Thailand is Safe Folks!

When I told people I was going to Thailand, the response I got would fall into one of two categories: general interest/excitement, and the more annoying, perpetual fear for my well-being and safety.
With the American media cherry picking the red shirt protests as the next popcorn snack sound bite before moving on to more important matters like Lindsay Lohan’s most recent court room fiasco, the wide eyed look of terror in regards to my traveling in Thailand makes perfect sense.
Not to make light of the political situation here, the Red Shirt’s and the Thai Government are still in serious disagreement, but don’t let vague information about violence back in April totally discount Thailand as your next destination. Do your research into the current tensions (the Bangkok Post is a good first step) to test the waters before making assumptions.
For example, a little nervous myself, I did a bit of digging to see what the current climate was like and to try and get an impression of the political atmosphere among the locals. I found out that the two opposing factions had made a compromise; another election was scheduled for August 15, giving the Red Shirts a chance to legitimize their political party if they can get enough votes.
Phew! They’ve reached a temporary accord! My time here has been almost completely void of any mention of the protests besides the errant question from nosy journalists. No crazy amount of police presence, no blockades with invasive checkpoints- the rhythm of life continues in Bangkok.
Before I left America, I was reassured by an international businessman at the airport. While waiting for my flight to Bangkok in LAX, Mr. Businessman and I started chatting about the safety of Thailand. “It’s no more dangerous than Paris, or any other tourist location,” he had explained.
There are pickpockets, and scammers, and certain areas to avoid at night in Bangkok, but that exists for places like Rome and London and even NYC and nobody questions those cities safety. I’ve only been here for a few days, but it truly does feel void of the political fervor that everyone has assumed had run rampant since April.
And the Land of Smiles continues to surprise as the tour progresses. Street food snacks settle in our stomach’s thanks to our tour guide Jerry’s insider knowledge of the local carts. Everyone from our hotel staff to women living in the Green Zone along the canals smile and wave and wai as we come by. Monks aren’t these silent pillars of Buddhism, but real, affable people willing to pose for pictures for tourists. Thai massages are not so much a relaxing spa treatment, but a body work out that hurts as it helps alleviate body aches and pains.
And there’s so much left to explore…
July 17, 2010 @ 12:57 am
Anytime a woman makes a decision to travel alone there are mixed comments like that. A number of years ago I decided to drive from Detroit to San Diego. One friend said she was afraid my picture would end up on the side of a milk carton. Very supportive. Not. *smile*
My husband (before we got married) took an amazing journey by train through Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Taiwan and Taipei. A 35 day journey and about 21 nights spent sleeping on trains. Now THAT’S an excellent adventure.
All the best,
Denise Michaels
July 17, 2010 @ 5:57 am
Gah, milk cartoon guilt! It can be frustrating, especially from loved ones because they mean well. The pitfalls of being a travel junkie I suppose.
Thanks for your comment!
January 17, 2011 @ 8:32 pm
I’ve been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.
January 17, 2011 @ 10:52 pm
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile.
January 20, 2011 @ 4:03 pm
Your house is valueble for me. Thanks!…
January 27, 2011 @ 1:11 am
Good article, Each and every Place is good Sufficient.Many thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.
February 3, 2011 @ 8:01 am
It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store.
February 9, 2011 @ 2:18 pm
I simply had to thank you so much all over again. I’m not certain the things I might have made to happen without the type of strategies documented by you concerning such theme. It absolutely was the challenging condition in my position, however , being able to see the specialised fashion you solved the issue made me to leap over contentment. Now i’m happy for the guidance and even have high hopes you really know what an amazing job you were undertaking educating people by way of your blog post. More than likely you have never met any of us.
February 9, 2011 @ 6:35 pm
I’d incessantly want to be update on new content on this web site , saved to favorites ! .
February 11, 2011 @ 7:03 am
I always was concerned in this subject and stock still am, thankyou for putting up.
February 11, 2011 @ 4:27 pm
Howdy, i study your blog occasionally and i personal a similar one and i was just wondering should you get lots of spam comments? If so how do you avoid it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much recently it is driving me mad so any assistance is very much appreciated.
February 18, 2011 @ 6:34 am
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I adore seeing web sites that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. It?s the old what goes around comes close to routine. Did you acquired lots of links and I see plenty of trackbacks?
February 25, 2011 @ 7:52 am
Good points, I think I will definitely subscribe
February 27, 2011 @ 2:16 am
definitely I will subscribe.Good post.
February 27, 2011 @ 2:25 am
nice nice I will definitely subscribe
March 2, 2011 @ 4:51 pm
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the topic and found mainly persons will go along with with your blog.
March 9, 2011 @ 8:00 am
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. Nevertheless think about if you added some great images or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this website could definitely be one of the most beneficial in its field. Wonderful blog!
June 29, 2011 @ 6:55 pm
Hey there, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, amazing blog!
July 2, 2011 @ 7:54 am
Thank you and Very good luck!
July 2, 2011 @ 10:13 pm
What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & aid other users like its aided me. Great job.
July 7, 2011 @ 1:21 pm
Thank you and Excellent luck!
Another Blog Title
July 18, 2011 @ 12:00 am
Another Title…
I saw this really good post today….
July 27, 2011 @ 5:41 pm
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website? My blog is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would really benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Many thanks! roulette secrets
August 8, 2011 @ 9:53 pm
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. …