safety

As Thailand's latest political crisis escalates a state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok and its surrounding six provinces in an attempt to restore order to the capital. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency on Sunday after red shirted protesters from the United front for democracy, against dictatorship (UDD) forced the cancellation of the ASEAN+3 summit in Pattaya Saturday. Protests from the group, led by fugitive and exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have turned ugly after a mob of 10,000 stormed the Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Pattaya amid inadequate police security, forcing the airlift evacuation of heads of state and a major embarrassment for the crisis wracked country. Bangkok remains at risk of violent clashes as the army are now set to be deployed and bring the situation under control. The protests, crucially, have moved from key administrative sites in the Dusit area, into the city proper as they try to block key roads and incite anarchy. They are demanding the government step down, accusing them of being illegitimate, while Thaksin himself is urging a revolution. Several countries have issue travel advisory warnings and tourists are advised to avoid Bangkok for the time being as violent clashes between the army and this group of some 100,000 are anticipated Monday. Until now the government has been reluctant to use the army or heavy handed discipline on the protestors, fearful of losing face and credibility among the general population. Following the Pattaya siege, the current crisis has lurched to an unprecedented level, reminiscent of the airport seizure last year, with mob rule becoming a popular tool for groups to voice dissatisfaction at the current political landscape. With the standoff reaching critical levels uncertainty remains in the capital, and unfolding events there might spill out to Northern and Northeastern provinces, including Chiang Mai. The Southern provinces of Thailand remain peaceful and without risk but transport might be severely disrupted as the crisis unfolds. The present government came to power four months ago after the ruling party was dissolved for vote fraud. MPs from a key factions of the party crossed the floor to help the opposition form a minority led coalition, which the protestors are refusing to acknowledge. Thaksin Shinawatra has been fighting to reverse his corruption convictions, unblock frozen assets and return to power, and has the support of the UDD. No solution seems in sight for the political crisis and it is likely to cost the country a loss of more than 200 billion baht in lost tourism revenue. 2009-04-13T11:14:00+07:00 1221 2009-04-13T11:34:09+07:00 5 true 1221-state-of-emergency-in-bangkok-clashes-expected Andrew

In the wake of the deadly Santika Pub fire in Bangkok, the government has decided to step up safety measures at all of the country’s entertainment venues. Besides added safety and maintenance checks, the Thai Interior Ministry wants all pubs to have third party insurance for their properties. Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat said “we're drafting a new ministerial regulation, and we want it to take effect about the middle of next month.” One of the most important new measures is the requirement by law of property and personal insurance. “In the event of permanent disability or death, an insurer must pay Bt100,000 compensation to each victim or his or her family,” Boonjong commented concerning the new regulation. “If the operator fails to buy third party insurance, we will not renew their operating license.” Insurers will have to provide up to 100,000 baht of coverage for each person injured during an accident on the premises. It has come to light that the head engineer’s signature in charge of Santika’s design had been forged. After further investigation, the city found 33 other buildings in Bangkok where the engineer’s signature had been forged without her knowledge. A panel is being set up to promote safety standards in Thailand’s entertainment venues in the hope of avoiding another Santika tragedy. 2009-02-05T21:03:00+07:00 1114 2009-02-03T21:04:32+07:00 5 true 1114-all-thai-pubs-must-be-insured Andrew

In the wake of the tragic nightclub fire at Santika Pub in Bangkok on New Year’s Eve, the Thai Ministry of the Interior has announced its intention to beef up the safety standards of entertainment venues across the country. Every city in Thailand will begin inspecting their nightclubs to ensure that fire safety requirements are being met. Chiang Mai’s mayor, Duentemduang na Chiengmai, recently told reporters that the city had already checked many of the city’s main nightclubs for fire prevention equipment and their compliance with national safety regulations. The inspections are still ongoing, and will continue until every entertainment venue has been checked. “Nightclubs and places of entertainment must comply with the Buildings Control Act, particularly in fire prevention and safety. Venues which have been modified will have to be re-inspected by the relevant officials. However, a high number of such venues are not registered, and are operating illegally as nightclubs, which may lead to another catastrophe as they are not complying with regulations regarding fire prevention and fire exits. These venues are being targeted and will be subject to strenuous inspection by the authorities. The municipality has placed control and inspection at nightclubs high on its agenda, as the province is a popular tourist destination,” the mayor stated. Another hot issue right now is underage drinking in the city. The legal drinking age in Thailand is 18, but it’s often overlooked, making it fairly easy for minors to get into bars and clubs. The mayor has instructed police to start cracking down on this as well. 2009-01-26T11:13:00+07:00 1098 2009-01-22T11:30:56+07:00 5 true 1098-thailand-to-clamp-down-on-nightclubs Andrew

In the wake of the tragic Santika Nightclub fire on New Year’s Eve that claimed 62 lives and injured hundreds more, Thailand‘s Minister of the Interior, Chavarat Charnvirakul, has ordered authorities to inspect the safety conditions at [pubs throughout Bangkok][1] and across the nation. Charnvirakul has also announced his ministry will establish new safety guidelines to be applied, and hopefully enforced, at Thailand’s many entertainment venues. He stated that both the fire codes and the safety inspections need to be upgraded and enforced more effectively. “We should learn from this tragic event and come up with measures to avoid repeating the same mistakes. There should be random inspections on safety measures to be conducted by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials,” said the interior minister. Police Major General Jongrak Jutanont admitted they had yet to determine the cause of the Santika Nightclub fire, but were conducting interviews with eyewitnesses. The police have, however, decided to charge the club’s owner with allowing minors into the venue after the charred body of a 17 year-old Thai was found inside the building. Police don’t suspect arson, since the club had no insurance at the time of the fire. [1]: http://www.1stopbangkok.com/hospitality/bars/ 2009-01-07T11:31:00+07:00 1065 2009-01-04T12:00:44+07:00 5 true 1065-thailand-to-increase-safety-checks-of-pubs Andrew

From 30 December to 5 January 2009, the police in Phuket will be setting up nine major checkpoints along busy roads and 18 smaller roaming patrols in an effort to prevent road accidents during the hectic holiday period. This year, the Phuket office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has a plan to keep its roads safe. The first phase was run in the first half of December. The purpose was to get all relevant departments like the police and emergency medical service (EMS) staff on the same page and prepared to implement the new safety measures during the New Year period. The second phase of the program will run through 29 December. Its aim is to raise the awareness of the public about the dangers of drunk driving and prepare locals and tourists about the new measures the police will be strictly enforcing. On 23 December, an islandwide campaign to encourage the (mandatory) use of crash helmets will begin. This will be followed on 29 December by enforcement of the law. Anyone caught not wearing their helmet will be forced to go to a road safety training classes. The nine major checkpoints will be in the usual places, though police admit they might mix it up a bit to try and catch sneaky violators. All you have to do is wear your helmet to avoid getting into too much trouble. 2008-12-22T22:03:00+07:00 1039 2008-12-22T21:13:53+07:00 5 true 1039-phuket-beefs-up-holiday-safety-checkpoints Andrew

Despite the issuing of a travel advisory warning by more than two dozen countries, and a rush by some countries to evacuate nationals, the events on the ground at Thailand's popular tourist centres paints a different picture. There have been no violent incidents or threats to personal safety of tourists, even in Bangkok, with events confined to the protests at the two main airports and parts of the administrative suburb of the capital. Thailand's tourist industry has suffered catastrophic damage as the negative publicity mounts from more than a week of disrupted flights into and out of the country's main gateway. Meanwhile, tourists currently in Thailand have experienced no untoward incidents other than the severe inconvenience of travelling or leaving the country. More than 100,000 tourists are said to be stranded in Bangkok or Pattaya, where they have been accommodated at the expense of the government, as they wait for contingency flights out of U-Tapao military airport. Air travel to the capital has ceased and movement around the country is being conducted overland. The airport crisis is expected to come to an end later in the week, when a key ruling against the ruling party might force them to step down, which will bring an end to the protest stand off. However, the situation remains tense as Thailand descends into its worst political crisis in years, with a deeply divided nation and two small but militant opposing groups who are rallying on opposite sides of Bangkok. Although violent clashes are not expected, there is uncertainty about the reaction to the Tuesday ruling, which pro-government supporters believe has been unfairly rushed. The army has so far remained neutral insisting that a coup will not be an answer, but might step in if the government and police fail to control the situation. Tourists in Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other areas away from Bangkok have been reporting a normal situation that has not disturbed their holidays but remain anxious about travel. An Abac poll conducted among Thais over the weekend revealed that more than 80% are dismayed and embarrassed about the events in the country and support neither side. Many expressed hope for a peaceful and rapid solution, saying that a House Dissolution would best diffuse the situation and send the opposing protesters home. 2008-12-01T12:03:00+07:00 1015 2008-12-01T12:20:28+07:00 5 true 1015-thailand-calm-despite-travel-advisories Andrew

Several countries have issued a travel advisory warning to Thailand following the occupation and closing of the main airport in Bangkok late Tuesday. Tensions are escalating in the Thai capital as the government faces down a militant anti-government protest group that has been agitating for the Prime Minister to step down, since August. The governments of China, France, New Zealand, Singapore, Britain, the United States, Australia and Japan have all put out warnings officially online of possible danger to their citizens. "American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations," said the US Embassy in Bangkok. Despite this much of the country remains calm, and tourists in Phuket, most areas of Bangkok and other popular travel centres are unaffected other than change of travel plans. The warnings come after the main airport was occupied by a protest Group, the PAD, with thousands of their supporters blocking entry and forcing its closure. Severe disruption has been caused to Thailand's air travel network, and the personal safety of those at the airport is under risk. Many have been evacuated to nearby hotels and the standoff has been mostly peaceful. However, the government is refusing to concede to any of their demands and there is uncertainty as to how this crisis will evolve. The PAD are vowing to stay put until Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat steps down. They accuse him of being a proxy for his fugitive brother-in-law Thaksin Shinawatra who was the leader disposed in the 2006 coup and since convicted in a corruption case. He has many supporters however, and there is a real threat they will clash with the PAD. The army is remaining neutral, refusing to remove the PAD protesters for fear of bloodshed. The army chief Anupong Raojinda has suggested they cease their protest and the Prime Minister dissolve the house, to end the four month crisis. Both sides have rejected the suggestion and an urgent solution remains uncertain. Meantime travel business leaders are urging tourists not to cancel plans to visit the Kingdom this season, insisting that the tourist areas remain free of the strife, and hopeful the airport will soon re-open. Only those with immediate travel plans involving the airport are likely to be affected. Travels are advised to keep abreast of developments via [Nation breaking news](http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/) 2008-11-27T10:48:00+07:00 995 2008-11-27T11:06:30+07:00 5 true 995-thailand-travel-warning-issued Andrew

Bangkok's main international airport has been closed, with all inbound and outbound flights cancelled Wednesday morning after anti-government protesters stormed the terminal Tuesday afternoon. Thousands of passengers are now stranded and many more inconvenienced by cancelled flights to Thailand. The protesters, part of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), are vowing to stay put until Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat resigns. It brings to a head a political crisis that has been brewing since the large group first occupied Government House in August. Adding to the insecurity, several small bombs have exploded periodically in the protest areas, thought to be the work of pro-government agitators. No foreigners have been hurt in the stand-off, however several countries have issued travel warnings on travel to Thailand. The Prime Minister, who jetted in to Chiang Mai late Wednesday after attending the APEC meeting in Peru, has condemned it as illegal and a 'threat to democracy'. However, the Army Chief Anupong Paojinda has refused to use force to remove the protesters, suggesting the Prime Minister should dissolve the House instead and the PAD guarantee to cease their protest in return. Prime Minister Wongsawat has however dismissed the suggestion. The airport meanwhile has remained closed until further notice with access to the terminal blocked by protesters and the concourses occupied by yellow-clad PAD protesters. Behind the scenes there have been furious efforts to get both sides to back down. The PAD protests have become increasingly daring in their attempt to unseat the present government, elected in January 2008, when power was returned to the ballot following the 2006 coup. The group's activities have become increasingly militant in response to the governing party's attempts to apparently whitewash corruption charges against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was disposed in the coup. The PAD recently blockaded parliament in a desperate attempt to prevent the government from endorsing a bill to allow a constitutional amendment that would open the door for Thaksin's exoneration. When the session was postponed, the PAD moved their protest to the airport in a final bid to force a House dissolution. The ruling party is facing a likely dissolution in late December for vote buying, and is under pressure to force through their agenda. 2008-11-26T10:13:00+07:00 993 2008-11-27T10:33:01+07:00 5 true 993-bangkok-suvarnabhumi-airport-closed-by-protesters Andrew

Intense prolonged rains in much of northern and central Thailand have created major flooding problems for nearly the entire upper part of the country. Flash floods have killed 14 people so far, and the stagnant waters have sickened more than 100,000 people with a range of [health problems][1]. According to the Thai Ministry of Public Health, 121,407 people are currently ill from a variety of water-borne diseases, and the number looks set to rise dramatically in the coming days as more people make it to hospital. Most of the cases are types of skin fungus, followed by diarrhea, flu and assorted rashes, reported Prat Boonyawongvirot, Permanent Secretary for Public Health. Over the past nine days, 36 of Thailand’s 76 provinces have been severely affected by rain and flooding. Residents who must wade through the water are being exposed to human waste, bacteria and parasitic leeches. "We urge that people travel through flooded areas by boat or wear long pants tied at the feet with plastic bags if they must wade through flood water," Prat said in a statement. [1]: http://www.1stopchiangmai.com/about_cm/health/ 2008-09-22T13:56:00+07:00 896 2008-09-21T13:58:19+07:00 5 true 896-thai-floods-sicken-more-than-100-000 Andrew

Prompted by the tragic crash of a One-Two-Go flight on 16 September 2007 in Phuket, Phuket’s airport has decided to upgrade its safety system. A new wind shear alert system has been installed that covers the entire airport complex, airport director Wicha Noenlop stated. They have also been paying much greater attention to the safety maintenance records of aircraft and personnel. Even though the deadly One-Two-Go crash was caused by pilot error, according to Thailand’s Civil Aviation Department (CAD), wind shear was heavily investigated as a contributing factor. Officials note that the pilot of the fatal flight was warned by Phuket’s air traffic controllers about strong wind shear just before the crash. Wicha points out that Phuket has narrow runways and is surrounded by low mountains, which makes landings more difficult than at other airports. All domestic pilots who plan to fly in and out of Phuket Airport must pass tests of takeoff and landing at its runway before their license will be issued. In addition, [Phuket Airport][1] has hired an additional 20 rescue workers, and safety standards on the runways have been intensified such as the regular removal of rubber deposits. The CAD and Aerothai check the airport’s navigation equipment more frequently as well. Training refresher courses are provided to help staff who work on the runways better identify potentially dangerous objects. [1]: http://www.airportthai.co.th/airportnew/phuket/index.asp 2008-09-20T05:29:00+07:00 885 2008-09-19T05:32:01+07:00 5 true 885-phuket-airport-gets-safety-upgrades Andrew

Despite continuing political troubles in the Thai capital Bangkok, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has issued a statement stressing that Thailand is perfectly safe for travel. The protests are largely concentrated in a small part of Bangkok, while the rest of [the kingdom continues to function as usual][1]. Despite the temporary state of emergency recently issued by the Thai prime minister, PATA has assured travellers that tourists are only advised to avoid the area around Government House in the capital. Throughout the other main tourist destinations in Thailand, things were business as usual. The state of emergency in Bangkok doesn’t even restrict the movement of visitors within the city. Peter de Jong, the president of PATA, stated “many of Thailand's prospective visitors are understandably reluctant to travel when they hear about a state of emergency being declared and see images of violent clashes in media reports. The reality, however, is that life is continuing as normal in Bangkok and Thailand and that, as of today (September 3rd), there is minimal threat to the safety of visitors to the kingdom." Despite the shutdowns are three of Thailand’s resort airports, planes are flying again and all hotels, resorts and attractions are open as usual. [1]: http://www.1stopthailand.com/highlights/ 2008-09-07T16:39:00+07:00 868 2008-09-06T16:40:33+07:00 5 true 868-thailand-declared-safe-for-travel Andrew

In a sad new trend for Chiang Mai, Thailand’s ‘Rose of the North’, street crime is on the rise. Recent crimes include a rash of muggings, something rarely heard of in this normally placid and laid-back travel destination. Chiang Mai is undeniably a large city with most of the expected problems such as pollution and traffic congestion. But thanks to the kind nature of northern Thai residents, crime has rarely been considered one of the city’s main problems. But as economic woes continue to hit locals where it hurts, it appears that petty crime is about to rare its ugly head. Three recent muggings are the latest in a [string of crime][1] that has put the city on alert. Two muggings occurred on the popular [Sunday Walking Street][2], and the other in busy Wararot Market. The incidents at the Walking Street are the most shocking, as this special weekly pedestrian market is thronged with locals and tourists but has always been a peaceful environment. A Malaysian tourist was attacked right in the market and had her bag stolen. Later the same day, a Canadian visitor had his pockets picked on the crowded street, a rare crime in Thailand. Police have arrested two men in relation to the muggings of the tourists. But locals are also becoming victims, as a Chiang Mai resident had her bag snatched in the popular Warorat Market. Thankfully, local police caught this thief as well. [1]: http://www.1stopchiangmai.com/about_cm/safety/ [2]: http://www.1stopchiangmai.com/shopping/ 2008-08-23T06:27:00+07:00 833 2008-08-23T06:31:14+07:00 5 true 833-chiang-mai-suffering-increased-crime Andrew

Chiang Mai has felt a handful of [earthquakes](http://www.chiangmai-mail.com) over the last couple of years, and a new study by Chiang Mai’s Earth Science Institute confirm that there are in fact fault lines under the northern Thai city. Researchers discovered two fault lines running roughly 5 kilometres underground running through the districts of Chiang Khon, Mae Ai, Chiang Saen, Hang Dong, Sansai and Fang; even stretching as far west as mae Hong Son Province. Director of the Earth Science Institute Professor Samphan Singharajwarapan confirmed that while mild tremors in the area are common enough, a sizeable quake could put buildings in the area over 15 storeys at risk of collapse. The last quake to be flet in the city was a result of shifting earth beneath Sansai’s Maejo University which registered 4.6 on the Richter scale. As a result of the study, local authorities are urging buildings under construction and those in the planning stages that if they plan to build high, no corners should be cut on fortifications against earthquakes. 2008-06-04T14:48:00+07:00 729 2008-06-03T14:50:11+07:00 7 true 729-new-study-shows-fault-lines-under-chiang-mai DaveB

In the annual [Global Peace Index survey](http://www.bahtsold.com), Thailand slipped from the 105th position to the 118th as far as the safest countries in the region go. The handful of foreigners that have been raped in the last years, the latest case ending in the murder of a Scandinavian tourist, have made many would-be visitors think twice about a trip to the islands of Thailand. Of the 24 criteria in the survey, Thailand was rock bottom in four categories, such as political instability, potential for terrorist attacks, levels of violent crime and respect for human rights. Only Burma scored lower than Thailand in these areas, with the survey covering the countries featured in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ''The world appears to be marginally more peaceful this year. This is encouraging, but it takes small steps by individual countries for the world to make greater strides on the road to peace,� says the founder of the travel index Steve Killelea. 2008-05-27T15:22:00+07:00 718 2008-05-26T15:23:19+07:00 7 true 718-thailand-now-considered-more-dangerous DaveB

Local Chiang Mai resident, 46-year old Nathee Ananpanyasuth averted a potential disaster when [he found a homemade bomb on a street](http://www.chiangmai-mail.com) near his shop Friday morning. Nathee had parked his car when he spotted a suspicious package outside Saenfang Temple. He placed it in a rubbish bin before proceeding to his business, the Ronrungsap clothing shop in Warorot Market and called the police. The bomb squad arrived and confirmed the box did indeed contain a homemade explosive device fabricated from a coffee can. A robot examined the device previous to police taking it to the open area at Thapae Gate and performing a controlled explosion. Police said the explosion radius was about 30 metres. To perform the explosion in such a central and busy area meant roads had to be closed for two hours, causing heavy traffic jams all around the roads surrounding the old city as well as the main arteries leading east towards the Ping River. Police have said a full investigation into the incident is underway, and as of yet no person or group has claimed responsibility. 2008-04-25T14:33:00+07:00 671 2008-04-30T14:34:42+07:00 7 true 671-home-made-bomb-found-in-chiang-mai DaveB

Thailand currently ranks 5th on the list of countries in the world as far as the number of alcoholics is concerned, and at the recent Songkran Festival, the [Thai New Year celebration](http://www.chiangmai-mail.com), messages and campaigns warning citizens about the dangers of mixing alcohol and driving seemed to have fell on deaf ears. For the past couple of years, the Chiang Mai local government has initiated advertising campaigns informing locals and visitors of the number of deaths each year during Songkran directly related to alcohol. This year, the mayor applied designated alcohol free areas in the city where people could celebrate the New Year in a traditional way. The message did not have the impact that organizers had hoped, as the ‘Enjoyment, Safety, No Alcohol’ campaign manager Teera Watcharapranee attests. She says thre were just as many deaths this year as last, and that road fatalities related to alcohol not only account for 50% of the accidents in Thailand, but it is costing the government as much as 2.8 percent of its gross domestic product every year. 2008-04-23T14:34:00+07:00 672 2008-04-30T14:35:43+07:00 7 true 672-no-alcohol-campaign-not-getting-through DaveB

[A 20-year old Australian tourist](http://www.samuiexpress.net) that was raped in her guesthouse room has achieved some sense of justice, as the rapist has been caught by local Police on the Thai island of Ko Samui. The crime took place late in March when Tuckley Bobbird awoke in the early hours of the morning to find a man inside her room wielding a knife. He threatened to cut her while he raped here, then stole her wallet, passport and mobile phone. After the incident, her two friends who were staying in the room next door accompanied Bobbird to the hospital, where tests confirmed she had been sexually assaulted. Police suspected that the assailant must be someone local who knew how to get in and out of the property without causing any disturbance. After finding the victim’s empty wallet not far from the guesthouse, her mobile phone was traced and the rapist was eventually apprehended. 26-year old Somchai Daunglai has been implied in other cases in the area of theft form tourists and is now in police custody. 2008-04-16T13:49:00+07:00 640 2008-04-16T13:50:38+07:00 7 true 640-australian-woman-raped-after-room-invasion DaveB

The rainy season on the Thai island of Phuket will be rolling into town next month, and the period immediately preceding the wet season means hazardous swimming off of Phuket’s shores for all but the most experienced and strong of swimmers. Local lifeguards are undergoing a few days of supplemental training with help from the [Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club](http://www.phuketgazette.net) from Australia’s New South Wales state. Avoca Beach SLSC’s John Mitchell says, “Being a surf lifesaver in Australia is very serious. The Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club has about 800 lifeguards, ranging from children right through to elderly people, who help to take care of tourists on the beach. We want to raise the skills of Phuket lifeguards to international standards, so we are training them in how to rescue people who are in trouble in the water and how to use the latest lifeguard equipment.� Visitors to the island will be happy to know of the extensive training of the lifeguards, who after their SLSC training can spot various problems before they materialize, such as recognizing drifting currents in surf and swim zones. 2008-04-16T13:47:00+07:00 639 2008-04-16T13:48:59+07:00 7 true 639-australian-lifeguards-give-courses-in-phuket DaveB

The arrest of the man responsible for the death of a 27-year old Swedish tourist has allowed some to breathe a sigh of relief, but with this latest tourist killing, questions about Thailand’s safety have been brought up. The murder on a Phuket beach of Hanna Backland was the latest in a recent spate of foreigners that have lost their lives while on holiday in Thailand, and at least when it comes to women at risk, authorities have initiated a program that supplies women with whistles they can blow if they are in any danger. Commander of the [National Tourist Police](http://www.iht.com) Choochart Suwannakom said, "We will issue the whistles first in risky areas such as beaches, valleys, mountains, national parks, waterfalls and other risky spots." But will this be enough when Backlund’s murderer was quoted as saying, "she resisted and I had to kill her,� after his rape attempt went awry. Still Choochart says confidently, "I believe security in Thailand is better than in many other countries." 2008-04-08T12:22:00+07:00 613 2008-04-01T12:23:09+07:00 7 true 613-is-thailand-still-safe- DaveB

Sweden’s Phuket consulate and the embassy in Bangkok may post warnings on their official websites, advising Swedish women of the dangers while traveling in Thailand. The move follows the increasing number of attacks on women in recent years and warnings on other country’s embassy websites, such as the British Embassy. The latest incident - the murder of 26-year-old Swedish tourist Hanna Backlund at Mai Khao Beach in March – has prompted Swedish authorities to consider the idea. General Consul Christina Palm at the Swedish Consulate in Phuket said, 'we are considering posting a general warning on our website addressing the dangers one faces when traveling in Thailand.' The British Embassy currently warns of sexual offenses committed against foreign women and men. It focuses mainly on female travelers to 'maintain a high state of personal awareness' while in Thailand. Governor of Phuket, Niran Kalayanamit, recently said that the murder of Miss Backlund murder had hurt Phuket’s reputation. Other recent hi-profile attacks against Swedish female tourists in Thailand include the rape of a 12-year-old girl on Koh Samui in January 2006, and the attempted rape of a woman the same year. One plan put forward by a Phuket's Tourist Police Commander Maj Gen Choochart Suwannakom was to distribute whistles to foreign female tourists at prominent beach resorts; a suggestion which a Danish officer at the Nordic Police Liaison Office in Bangkok described as 'pathetic'. Tourism is very important for Thailand, bringing in around US$16 billion in 2007; the greatest earner of foreign currency for the country. [Safety tips in Thailand](http://www.1stopthailand.com/travel-tips/safety/t_to_z_of_safety/)<br> [Phuket Tourist Guide](http://www.1stopthailand.com/phuket/) 2008-04-07T08:37:00+07:00 620 2008-04-08T07:47:17+07:00 5 true 620-sweden-may-issuing-travel-warnings Andrew