Many people are once again starting to ask the question, just how safe is it to travel to Thailand? If you have plans to travel to Thailand this year or you oversee the travel of others then you need to know the real issues impacting travel this year to Thailand.
Despite continued focus on the political activities there is a greater risk from issue such as motor vehicle accidents, health threats, crime and general travel delays.
By reading this article you will be significantly more confident in your understanding of the real issues affecting travel to Thailand and empowered to act to maintain your travel plans, regardless of what happens.
With elections planned in the early part of this year it has reinvigorated a number of political parties and lead to a spate of copy-cat demonstrations.
It's just common practice now to demonstrate in and around Bangkok.
The political issues and tensions over the past few years that have resulted in the turn over of leadership, demonstrations, violence and even the airport closures are still not resolved.
The reality is though that it has minimal impact on travellers to Thailand.
Many of the forecasts and predictions made by the media and political leaders are grossly inaccurate.
Some of these predictions, such as rally attendee numbers, have been as much as 90% wrong.
Even when there has been a strong showing, most of the demonstrators have been bussed in from elsewhere, paid a daily salary and typically only demonstrate around weekends, holidays and non-productive farming periods.
Thailand is a big country.
Thousands of people congregating anywhere is not a big deal.
There is still ample room in the country and the city for everyone else and aside from some local traffic and diversion issues, presents little impact to travellers to Thailand.
Follow the events, note the locations and avoid the immediate area.
Motor vehicle accidents continue to grow in Thailand.
New attempts to reduce injury and fatalities around holiday periods and introduce helmet laws have been a positive step but still a long way from reducing the "pandemic" of dangerous driving, difficult driving conditions and lack of policing.
Frequent use of sidewalks by motorcycles, over congested streets, unpredictable private transport vehicles and bad roads make this a real and persistent threat for travellers.
Coupled with the inconsistent standard and response of emergency services, this can actually turn a "survivable" incident into a life threatening event.
Use seat belts where possible, encourage your drive to drive with care, avoid the use of tuk-tuks and motorcycles, limit the use of mini-vans and you will have actively reduced the risk significantly.
Disease, illness, hygiene, weather, food and water all present health safety and security risks for travellers in Thailand.
Increases in Malaria, Dengue fever and other tropical diseases result in many travellers, tourists and expatriates falling ill or even death.
Poor food preparation or poor hygiene practices contribute to significant and consistent health issues for travellers.
Not to mention the fact many Thai's are just not familiar with the ingredients and preparation of Western style food which can result in unintentional food related sickness.
Clean drinking water is not consistently available throughout Thailand.
This simple commodity in other parts of the world can have an immediate and negative impact on your health and travel activities.
Pre-travel vaccinations, covering exposed areas in Malaria prone areas, specific medications, cautious consumption of foods, observing what many others are eating without impact and continuously ensuring you have clean safe drinking water will go a long way to ensure you holiday or business trip to Thailand is all the fun or productive things you want it to be without disruption from illness and sickness.
Crime does exist in Thailand.
Many tourists are shocked to discover this.
It is the "land of smiles" but there are local Thai criminals and gangs, along with foreign criminals too, that target foreigners and tourists.
Scams, pickpocketing, theft, drink spiking, robbery, physical assaults and many typical petty crimes affect tourists on a daily basis.
Be aware of the threat, keep your guard up, be aware of your surroundings and environment, have a plan, know how to seek help if needed and you have less chance of being a victim of crimes of opportunity or random acts of violence.
Forget being a victim of terrorism, political violence, gang violence or such acts as the odds are low, not impossible, in Thailand.
Travel delays and disruptions abound in Thailand.
Traffic, transport facilities, English speaking, transport hubs, congestion, tourists, overly bureaucratic processes, bad driving, "holiday feel", weather, all play a role in continuous travel disruptions in Thailand.
You need to be aware of this persistent threat and take practical steps to reduce the impact.
Factor in instructions/directions in Thai, ample time to travel to/from transport hubs such as airports, being patient at government processing areas, complying with the rules and guidelines, having alternate plans should you encounter delay and not trying to "over crowd" your itinerary will enhance your safety and enjoyment of your next trip to Thailand.
You should now be more aware and better positioned to reduce nearly 80% of the probable travel threats to Thailand.
Continue to be aware, monitor events, consider the impact to your plans and plan around the disruptive issues.
Now you can all but guarantee your safe and enjoyable travel to Thailand and not let a few media reports put you into a state of concern or panic.
The year ahead will likely test your preparation and understanding of the issues but you have here the keys to a better journey.
Put this to use, book/confirm that trip and have a safe, memorable and enjoyable trip to Thailand's fantastic cities and locations.