What About Pattaya?

[Gaybutton]

I'm sure the media in most countries is making it look like the entire country of Thailand is embroiled in violent civil war, especially now that the military has become involved.

 

Relax. Nothing could be further from the truth. In Pattaya, just like the coup, you wouldn't know anything is going on at all if it wasn't for TV and the newspapers. Absolutely nothing has changed at all. Even in Bangkok, except for the small area where all this is taking place (and it's nowhere near the gay venue areas), you still wouldn't know anything is going on. Maybe trying to find boys around Saranrom Park might not exactly be a great idea at the moment, but other than that, Bangkok is fine.

 

In other words, if you have been considering canceling travel plans due to all this nonsense, there is no reason to do so. Everything here is just fine. As a matter of fact, for those of us who are here it's actually better. Plenty of boys, but far fewer farang than usual competing for them. If you were here, the last thing you would have to worry about would be the prospect of another farang getting to the boy you like before you do. Because of this mess, in vulgar terms, you now have the pick of the litter.

 

Also, those of us who are here are enjoying our currencies finally gaining a little strength against the baht and the longer the lunacy goes on, the better the exchange rate is likely to get.

 

Life goes on, folks, even when the government is in utter chaos. It's your decision, of course, but unless martial law or something is declared throughout Thailand, I see no reason at all to even think about canceling your travel plans. The chances of you encountering any of the chaos are virtually nil.

[Jason1988]

This was published on the yahoo page shown in the US:

 

It makes Bangkok sound dangerous...."Bangkok Dangerous?" lol

 

Protesters clash with police in Thailand, 1 dead

 

BANGKOK, Thailand - Thai protesters demanding the government resign set fire to cars and threw bottles and metal barricades at police, who used tear gas to break through their blockade around Parliament Tuesday. At least one person was killed and more 350 were injured.

 

Unarmed military forces were deployed to quell the unrest, an army spokesman said.

 

It was the most violent and widespread unrest in Thailand's six-week political crisis in which protesters have tried to force out supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra, the premier ousted in 2006 amid allegations of corruption.

 

Tensions began building Monday night when protesters surrounded Parliament, erecting barbed wire and tire barricades. They vowed to block Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat from entering to deliver a policy statement to lawmakers Tuesday. Somchai is Thaksin's brother-in-law.

 

The violence erupted early in the morning when police first cleared the street outside Parliament so the prime minister and other lawmakers could enter. Rioting protesters set fire to parked cars, trucks and vans.

 

Clashes continued throughout the day, with police firing tear gas at protesters, who were armed with batons and slingshots and who threw bottles, metal barriers and firecrackers at police.

 

In the afternoon, riot police fired volleys of tear gas to break through the protesters' cordon so the lawmakers could leave.

 

Witnesses reported hearing gunshots throughout the day. Some police were armed with shotguns, and an AP Television News reporter saw at least three protesters carrying guns.

 

The street-fighting carried on after nightfall, with new clashes erupting outside the Bangkok police headquarters. Forces inside the compound fired tear gas to try to disperse the besieging mob.

 

A 20-year-old woman died in clashes outside police headquarters after being brought to the hospital with chest injuries and one hand nearly severed, said Surachet Sathitniramai, director of the disaster coordination agency Narenthorn Center.

 

About a mile from the fighting, a second person was killed when a Jeep SUV exploded near the headquarters of the Chart Thai Party, a member of Somchai's six-party coalition government. Police said they suspected a bomb caused the blast, but could provide no other details. It was not immediately clear whether the explosion was linked to the political violence.

 

A total of 358 people, mostly protesters, were injured. A few policemen were among those hurt, said police Lt. Thirapol Pokpong. An Associated Press reporter saw two police inside the parliamentary compound who had been shot by unknown assailants.

 

"We did not use any weapon other than tear gas and shields to clear the path for parliamentarians to go into the building," said deputy Bangkok police chief Maj. Gen. Umnuey Nimmanno. "It is conventional practice in dispersing a crowd. We did not use disproportionate force."

 

Thai media reported that Somchai sneaked out the back of Parliament to escape the mob by climbing over a fence.

 

The protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy have occupied the prime minister's office since late August.

 

The alliance includes royalists, wealthy and middle-class urban residents, and union activists who are nervous about political and social changes that threaten their privilege and position in society.

 

They want Thailand to abandon the system of one-man, one-vote democracy, which they say gives too much power to the rural poor, whom they say are susceptible to vote buying. They have not explained how exactly such a system would work or what would make it less susceptible to manipulation.

 

The same group was instrumental in 2006 ouster of Thaksin who lives in exile in London.

 

When protesters originally took over the grounds of the prime minister's office on Aug. 26, their intention was to oust then-Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej — whom they also accused of being a puppet of Thaksin. They later said they also opposed his successor, Somchai.

 

Somchai was sworn in as prime minister on Sept. 25 but has been forced to run the government from a makeshift office at Bangkok's airport.

 

He said he would not resign, dissolve parliament to call new elections, nor declare a state of emergency.

 

"I came in to do my job, so I will not quit working," he told reporters.

 

Somchai opened Tuesday's parliamentary session after a 90-minute delay and the chaos escalated outside the building as he spoke. Anti-government protesters regrouped and barricaded all four entrances to the Parliament, saying their goal was to block top officials from leaving the building. The opposition Democrat Party boycotted the speech.

 

After the parliamentary session ended, lawmakers said they were too afraid to leave the building. Hundreds of people had to wait in the parliamentary compound, which was dark and uncomfortable because the electricity had been cut off. The reason for the power failure was not clear, although the protesters took responsibility.

 

The chaos prompted Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to resign. Chavalit, who was in charge of security, was seen as a key figure in helping the government to resolve the crisis.

 

"What happened was partly my responsibility in failing to resolve the conflict," he said in his resignation letter.

 

The situation returned to relative calm Tuesday night, with most of the protesters returning to their stronghold at the prime minister's office.

 

___

 

Associated Press reporters Busaba Sivasomboon, Ambika Ahuja and Raul Gallego contributed to this story.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

GB Couldn't agree more. Up here in Ubon, if you turned off the TV and the internet, there would be no way that you think something dangereous was going on in the country. I imagine that it will hurt the tourist industry in Bangkok, but there will be some trickle down to other areas.

[2lz2p]

I went with bf for a visit to hometown (near Khorat) early Monday morning and returned to Pattaya Wednesday afternoon - checking my usual web based news outlets upon return was the first I heard of the events in Bangkok. No one in the hometown mentioned it (or apparently seemed to take notice).

[Guest MonkeySee]

Maybe trying to find boys around Saranrom Park might not exactly be a great idea at the moment, but other than that, Bangkok is fine.

 

Good God Almighty, Are they fighting around the Grand Palace and Wat Pho?

 

[Gaybutton]

Good God Almighty, Are they fighting around the Grand Palace and Wat Pho?

 

Probably nothing is happening there, but I'm not going to be the one to go and find out. It may be perfectly safe, but until all this turmoil is over I don't think it's a good idea to advise people coming to Thailand for a holiday to go hunting for Bangkok boys at night anywhere other than the established gay scene areas. Saranrom Park is not near any of the gay areas, but it's not all that far from the known trouble spots. For the time being it won't be me, thank you very much. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing that even if it's perfectly safe there are still going to be police check points and other hazards. I just don't think it's a great idea to venture away from the established tourist and shopping areas in Bangkok at night right now.

 

I haven't been to Bangkok since all this got started, so if any of you are familiar enough with Bangkok to tell us whether going to Saranrom Park on a boy hunt right now is a dangerous thing to do, please let us know.

[Guest MonkeySee]

Probably nothing is happening there, but I'm not going to be the one to go and find out.

 

GB, you are certainly most conservative! To advise people to avoid going to the Saranrom area which is perhaps, the number one tourist area of Bangkok with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Phra Kaew, is unadventurous to say the least. I may be wrong, but I thought that most all the tourist areas were safe and the trouble was around Parliament House? Do you have something against cruising?

[Gaybutton]

GB, you are certainly most conservative!

 

My friend, if you feel that it's perfectly safe, then by all means go ahead and cruise to your heart's content. If after you go there and cruise it turns out to really be perfectly safe, and I hope it is, as well as getting to and from there from the popular gay hotels, then I hope you will post again and tell us so.

 

Considering that my posts about Saranrom Park always encourage people to go there and give it a try, then asking me if I 'have something against cruising' seems kind of strange to me. It should be obvious that I have nothing against cruising. I'm merely concerned for people's safety. If I'm going to be wrong, I'm much happier erring on the side of caution. I'd much rather be conservative right now than be someone who writes posts saying there is no problem about it at all, and then having to explain why I said that if someone inadvertently gets caught up in one of the brouhahas.

 

I haven't advised people against going to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, or any other popular tourist destinations . . . during the day. The Saranrom Park boys are there during the night. Maybe it's just as safe as ever. I hope so. Again, if you or anybody else reading this decides to go, let us know if there are any problems. If there are none, then I'll be delighted to eat my words.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

I think you need to follow one rule

 

BETTER TO BE SAFE ... THAN SORRY!!

[Guest lvdkeyes]

October 10, 2008

 

This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to

and residing in Thailand that media reports indicate the People's

Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders have called for a mass rally at

Police Headquarters on Monday morning, October 13, 2008. Police

Headquarters is located on Rama I road, which is the same road that Siam

Paragon, Central World, and other large shopping areas are located. We

ask Americans to exercise caution if you are going to be in this

vicinity or in the area of any demonstrations.

 

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to

be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into

violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of

demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the

vicinity of any demonstrations.

 

[Guest MonkeySee]

I think you need to follow one rule

 

BETTER TO BE SAFE ... THAN SORRY!!

 

I could not agree with you more. It is better to be safe, than sorry. On the other hand, I believe some wise man said, THERE IS NOTHING TO FEAR, BUT FEAR ITSELF.

-Don't invest in the stock market because you may lose all your money.

-Don't cross the street because of the maniac drivers and you might be hit.

-Don't go to Bangkok because they are killing people in the street.

-Don't go to Thailand because they are killing people in the street.

-Don't go outside because the sky is falling.

And the list goes on!

[Guest lvdkeyes]

-Don't go outside because the sky is falling.

And the list goes on!

 

I agree there is no need for paranoia, but prudence is warranted, but you do what you feel you have to do.

[Guest MonkeySee]

I haven't advised people against going to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, or any other popular tourist destinations . . . during the day. The Saranrom Park boys are there during the night. Maybe it's just as safe as ever. I hope so. Again, if you or anybody else reading this decides to go, let us know if there are any problems. If there are none, then I'll be delighted to eat my words.

 

I have not had the chance to investigate the cruising area around Saranrom Park, but will make it a point to check it out in the coming month. I have seen tourist around the Grand Palace at night, too. I guess they like to see the buildings lit up at night. My point is, if we have to warn people to stay away from the most popular tourist attraction in Thailand, then we are in trouble.

 

[Gaybutton]

My point is, if we have to warn people to stay away from the most popular tourist attraction in Thailand, then we are in trouble.

 

The situation changes from day to day. Only a few days ago a major demonstration was held at the British embassy, and that's in close proximity to other major embassies. Also, marches were held that affected major shopping districts.

 

In other words, the safe move, and I think the smart move, is to make sure what's going on, where it's going on, and when it's going on before inadvertently finding yourself in the middle of a mess.

 

I don't think it's necessary to warn people away from popular tourist attractions, but I do think it's wise to check things as best as you can before stepping into what could be a potential mine field.

[Guest MonkeySee]

I don't think it's necessary to warn people away from popular tourist attractions, but I do think it's wise to check things as best as you can before stepping into what could be a potential mine field.

 

 

I think we are in agreement, Gaybutton. It is wise to be prudent. If possible, check on the mind fields and stay away from volatile situations. But let’s not stay in your house because you think you might be hit by a bus, crossing the street. This is the only life you have and so live life to the fullest. Back in early October, the mind field was around Parliament House. Now there has been demonstrations around the British Embassy and so beware in these areas. I believe the Grand Palace area to be safe, but will investigate and report back.

 

[Guest shockdevil]

I think the US election news here has overshadowed any news about the situation in Thailand. A few weeks ago Thailand was in the news and people here were getting apprehensive about traveling over there.

 

The 2006-2007 coup drama had my friends ready to cancel our plans to visit Pattaya. I had to convince them otherwise. Now the same friends are coming scheduled to return with me this year (and more coming during the first few months of 2009). Once again I am telling them not to worry. The chatter on forums like this seems to back up my claims of a safe trip to the LOS for 2008-2009.

 

I hope the LOS do not prove me wrong this visit.

 

[KhorTose]

I think the US election news here has overshadowed any news about the situation in Thailand. A few weeks ago Thailand was in the news and people here were getting apprehensive about traveling over there.

The 2006-2007 coup drama had my friends ready to cancel our plans to visit Pattaya. I had to convince them otherwise. Now the same friends are coming scheduled to return with me this year (and more coming during the first few months of 2009). Once again I am telling them not to worry. The chatter on forums like this seems to back up my claims of a safe trip to the LOS for 2008-2009.

I hope the LOS do not prove me wrong this visit.

 

I am sure everything is okay, but if you send me your info I will pay for a life insurance policy on you. Of course, I will be the beneficary

 

I am worried also, but if the worst happens and it becomes a civil war, I believe it will be confined to Bangkok, and you will probably be safe anywhere else in Thailand. Nothing is going to take place in Pattaya except a giant influx of cute bar boys fleeing Bangkok. You shouldn't have any problem dealing with that. It could be the best time you've ever had. If I turn out to be wrong, my real name is GayButton and I will send you home on my private jet.

 

[Guest laurence]

I am worried also, but if the worst happens and it becomes a civil war, I believe it will be confined to Bangkok, and you will probably be safe anywhere else in Thailand.

 

Sort of like the civil war between the North and the South in the USA and North and South in Vietnam and the North and South in Korea? Just a thought but violence has a tendency to spread.

 

[KhorTose]

Sort of like the civil war between the North and the South in the USA and North and South in Vietnam and the North and South in Korea? Just a thought but violence has a tendency to spread.

 

Not quite the same thing as above, but I get your point and agree. Anything is possible, and I have been expressing my worries on other boards, and have done a lot of thinking about it. As long as a certain gentleman is living, I can't see it spreading much beyond Bangkok, as the army and this gentleman are still the most powerful combination in Thailand. However, a serious miscalculation of their part---well you may very well see a country wide fight. That miscalculation could be him taking back power without given the present government some kind of bone, If he does that, then all bets are off. Want an interesting comparison? Goggle the Nika riots that almost dethroned Justinian. Also, if you know Thai history, even when there was a real revolution in 1935 after three years of unrest, there was no countrywide violence.