OPINION Foreign Travel Warnings Promote Empirical Ambitions

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Posted: 20 Feb 2010 | 2:54 pm

The recent spate of travel warnings by the wise men in the west including Britain and the US concerning 'alarming political turmoil in Thailand' smacks of nothing short of failed neo-colonial imperialists thinking. Not only are travel advisories harmful to a recovering tourism industry but they create fear and ultimately play into the pro-Thaksin media machine intent on wrecking chaos on the Government of Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Perhaps these diplomatic missions should carefully consider what purpose they are meant to serve and rather than dredge up the ghosts of empires past. Rather than looking down their noses at Asia as the developing world which can only be saved by the few select superpowers, and let countries outside their borders meet their own self-determination.

Sitting in Phuket in the middle of high season I can firmly say the country remains safe and sound for travelers from far and near. Frankly speaking I'm far more afraid of my own fellow American's then any internal political crises in the land of smiles.

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Bill is spot on with his comments. Most of the travel warnings are basically a sya (safe your ass) form of memorandum so in case something happens, nobody can be blamed or sued for not issuing a warning. Have you every heard of travel warnings to any of the G7 countries, when they host one of the meetings which are usually marred by large protests, frequently turning violent? Any warning traveling to Switzerland during the Davos January Forum, despite 100's of NGO 's protesting.Anyone warned going to Copenhagen during the climate conference? Luckily more and more travelers trust their own common sense and continue to travel.

Wolfgang Meusburger

Wolfgang. Meusburger, 22 Feb 2010 | 1:05 pm

lets c what happens on Firday..maybe Mr Barnett you might be eating those words..

Bill Barnett responds:
While we anticipate the worst and hope for the best, Friday looms large for everyone and if indeed that happens it will be unfortunate. Our story ran on travel warning and from my own personal view I'd much rather face a crowd of yellow or red shirted Thai demonstrators waving those plastic hand clappers then roam the streets of East Los Angeles after dark. Its all subjective and at the end of the day, the Thai's will determine their own destiny in the weeks ahead. Our concern remains tourism and not politics, and the issue of these warnings remains contentious. Appreciate your comments.

John Regatta, 21 Feb 2010 | 4:46 am

Bill, land of smiles? where are they now? just got to d airport in Phuket, parking 5 minutes waiting for my wife to arrive and security guard with a grim face, telling me GET OUT, u cannot wait here.....what is this? don"t u think that thais are becoming violent? resident in Thailand for 20 years and counting down...............Rafa

Bill Barnett responds:
Thanks for the comments and opinion. In general the world has become a more violent place and certainly Thailand is no exception. The island is becoming more crowded and tense at times. We don't livein a perfect world but the island remains a nice place to live and certainly a draw card for you being here 20 years bodes well, thanks for writing in.

Rafael, 20 Feb 2010 | 5:38 pm