After reading your experience I figured I’ve never been out of the country and this sounded like a great trip. Affordable etc. Challenging event. So I started planning. Got some books and travel guides. Now, probably not
Sucks.
Dont believe everything you read!
I was in Pattani and Krabi provences, Ao Nang and Phuket from September to November this year during the so called ‘muslim violence and riots’ and never felt even a hint of unease. Remember Thailand is 95% Buddhist and they dispise violence as well the Malay Muslims were not happy with the riots caused by other militant muslims in Thailand and arrested several gang leaders.
Thailand is not like Indonesia so acts of violence like the Bali tragedy are unlikley to happen and Phuket is highly ‘over’ developed and security is being stepped as with most of the western world.
You will sadly miss an amazing country and event if you dont go. I will be back working in Thailand from September and if all goes well will race Phuket.
BTW I think Phuket itself is digusting and way over developed paradise lost but 2 hours away and the place is amazing!
I’ll give it some time before I decide obviously theres a lot of year left before the race.
I was in Thailand for three weeks last November. You need to be cautious, but don’t let the unrest keep you from going. It is a beautiful, peaceful country and they won’t tolerate this stuff for long.
I did Phuket this year which was just after the violence started in the South.
No hint of trouble in Phuket at all. I wouldn’t have any problem heading back there right now.
Did you make your own travel arrangements for the race or did you use a travel agent that offers a package for this race?
HEY MATE,
I am based in Singapore , which is 1.5 hrs flight south of Phuket and have been there probably
fifteen times in the past twelve years. Raced Laguna Phuket 2003 as well. The area of the race (excluding bike of course) is Bang Tao Bay , which is a semi-private compound comprised of five hotels (Three being five star, Banyan Tree I would go as far as saying six-star by American standards !) and two others.
This area was a mining developement originally until a " Trump " type property developer envisioned the interlinking hotel(s) resort. Fantastic ocean/lagoon swim followed by 55km good road ride, incorporating some challenging (out of the seat ) hills for probably 4 km tops. The run is flat with 1.5 km beach run betweem 9.5-11km (in 2003, may no longer be included ) with tremendous local support of police, resort and school children lining the bike portion.
Thai people as stated by a previous poster, are predominantly Bhuddist, although close to the Malaysian border there is an increasing percentage of Muslim thais. Thai people are extremely proud of their country, their heritage and especially their King. An overwhelming pct. of Phuket residents in one way or another, owe their existence to tourism. This is a fact they are very well aware of . Thai people will go out of their way to ensure that your stay will be happy and safe so you will tell others to visit their beautiful country.
Smile , treat them politely and you will have a fantastic race and holiday.
Terrible earthquake today most the images from MSNBC.com were from Phuket
.
well its now 25hrs since this tragedy happened !
Can only hope and pray all the best for the people in India , Thailand ,Sri Lanka , Maldives and Indonesia.
Sorry saw no news yesterday (christmas) and was out the door at 5 this morning for a race.