Thailand forum

Recently the only case I have heard of is the two girls found dead in the room in Koh Samet. You have to remmember millions of tourists come to Thailand every year. It's pretty safe. I'd sayy your biggest danger is bus or taxi accident.

Just went up the local market in Rambutri, Bangkok yesterday had to laugh.You can arm yourself like Rambo if you want. Tasers, CS, Asps, butterfly and flick-knives; so that's one way of staying safe.Word of advice, if you go down this route and you are threatened make sure you not the type who will hesitate.

I didn't necessarily say you need to arm yourself Madmac. I was just amused at what you can buy here as there is nothing comparable in Cambodia. Saying that a can of mace isn't a bad idea. BTW I've yet to meet a tourist who doesn't drink too much.Any amount of drink impairs your judgement and your ability to spot trouble as well.

Well, how much did you have to drink before you went out on a night op?
Ok we're talking Thailand not Mogadon (or is that a sleeping pill?) but don't tell me it doesn't slow your reactions pelease!

BTW I've yet to meet a tourist who doesn't drink too much
To quote myself.
That's one point the other is reaction time is just as important in getting you quickly out of a situation going bad.That's anywhere and Thailand has it's fair share of lowlife like any other place.Especially KSR.

There was one case a few years back when a young female traveller was brutally raped and killed by two fishermen on Koh Samui, maybe this is what the OP is referring to but overall I would say Thailand is pretty safe for a single female.Certainly safer than a lot of Western countries.

There certainly seem to be a lot of farang trouble makers around in Thailand for some reason if you're paying attention to the news? I tend to agree with oscarcat, that fellow travellers can be a bit worrisome at times. So if you're looking for a travel buddy choose wisely. When they start talking about how they lost their credit card and if you can lend them some money - stay away - Most of the time I just find them annoying (as in nothing in common) and would rather be by myself. Sometimes you can meet some really great people if you take the time to talk to them and leave your prejudices about age and appearances at home. I find CouchSurfing to be a good way to get to know locals and the such...

http://www.couchsurfing.org - there are groups, weekly meetings, etc - you don't have to surf if you don't want. But, yes getting off the tourist trail - for sure. Although, I've had some experiences in remote areas where locals are "afraid" to interact with farang, and basically ignore you... although it is not common.

"As for getting to know indigenous persons, that's really easy. As soon as you get off the tourist trail and hit a bar or club, you will meet them. Almost hard to avoid"

Bit hard if you can't speak the language

I don't speak the language & I get by

"I don't speak the language & I get by"

It does depend on where you go of course. Back in my wife's village, without speaking Thai you just are not going to talk. You might find other ways to communicate, but you are not communicating with language. Because no one there speaks any English - maybe a word or two.

In the city I live in, there are some English speakers. They are dwarfed by non-English speakers though. Again, you can usually work out basics, but a conversation will be tough if you don't find someone who speaks English.

Usually you can find a way to "get by", but of course that's not the same thing as really getting to know people. Depends on who you are and what you want. I am glad I have taken the time to learn the language, but it did take me quite some time.

Still, I encourage people to try. In my view it beats sitting around with a bunch of other tourists at some guesthouse or bar getting drunk and pontificating about world issues or discussing how banal beach and sex tourists are. If you are going to come here for the ostensible purpose of getting exposure to local culture, then the way to do that is get to know people. Language is culture, so you have to work on that of course. Not easy, but real cultural exposure isn't.

"if I have to listen to another discussion on Karma, astrology or the life cycle of the dung beetle I'm going to pop someone"

Really? Do people talk about astrology in public places? If I hang around such areas I hear how cool some super touristy place is.

Don't hang out on KSR then. The hotels I stay in don't have LP types or wannabe kharma hippies.

"It's getting a bit like gaol time though except all the cons talk about the best weed and how cool it is meditating under a bush in the Himalayas."

Christ, I wouldn't be able to stand it. Nimrods like this drive me crazy.