Is Thailand at Risk?

In the wake of the Bali bombing, there have been a spate of rumours of other terrorist attacks. Many governments did take the cautious position of issuing a “Travel Advisory Warning”. They did so to protect their position should anything happen, with hindsight many now feel that it was over zealous.

Sources recently told CNN that Al Qaeda operatives were working with local members in Thailand, this was immediately denied by the Thai government. ‘We have no such evidence that Thailand is the place where they have, they plan terrorism or they have any relation to terrorism.” Said Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Phuket has been mentioned as a possible target. I discussed this with the Tourist Police on the island and they have increased surveillance and are making thorough checks on all Islamic visitors. In Bangkok there are now armed police on patrolling the platforms of Skytrain stations and can be seen traveling on the train. Security overall has been increased.

While I can’t give a cast iron guarantee that there is no chance of a terrorist incident in Thailand, the threats have been addressed. I feel confident that Thailand now is a safe destination in Southeast Asia and should be looking forward to a good high season this year.