Travel to South Thailand

[Jimdannock]

Is it safe to travel to Southern Thailand?

Thanks

[sabang]

Mostly. Songkhla and Had Yai (the main tourist places in the deep south) are fine. The border regions of Yala and Narathiwat are avoided by all but the most intrepid. Further north, like Surat Thani, Nakhon Thammerat and Phang Nga are like anywhere else in Thailand. Songkhla's beautiful.

[Bobcock]

Had Yai has had it's problems, more than on the terrorists radar.

There is a travel warning issued by the american oil companies with regrads to Songkhla.

Avoid Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani.

My wife and kids have been in Nakhon Sri Thammarat for the last 10 days. All is well.

[sabang]

There is a travel warning issued by the american oil companies with regrads to Songkhla.

Good- should keep the prices down.

[Mr Earl]

Southern Thailand is quite lovely, people are nice, I always make a point of waving my American flag around. I haven't been shot at....yet

[Thetyim]

It would be interesting to have the murder figures for Pattaya and the South and work out which is the most dangerous

[matsalleh]

There is a travel warning issued by the american oil companies with regrads to Songkhla.

Good- should keep the prices down.

Yes some 10 days ago we had some minor bombings, 5 in Songkhla and 2 in Hatyai - however the thought was and still is that it was more for political effect then on the Mossie issue. I just returned from a weekend trip to Wat Changhai (Pattani), we also went to the Chinese temples in Pattani City - and - we're still alive.

[chinthee]

Last week, I drove several days around Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thamarat areas. No problems at all, but the Southern dialect and accent is hard to understand if you only understand Central Thai. Safety is no issue whatsoever.

I do understand that as you move south, concerns increase.

[JoGeAr]

I am in Jail

Last Online: 15-08-2008 12:24 PM
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2



Why are you in jail after only 2 posts, neither of which is offensive?

[Mr Earl]

^ I was wondering that as well.

[MisterStretch]

I live in Hat Yai and have done so for the last four years.

Traveling around the South is no problem, except the noted Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani provinces.

The latest rounds of 'bombs' were pathetic. One went off about a km from my house. It's the furthest they've been out of the downtown area (except for the airport several years ago). This particular one went off in front of a 7-11 and didn't even crack the glass. You couldn't see anything.

I feel safe in the city but avoid downtown farang hangouts on religious holidays or bombing anniversaries.

I wouldn't want to live anywhere else in Thailand...and that's a good thing as my wife is a Hat Yai girl and doesn't want to leave.

[kingwilly]

I am in Jail Last Online: 15-08-2008 12:24 PM Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 2 Why are you in jail after only 2 posts, neither of which is offensive?

I suspect all his/her offensive posts were deleted...

[Marmite the Dog]

I live in Hat Yai and have done so for the last four years.

I didn't know Hat Yai was in Korea.

[aging one]

Just north of the DMZ.

[MisterStretch]

I didn't know Hat Yai was in Korea.

I live in Hat Yai, I work in Korea.

My house, car, wife and kids are all there. Only little old me comes to Kimchi land to work.

[phuketbound]

You'll be heading back soon enough, Stretchy. Good for you.

Question: What type of visa do you have when you go to Thailand?

[MisterStretch]

30-day exemption. I'm never home for more than 90 days at a time, so I just get the stamp at the border and run to Sadao if need be.

[sunsetter]

right im headed to surat thani for a week or so, is it safe? and wheres the best beaches,places to visit etc?

[Marmite the Dog]

right im headed to surat thani for a week or so, is it safe?

It's hardly 'south' mate. I think you'll survive.

[sunsetter]

is it in southern thailand?

[matsalleh]

is it in southern thailand?

The South starts in Chumpon, so of course Surat Thanii is part of the Southern 14 provinces (sipsii Changwat). The real problem however are in Yala - Narathiwat and Patthanii.
So far in the last 4 years nothing had spilled over to Surat Province, 3 Provinces in Songkhla (that were 100 years ago belonging to Pattanii however had their share of problem.

I travel often through Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat and, as long as you're on mainroads, nothing big will happen, just avoid places where the army, police and other government employees (teachers, electricity workers etc.) are meeting. There you might find a "big bang".

A friend of mine is undercover working there with his group and has some interesting observations, however that is not for here.

If you need more detailed info, PM me and will do that in private.

Again: Surat is no problem! Enjoy your stay there.

[sunsetter]

well thanks, thought it was in the south, ta very much for the info

[Marmite the Dog]

is it in southern thailand?

Just about, but it's no where near the dodgy bits. Still lots of nice Muslin folk to chat with though.

[Thai Pom]

^ Interesting question. Asked the GF last week when we were driving down to Phuket "where does the south begin?" Answer "Petchaburi" A bit like saying Issan starts when you turn right at Saraburi!!

[Norton]

A bit like saying Issan starts when you turn right at Saraburi!!

Isaan starts near Pakchong. Big sign across the highway welcoming all to Isaan so must be correct.

I have also heard from Thais, Petchaburi is the beginning of the "south". No signs though.