Aftermath of the Reds and the future

Khun Paul wrote:Any act of terrorism is scary and when we talk about suicide bombers, car and other type of seemingly innocuous bombs it racks up the ante.
Luckily I feel that most Thais will not follow the tried and tested route of extremism, as in the South where it is raising its head again.
I do agree with previous comments , our best option is to try to avoid being involved, easier said than done on occasions but in the main we should defer to the authorites actions no matter how we view them, and not speak out publically against the staus quo.
Thailand is more dangerous now than when the drug wars were occuring and over 2000 died during that, but I do think that as foreigners we are reasonably safe.
The fact that one of their major earners has been hit hard ( tourism) then reading today the actions they are proposing, they are aware that foreign visitors and even those who live here are needed, so although I take little comfort from those comments is is heartening to hear it.
We ( those of us who live here some for a long time, others not so long) have an option, we all have to stay or leave, many have left due to financial worries, others quoting the current situation as unacceptable. I do feel though that we can offer solace to Thais, if we feel it is reasonably safe to stay ,and we in our small way continue to invest our time and money in this country to many it is seen as though Thailand is not so bad. To be truthful it is not bad, the country and the people although well intentioned are in fact in the main il-informed and by their very culture led down the garden path . We all accept that Thailand has to change not only its political system but other parts of it life , not least its educational establishment.
These I am sure will change, whether it will occur in my lifetime I am not certain, but change it will have to to survive as a viable nation in this increasingly competitive world.
Lastly i leave you with this comment, Thailand and its people are in the main good, albeit very good at scamming and personally cheating everyone, but underlying it they are a people who I like, in a country which is pleasnt to live in with all its shortfalls and pitfalls. So although currently it is in a state of flux, it is not that bad is it really !!

Tilokarat wrote:Do you really think Abhisit will have any say in the matter?

June 3, 2010

The Department of State has canceled the May 27, 2010 Travel Warning for
Thailand due to improvements in safety and security conditions
throughout the country. The Thai government ended the nightly curfew
May 29, 2010.

This message reminds U.S. citizens that a State of Emergency remains in
effect in the following provinces:
* Bangkok metropolitan area
* Chaiyaphum
* Chiang Mai
* Chiang Rai
* Chon Buri
* Khon Kaen
* Lampang
* Nakhon Ratchasima
* Nakhon Sawan
* Nan
* Nonthaburi
* Pathum Thani
* Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
* Samut Prakan
* Si Sa Ket
* Udon Thani

A State of Emergency gives the police and military increased powers to
maintain public order. Specifically, security forces have the authority
to:
* prohibit gatherings of more than five people;
* prohibit distribution of media or publications deemed to affect
security or public order;
* prohibit or limit the use of vehicles or particular routes; and
* evacuate buildings or areas or prohibit entry into them.

You might encounter security forces personnel at roadblocks or other
security checkpoints. If you do, you should obey all instructions from
them. Be sure to carry identification and proof of your U.S. citizenship
at all times to present if asked by authorities.

There were numerous incidents of explosive attacks, including several
isolated grenade and arson attacks, in and around Bangkok and Chiang Mai
over the past two months. Additional explosive devices were discovered
before detonation. Some of these incidents occurred at or near areas
frequented by U.S. citizens. These incidents appear to be motivated by
domestic politics and do not appear to be acts of international
terrorism. The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out.
You should exercise caution and vigilance at all times. Immediately
report to law enforcement or security personnel any unattended packages
or bags or suspicious objects in public areas.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and
possibly escalate into violence with little or no warning. You should
avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and exercise caution
if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings. You
should monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information
of any demonstrations and areas to avoid.