her kid to McDs in HY (lives in Songkla) and missed this latest bombing by hours!

Caught up in three stupid bar brawls, none of which were my doing OR me being a hero.Been on a few very scary and overloaded boats. Almost got my ass kicked for saving some tourists from getting scammed.

Yeah, Phuket and Pattaya have all sorts of trouble these days and honestly, I would not step foot in the places. One thing sure, IF something does happen and you do get caught in a mess - zero help for you!

Then there was the bus in Myanmar that got into a head on with a parked jeep. Three dead. Or the fatality on the road from Van Vieng to Luang Prabang. Don't even get me started on the Cambodia stories.

Too bad the season is almost over - Andaman islands. Pick one, bring a tent and enjoy!

Edited April 3, 2012 by bangkokburning

[bangkokburning]

BTW - Thailand doesn't care if it loses farang, look at its visa policies. Besides, the Thai govt is only concerned about Hotel occupancies (tax) and airport capacity (tax). After that it cares absolutely nothing about tourism.

[IanForbes]

Have you considered the suicide topic?

I'm firmly in Isanbirder's camp.

What I've noticed about people the world over is many don't have a driving interest in anything. Those that do seem to have a far richer life. Men and women who have an interesting hobby or passion for something seem to never have enough time to do everything they want.

Those that don't have an artistic interest and a passion for life tend to drink too much and get depressed.

[brit1984]

BTW - Thailand doesn't care if it loses farang, look at its visa policies. Besides, the Thai govt is only concerned about Hotel occupancies (tax) and airport capacity (tax). After that it cares absolutely nothing about tourism.

I assume you did not study Economics at university

[lovelomsak]

Have you considered the suicide topic?

I'm firmly in Isanbirder's camp.

What I've noticed about people the world over is many don't have a driving interest in anything. Those that do seem to have a far richer life. Men and women who have an interesting hobby or passion for something seem to never have enough time to do everything they want.

Those that don't have an artistic interest and a passion for life tend to drink too much and get depressed.

I cannot agree or disagree with anything you said here just trying to figure what it has to do with the thread.Could you help me understand how this relates to the thread please.

[TerryLH]

"Thailand doesn't care if it loses farang, look at its visa policies."

For tourists, Thailand compares very well in the visa area.

In fact, many of those 'two weekers' mentioned don't even need a visa.

[JSixpack]

"Thailand doesn't care if it loses farang, look at its visa policies."

For tourists, Thailand compares very well in the visa area.

In fact, many of those 'two weekers' mentioned don't even need a visa.

Very true. And for long-term residents as well. Just today I got a one-year's extension w/ a multiple re-entry permit and I had zero hassle; in fact, Immigration officers were quite nice.

[IanForbes]

Have you considered the suicide topic?

I'm firmly in Isanbirder's camp.

What I've noticed about people the world over is many don't have a driving interest in anything. Those that do seem to have a far richer life. Men and women who have an interesting hobby or passion for something seem to never have enough time to do everything they want.

Those that don't have an artistic interest and a passion for life tend to drink too much and get depressed.

I cannot agree or disagree with anything you said here just trying to figure what it has to do with the thread.Could you help me understand how this relates to the thread please.

It's relevance to the original topic is because the topic is so negative. The question was... "Where can a tourist go in Thailand?" Then, you only pointed out the negative things that can happen anywhere in any country. Sorry, I've been spending my winters in Thailand for the past 15 years and I've NEVER had a problem... even though I've walked around at night in the so called "dangerous" places in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. I intentionally stay away from the deep south where there are problems with muslims. Why someone would intentionally go to areas of political unrest is beyond me. And that stands true for any country. I stay out of ghettos in North America for the very same reason... because there are so many better options when I have a choice.

I live in Chiang Mai for 5 months of the year. When the smoke gets too bad I go somewhere else, but I can even put up with the smoke if there are other things of interest. I don't do Songkran because it lasts too long and gets too silly in Chiang Mai. The negative information about tuk tuks in Phuket is well advertised, as are the problems with the jet ski rentals. Just don't use them... it's that simple. Don't go to bars and get drunk, and then wait around for someone to rob you. Don't rent one of the pretty street girls being manipulated by the ladyboy gangs. They have their own scams. Don't flash gold and big wads of money in bars and public and you are not likely to become a target. If you don't know how to ride a motorbike properly then don't rent a scooter in Thailand. It really is that simple. You can't blame the country if the tourist does not do a bit of research and due diligence. If you are a REALLY green tourist then purchase Lonely Planet book and read it BEFORE coming to Thailand. It will at least give you a start at what you need to know.

Sorry, but most people that have problems in Thailand (or anywhere for that matter) usually have it coming through their own stupid actions.

And, I still say that people with an interest besides drinking themselves into a blotto state can always find something enjoyable to do.

RE-read what you wrote below and tell me if you haven't just pointed out the negative issues that could occur in any country. I could go over each one and show you a similar situation in North America or the UK. I won't even mention the Philippines, South America, Mexico or Africa. Some of us actually LIKE a bit of adventure and danger.

I was just reading the news about the bombings in southern Thailand and got thinking where can a tourist go anymore in Thailand. The more I read the news the more I wonder.

Down south insurgents with car bombs.

Phuket has tuk tuk mafia ready to attack and main tourists who willnot use their service or refuse to pay the over the top prices. On the beach jet ski operators scam people and attack them if there is any sign of displeasure

Pattaya just plain lots of crime,murders,drugs ,violent attacks. Jet ski operators doing same business there too as Phuket.

Chiang Mai has so much smoke it is unhealthy to be there. Many people die in the same hotel and nothing happens.

Bangkok is now dealing with foreigners with bombs. One lost his legs in a poor attempt to use a bomb,in public.

How many tourists really want to see the northeast?

Cambodia and Thai border still having problems.

Burma and Thailand borders still lots of problems.

Whats left?

Some of us could care less about these things . But people who save for 1 or 2 years for a holiday, I donot see much for them here any more. In my humble opinion.

[joe552]

Thanks, Ian, I think you've just nailed it. Thailand as a holiday destination is no more dangerous than anywhere else, and with sensible precautions (which should be taken anywhere) can be a beautiful country to spend time in.

[bangkokburning]

I was not speaking for or against Thailand as a destination. There are places that have a far greater element of danger.

To say Thailand is not anymore or less dangerous is not really being wholly honest. There are indeed places in Thailand that are far more dangerous than other tourist destinations. On the other hand, other places very less so. But to dismiss the danger in Pattaya or on boats or in any number of situations show you have no clue about how Thailand and Thai tourism functions.

Chaing Mai is a total loser destination and even more so a place to live. It is dry, hot and smoky with nothing to do and nothing even less to see. this year the fires started in December, GREAT! It's one of those phony destinations travel guides write up simply to add another place, another chapter in the book as incentive to buy it.

I always bristle when I get an email from friend of friend...OH! I am coming to Thailand and I am going to CM, Phuket and blah blah blah. Great, enjoy.

Edited April 4, 2012 by bangkokburning

[lovelomsak]

Ian you stated everything those of us who travel and have been here for years already know.. My original post was meant to be negative. It was to point out the reasons 2 week millionaires stay away now.Travel agents will point these things out to clients when they ask for advice on where to go.Thailand has been on a fairly strong roll in treating everyday common tourists poorly not just drunk fools.

I myself donot drink or smoke so cannot speak for the people who have problems in their environment.Perhaps you are better versed in that than myself.

How many other tourist destinations have a flying club?

How dangerous for the uninformed tourists are beaches in other tourist countries,during the day time?(jetski)

You state a lot of truths that go with guys like you and me that go where we want when we want.

But young families, single parents,old retired couples,and young singles, these are the ones who make up the bulk of tourism in the world.They can be turned off quickly by a travel agent simply saying Thaiand is getting a poor reputation for safety for tourists. And they are saying that now. travel companies are getting tired of cleaning up the mess after people return from Thailand with anger and stories of poor treatment. And places within the nation where it doesnot happen is becoming less and less.Foreign travel agents want to protect their jobs too.

I originally came here for the adventure. I have been left for dead in the Apex hotel. Had human shields to get me out of the mountain area north of Chiang Rai.I will face anything. I sail my own boats in 40 to 50 knot winds single handed. I live for the edge sometimes. But I amnot the typical tourist. The typical tourist is easily swayed by fear of the unknown.and that is what this thread is about.

Edited April 4, 2012 by lovelomsak

[Kan Win]

^ Try Kanchanaburi then,

OK so we have had our very small share of crime as we know it, but it is still close to escape to Bangers and Mash (BKK). Lots to do and plenty to see once the rainy season arrives.

http://www.pbase.com/win13/comet

Happy days to you all.

Win

Edited April 4, 2012 by Kan Win

[IanForbes]

^ Try Kanchanaburi then,

OK so we have had our very small share of crime as we know it, but it is still close to escape to Bangers and Mash (BKK). Lots to do and plenty to see once the rainy season arrives.

http://www.pbase.com/win13/comet

Happy days to you all.

Win

Ah yes, Kan Win, the beauties of Kanchanburi province...

and speaking of dangers... Just run your rental scooter over a patch of oil dumped by a poorly maintained van... and have an interesting 24 hour visit to the public hospital.

[Beetlejuice]

If I were not living in Thailand but either residing in the UK, Europe, America or Canada, I doubt whether these days I would choose Thailand as a holiday destination, as there are better deals to be had, elsewhere.

There is nothing wrong with Thailand, still a wonderful country. But for reasons of crappy currency exchange rates, high airfares and during the last 10 years Thailand has become more commercialised and expensive, it is just no longer viable as a long haul holidaying country.

I think for Australians where the Aussie dollar is still strong and for those in other South East Asian countries, Thailand is still a good deal and well worth a visit.

[mauGR1]

It seems to me all the world is getting worse..Economic crisis everywhere..

Still i think there are not many places in Asia that are better than Thailand IMO..

I don't even consider other countries, once i wanted to visit South America, but i guess it's more dangerous than Asia in general.

I just love South Asia, and i understand why so many people are still coming here for holidays.

[Ulysses G.]

Chaing Mai is a total loser destination and even more so a place to live. It is dry, hot and smoky with nothing to do and nothing even less to see. this year the fires started in December, GREAT! It's one of those phony destinations travel guides write up simply to add another place, another chapter in the book as incentive to buy it.

I always bristle when I get an email from friend of friend...OH! I am coming to Thailand and I am going to CM, Phuket and blah blah blah. Great, enjoy.

I have a feeling that you are miserable no matter where you live.

Edited April 5, 2012 by Ulysses G.

[bangkokburning]

Hardly, but it is good that you know how to call the truth an insult to avoid confronting it as fact.

Thailand is well, well done. It has development problems, tourism problems, suffers difficult exchange rate and a myriad of other issues. Westerners and the Japanese have for many years now been going elsewhere, certainly for adventure.

I would never tell anyone to come to Thailand for anything other than it's beaches. Which are often cluttered with syringes and flotsam or in the more urban areas - hawkers and jet ski (scams). Pattaya averages a murder or at aggravated manslaughter daily.

But I understand when you look at Thailand from a beach chair on Patong beach, life outside the bubble looks pretty good.

I do enjoy Thailand and my Thai girlfriend very much, but I also understand is limits.

If I were to advise the OP (again) - go buy a tent and get out to the islands, go do some camping in the NPs in the north. To Ian's point - Kanchanaburi has issues as well (karaoke on the river for starts), but it can be a lovely place.

Thailand is done. If as a tourist you want to experience nature, beauty or have a quality exchange with rural people - you need to get way off the beaten track. It is very typical, the way Thailand has developed in regard to its neighbors and generally. What separates Thailand out though is it has had so much tourism and hence so much "damage".

Thailand's neighbors offer a far better experience for everything save for beaches - that is unless Myanmar gets smart and opens up it's coast. Thailand is then finished.

[IanForbes]

That is a pretty good post, Bangkokburning. I somewhat agree with you, but it will take a long while for the former Burma to catch up. They were mired in the dark ages for so long it's going to have the same growing pains that Thailand is going through. I never thought I would see the day that Pattaya would be taken over by Russians. Of course I never thought I would see the day that the former great Soviet union would crumble to dust, either. The crooks and scammers at the top of the Russian elite stole what they could and turned into the capitalists that they formerly abhorred.