Thailand in the News Week Ending 12/26/09

Have a Safe and Happy New Year

nakhonphanom illuminated boat procession Thailand in the News Week Ending 12/26/09

With the end of the year being upon us and New Years just days away I wanted to highlight just one news story this week pertaining to possible unrest in the major tourist destinations of Thailand.

Thailand’s acting police chief stated Friday that there were intelligence reports that show their are plots out there to cause unrest during the New Years celebrations.

The Nation online quoted Prateep Tanprasert as saying that there are groups of ill-intended people planning to provoke violence in tourist destinations across the country including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Songkhla, Pattaya and the capital Bangkok.

He did not elaborate on their objectives or detailed plans. The police chief said he has ordered all police stations in risk areas to take strict security measures to ensure peace and order. He also said he will call a meeting of senior officers at the metropolitan police bureau to discuss security plan in Bangkok during the New Year celebrations.

If you are in Thailand and planning on taking part in the New Year celebrations just keep this news in mind and keep any eye on your surroundings. If you are spending the evening in a club, disco or hotel try and take a few mental notes as to where the exits are and what the safest route out of the building will be.

Obviously your safety should always be taken seriously and beyond threats such as this you should always make note of exits and escape routes because fires are not an uncommon thing in Thailand.

You hear about various groups making plans every year to disrupt the festivities and for the most part all it is all just hot air used as a tactic to scare people from enjoying the holidays. Don’t let these terrorist threats keep you from having a great New Years celebration, but do keep in mind that your personal safety is up to you so don’t take it lightly and make sure to keep an eye on your surroundings.

Also remember please DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.  Have a safe holiday, live to tell the tale and enjoy next years festivities as well.

sig1 Thailand in the News Week Ending 12/26/09

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4 Comments »

Comment by MikeNo Gravatar Subscribed to comments via email
2009-12-27 20:14:59

Talen I suspect that this warning is aimed at Thai holidaymakers, since there is a huge movement to visit families etc in the New Year albeit the Western version of this holiday.

Nonetheless good advice for everyone here as bombs are not unheard of even in Bangkok.

Lets hope everyone has a peaceful time.
Mike´s last blog ..Thailand Minimum Wage Increase My ComLuv Profile

 
Comment by TalenNo Gravatar
2009-12-27 20:41:59

Mike, It’s the worst time of year for crowds and we all know what kind of cowards terrorists are.

Hopefully it’s all just a scare tactic but it’s always a good idea to keep your wits about you.

 
Comment by malcolmNo Gravatar
2009-12-28 02:24:46

Talen, thanks for the well wishes and the warning about the big cities , I for one try to stay as close to home as possible for the holidays especially here in the LOS as there are a lot of crazy people in this world, who get they pleasure in scaring and hurting other folks , very good post for folks to be sure and think SAFTEY for themselves and loved ones this time of the year. The smartest thing you can do is to stay off the roads and stay close to home with friends and family and have a safe holiday Here’s wishing you a Happy New Year and a new year full of joy and blessings .
Malcolm and Ciejay
malcolm´s last blog ..OUT WITH THE OLD————- IN WITH THE NEW My ComLuv Profile

 
Comment by CatherineNo Gravatar Subscribed to comments via email
2009-12-28 23:13:19

Talen, thanks for the heads up about the New Year’s festivities (I’ve been out of the loop).

I was right in the middle of the bombs several years back and it was too close to home for me (Sax bar to my right, Big C to my left).

I will take your warning to heart and slouch around at home this year (I’m ready for some slouching time anyway).

So here’s to safe New Year’s celebrations for all…

 
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