Plato90s

For people still in the planning stages of a trip, good advice. I would also recommend they book to alternate locations that might also work for them.

For people who are already booked and would find it expensive to change... I'd tell them that they just need to exercise some discretion and the overall experience should be fine unless they're the party-all-night type.

glennaa11

But if you have seen all of these problems even before now, what good would waiting until 2018 do?

Personally I have zero intention of ever going to Phuket given all of the things I have read about problems there (including what you wrote here). But in the main tourist areas of Bangkok (where most general tourists go) I have never personally witnessed any major issues. But I am not living there either.

Somehow millions of people manage to visit Thailand every year without any problems.

seanthepilot

I am not afraid that any political problems will arise. It's the unpredictability of simple misunderstandings, the severity, and speed that a situation can turn for the worse. I believe the unpredictability may hinge on the severity of the collective mourning of the country. Remember, the group here matters far more than the individual. A Thai would believe that it's their duty to carry honour for millions. It's hard to turn that stuff off.

Come, November 2017, the mourning period is technically over.

You may not want to come here. Again, my message is to the tourists, the 'sun, sand, sea, and party crowd. And they're coming in droves. Mourning is not going to stop it. They are the ones I worry about unintentionally finding themselves in a situation that cannot be turned off.


I'm not talking about day to day life. I agree that Thailand is a relatively safe place to visit and live, even if you have just basic street sense.

Don't be so sure! While, you are technically correct, a simple google search is all that's needed to find blogs that document the passing of foreigners in the country. When the law cannot find justice, there is no dis-incentive.

Heck... come if you want! I'd probably not listen to me.

Tchiowa

Some, including me, think the concern is over blown. If you behave respectfully you'll have no problem.

Having said that, some of the "rambunctious" (using that term generously) behavior that is often seen at beer bars in places like Nana or Pattaya are going to be frowned on.

So if you're a tourist who is going to see temples, historic sites, shopping malls, etc. go ahead. You'll have no problem. No need to delay.

If you're a tourist who is counting the days to start counting the beers you're going to toss down while you try to grope the server, best stay home for a while.

IAN-UK

Seems sensible and measured advice.

IAN-UK

Are you thinking of Pattaya? Phuket has pockets of sleaze, but it's an island with great beauty: Pattaya has pockets of beauty but sleaze is pretty much the dominant tourism environment.


There are problems. And some very bad things happen: these can be totally unpredictable and very violent.

Tchiowa

Huge difference between Phuket and Pattaya. Pattaya is an open air brothel for all intents and purposes (although they've been trying to improve it's reputation and appearance recently). Phuket attracts beach goers and divers.

seanthepilot

......

timster

As someone who is in BKK now (and many times before), the above sums it up well. If you're coming to party, forget it. If you're not, it's tourism and other business as usual here. It's likely safer than where you live.

dtsm

^^^ to both Timster and Tchiowa.

JFSV

Hi all,

do you think it should be business as usual in mid December? We may go to Thailand for two weeks (would be our first trip to Thai) but I am not sure it is the right time to go there. My wife and I would just like to do a bit of sightseeing (temples, etc); and otherwise a little bit of chilling by the beach, etc ie. no hard partying or otherwise.

Many thanks
J

eternaltransit

I've been in BKK recently - even the nightclubs are back, so it's pretty much business as usual right now, just with less loud music audible on the streets...

JFSV

Thanks - that helps indeed!

eternaltransit

Just don't forget this is one of the few times it's actually true that "The Grand Palace is closed" - but seeing the mass of people and the arrangements there is a pretty unique cultural experience in and of itself for a visitor imho!

Hoyaheel

I read that it was to re-open Oct 21. Is it still closed?

[we'll be visiting at the beginning of December - 2 days on a cruise stop]