Which parts of Southern Thailand are safe from violence?
I'm planning to travel by land from Langkawi to Ko Samui (which would include ferry to Satun, bus to Hat Yai and train to Surat Thani), but in Thai Railway Guide (effective 24th May 2014) we can read a scary warning about the violence:
Travel Warning - Southern Thailand
There are almost daily incidents of politically motivated violence in the far south including arson, bombings and shootings. Targets have included civilians and members of the security forces, government offices, tourist hotels, discotheques and bars, shops, marketplaces, supermarkets, schools, transport infrastructure and trains in the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and in the Sadao district of Songkhla province. Since 2004, over 3,500 people have been killed and several thousand more injured. Security authorities can detain suspects without charge, censor the media, conduct searches and seize documents. The British Foreign Office and the United States Department of State recommend only essential travel should be made between Hat Yai Junction and Sungai Kolok. They also advise using hotels outside of Hat Yai’s central business district. Rail travel via Padang Besar has not been subject to attacks and is considered safe.
Therefore, I'm asking which parts of Southern Thailand are safe from violence (arson, bombings and shootings)?
Also in above warning, it's advised to use hotels outside of Hat Yai’s central business district where actually I'm planning to stay over the night in Hat Yai city central. Is it really the case? I thought staying in central city supposed to be safer than in rural areas.
Related:
- Thailand 'one of the most dangerous tourist destinations on Earth' at Daily Mail
- 2012 Southern Thailand bombings at Wikipedia
- South Thailand insurgency at Wikipedia
Best Answer
Very few tourists have been killed or injured during the many years of southern insurgency. The violent acts target security forces (police, soldiers, village volunteers), government officials and school teachers. The tourists that have been injured or killed were all visiting the eastern side of the isthmus. As jpatokal mentioned your route travels up the west side of the Kra Isthmus.
Ultimately you are putting yourself at greater risk by taking a bus, as more civilians (and tourists) are killed in bus crashes each year, than by insurgents. And if you are thinking about renting a scooter, three times as many people are killed in scooter crashes per year than the total number killed by insurgents since 2004.
The risk from insurgents is not something to worry about, other than the usual common sense precautions when traveling.
Pictures about "Which parts of Southern Thailand are safe from violence?"
What is the safest place in Thailand?
Traveler Alert: 8 Safe Places To Visit In And Around ThailandIs the South of Thailand safe?
Don't travel to the four most southern provinces of the Thailand-Malaysia border: Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla. These areas experience frequent violence and bombings. If you're there, consider leaving. Sexual assault, assault, robbery and drink spiking can happen to tourists.Is South or North Thailand better?
Therefore, if you're on a budget, the north might be the better place to visit. Southern Thailand costs nearly double as much as northern Thailand, from the food to the accommodation. Even the major cities like Chiang Mai are much cheaper than most cities in the south of Thailand.What should I be careful of in Thailand?
What Should I Avoid Doing in Thailand?- 1.1 Don't Drink The Water.
- 1.2 Don't Gamble.
- 1.3 Don't Talk About the Royal Family.
- 1.4 Don't Vape.
- 1.5 Don't Smoke.
- 1.6 Don't Raise Your Voice.
- 1.7 Be Sure to Cover Up in Temples.
- 1.8 Don't Automatically Trust Your Taxi Driver.
Thai Insurgency Stuck in Cycle of Violence
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