I know very little about the south of Thailand and Hat Yai in particular. I need to fly there and stay for as couple of days in a large hotel, i will have a car and driver.

Any do and don'ts i should know about? What's the security situation for a white westerner?

Thanks for any info

Security is the same as anywhere else in Thailand !

Be careful and have a great time...

If you have car & driver then you will be Ok as the driver will know the local scene.

99% of the problems are further south of Hat Yai in the provinces of Pattani,Narathiwat and Yala.

I would say the chances of you encountering a problem in Hat Yai are slim.

Stay in a decent hotel like the Centara where security is good.

Nightlife is pretty good in Hat Yai......places like The Pubb or Post Laser Disc about 5 minutes walk from The Centara.

Hat Yai is particularily popular with Malaysians and Singaporeans at weekends who come for the shopping,food and nightlife.

Enjoy your trip.

I will be there for Christmas.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Hat Yai's just fine.

With the added security presence on the streets, particularly at holiday periods like Songkran and New Year, you're probably safer walking around Hat Yai than many other Thai cities. I've lived in Hat Yai the last ten years and I've not encountered any problems.

Novotel Centara in the centre of town is probably the best hotel, as said above it's centrally located in walking distance to restaurants, shopping and night-life.

Enjoy your visit.