Comments on: Are the Bangkok Protests Really as Bad as They Say?

By: cat

cat — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 05:12:09 +0000

Since I've lived in Thailand (2004), it's been the same. When they have a kerfluffle, it's strangely peaceful compared to other countries in turmoil.

I lived on Soi Ari when the bombs went off several stops down on both sides (Sax bar and Big C). Yet all was quiet where I was. No one rushing around. No noise beyond what regular holidaymakers produced.

Same with the recent protests. I haven't seen anyone officially massing anywhere and I now live several streets down from the large army base and across from a serious police house (or whatever it's called as it's not a police station).

Maybe I'll finally get to see action when I go to leave BKK for the UK? Not sure. But I hope not...

By: Nick

Nick — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:37:11 +0000

The Telegraph article is not a ranking of the 20 most dangerous places on the planet. It says quite clearly, "20 places which are among the most dangerous places to visit on Earth." Furthermore, the blurb on Thailand specifies which areas should be avoided and why.

A number of other "news" outlets then decided the article said Thailand is the seventh most dangerous place on the planet and everybody got into a tizzy.

I heard about a Russian businessman who cancelled his family holiday to Thailand because of the danger and instead went to Mexico. Go figure.

By: Greg

Greg — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:20:42 +0000

Good point, Biggest Dude. In terms of how dangerous things are for visitors, it's not such a big deal.

My Mom, (who's trapped here), just heard from her friend in Toronto. She said that media there is saying that it'll be three to four WEEKS until visitors get out, which is just more unsubstantiated wood on the fire.

However, economically, things are very, very bad. Thailand is no longer the 'Land of Smiles' but rather, Land of Limp-Dick Politicians and Insane, Stubborn Rich Pricks'.

By: Biggest Dude

Biggest Dude — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:06:22 +0000

Actually things are worse than they say, but not for foreigners.

I am recieving, as are a few friends I have spoken too, calls from Thai friends who relying on tourism for thier income - they are feeling the crunch already, some unable to pay the rent this month already as high season failed to arrive and now they realise that there will not be a high season at all this year.

Thousands upon thousands of self employed and small businesses will hit the wall really soon