No place, even as beautiful as Thailand, is totally without any hitch. There are the usual hassles in international travel and there are the hitches unique in Thailand. Before coming out here, check out travel alerts and warnings.
For instance, there is this travel advisory published in SafeTravel – Travel Advisories Section that warns New Zealander about travelling to Thailand because of several about potential risks. The news specified the different risks that one may experience in Thailand:
“High Risk
There is high risk to your security in the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla because of ongoing politically-motivated and criminal violence, which occurs on an almost daily basis…
There is high risk to your security along the disputed Thailand/Cambodia border in the provinces of Sa Kaew, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to this area…
There is high risk to your security along the Thailand/Myanmar border and we advise against all tourist(s) and other non-essential travel to this area…
Some Risk
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Thailand due to the threat from terrorism and potential for violent civil unrest and we advise caution.”
New Zealanders are also advised against on-going threats from terrorism and from landmines. Terrorism is rampant in areas outside the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla. Landmines are a danger in areas near Preah Vihear Temple (or Khao Pra Viharn Temple) as well as Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples in the Cambodia/ Thailand border.
Aside from these potential risks from civil and political unrest, travellers must also be wary of deadly creatures in Thailand’s natural systems – jungles in the north and coastal waters/beaches in the southern islands. This news MailOnline – Travel News Section spine-chilling as it makes you realize that humans are defenseless against the wrath and ferocity of nature.
Warning issued to tourists on popular Thai island after five-year-old French boy dies from box jellyfish sting while swimming –
- Boy was holidaying with his family on picturesque island of Koh Phangan.
- He was stung by one of the deadliest creatures in the world off Khuad beach.
- Local authorities, hotels asked to post signs warning of poisonous jellyfish.
Tourists visiting a popular Thai resort island are being warned to take care while swimming after a five-year-old boy was killed by a box jellyfish over the weekend.
The boy, from France, was holidaying with his family on the picturesque island of Koh Phangan when he was stung by one of the deadliest creatures in the world.
After the boy died, local authorities and beachfront hotels were asked to post signs warning of venomous jellyfish and prepare emergency kits for additional stings”
Tourists going to Thailand’s famous southern islands must be prepared to encounter some dangerous creatures such as the box jellyfish (cubomedusae), sea snakes, moray eels, lion fish and many more. As a rule, travellers, especially those with kids in tow, must do some research and make some effort to help kids become familiar with the most common dangers they can possibly encounter while swimming or snorkeling. When booking, ask about records of encounters bites, attacks and accidents, as well as the resort’s preparedness to handle said unfortunate events.
Just like a rose that has thorns, Thailand is a beautiful destination that comes with some risks. Know the risks and heed the advisories especially when you are travelling with your family.
