Answered3 years ago
How safe is it for tourists to visit the three southern provinces of Thailand?
I'm planning visit the 3 Southern provinces.There's a kind of secret war between Kingdom and Separatist Islamic organisation. How safe it's for tourists?
Answer summary
Traveling to the three southern provinces of Thailand—Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat—can pose safety concerns for tourists due to ongoing insurgency issues. While some travelers report peaceful experiences, many government advisories recommend against visiting these areas due to a history of violence and high military presence. Safety measures suggested include avoiding night travel, using private transportation over public transit, and staying informed about local conditions. The general consensus reflects a mix of experiences, with various travelers suggesting caution depending on specific regions and times.
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Mohit **********************
It’s safe just don’t talk to people with a beard that look suspicious.
Jeanette ********
@Mohit *********************
I like your sense of humour x
Mark ***********
Not dangerous at all. As a women in Narathiwat once told us, we only have an occasional bombing.
Daniel ******
You never know , When
Mike *********
Check your Embassy's travel advisories and other embassies
Gordon *******
My 2nd home is in a village in songklha , near Hat Yai , never had any problems , Yala & pattani could be a different story ! And as mentioned before any travel insurance will be deemed invalid
Sturgess ********
@Gordon ******
Wow. Is there any travel insurance that works in that area? As an older guy, I’m reluctant to go anywhere where I’m uninsured.Gordon *******
Unfortunately not ,
@Stur****
it even tells you on most consulates to stay away from the most southern ProvencesPaul *******
@Gordon ******
Songkhla is relatively safe. Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat are not.
Martin *********
Any travel insurance you choose to have won't be valid.
Jacob ********
I seriously doubt any of the locals would harm you directly. Just bad timing wrong place wrong time if a bomb goes off. Personally I would not worry about it. Just be respectful to the locals that also means not dressing like a slob or showing too much skin.
Tina ********
We were in Hatyai for about 3 days, no problem. Thats u der 2 weeks ago. Seems n felt peaceful. Later took a train to Golok. There were a few armies with guns on the train. The train ride was uneventful n peaceful. Then to Kota Bharu in Malaysia. It's was a good journey overall.
Jeffrey ************
It's not exactly a secret..
Jeremy ********
Just go to Yala and YOLO 🤣🤣🤣
Raymund *******
Been living in Hatyai, Songkhla, for five years, no problems. Surathani is dangerous after dark.
Jeff *******
@Raymund ******
where is the dangerous bit of surat?
Palantir ******
safe but boring place to go...u not missing anything if u dont go
Paul *******
@Palantir *****
Not that safe but safer than in the past. Definitely not missing anything...you're right.I'd rather visit the east coast of Malaysia.
Jeff *******
Was in narathiwat the other week, no issues everyone very friendly.
Shafik *********
It's safer than what people say. I passed twice and the check points are quiet exaggerating the situation. Maybe there looking for contraband, weapons, combatants, criminals, etc at those check points. Otherwise your safe to go,no big issue.
Paul *******
@Shafik ********
They'll definitely stop you and ask questions. Especially at night. Even in much safer Northern Tak and Mae Hong Son, along the border with Myanmar, they stop and question each vehicle passing through at night (which means after dark. So even at 7pm). During the day they generally wave you through. Now there is conflict on the Myanmar side, but the Thai side is completely safe and the checkpoints use the same level of scrutiny now as they did 4 or 5 years ago when the situation on the Burmese side was much calmer. I can imagine that the checkpoints in the far south might be reluctant to let a foreigner pass if its at night, but after an extensive search, asking to see your passport and enquiring about your reasons for being there probably will, as long as there are no incidents in the area.
Wendy *********
Be smart stay humble I was there years ago but the same war prevails just let fate pave your way
Isabel ****
I go down regularly but speak fluent Thai and know people there.
Travel between cities after it is dark is a no-go. There are hardly any foreigners so you will be quite special. It should be okay as long as you have a good accommodation and keep to sightseeing. But if possible have a number of a Thai person you can call and they can translate if you find yourself in a unforseen situation (not much english there). Also I would not wonder off or take adventure trips into unknown areas ...
Travel between cities after it is dark is a no-go. There are hardly any foreigners so you will be quite special. It should be okay as long as you have a good accommodation and keep to sightseeing. But if possible have a number of a Thai person you can call and they can translate if you find yourself in a unforseen situation (not much english there). Also I would not wonder off or take adventure trips into unknown areas ...
Paul *******
@Isabel ***
Good advice. However, a Malay speaker may prove to be even more useful as many of the people in the countryside are more comfortable using Pattani Malay or standard Malay than Thai.
Manfred **********
Not so "secret" now that you told the world.
And by calling the Freedom Fighters "separatists" we already know which side you are on😂
And by calling the Freedom Fighters "separatists" we already know which side you are on😂
Paul *******
@Manfred *********
By using the term "freedom fighters" for terrorists, we know what side you are on.
Steve *************
@Manfred *********
they are also called terrorists because of their actions against innocent people.
Mitchell *******
Not really secret. If you go there, I would advise going with someone. And preferably someone from the area.
My Thai gf has very strongly suggested that I not travel there. And she has family there.
My Thai gf has very strongly suggested that I not travel there. And she has family there.
Pete ******
@Mitchell ******
My wife (Northern Thai) used to be like that but has come around; well be heading down south maybe November.
Corey *******
I've spent over a year and a half in Hat Yai going to so many festivals, temples, night markets, and celebrations. Absolutely no issues. I've only spent a little time in Yala. It didn't feel as welcoming, but no issues. I did notice a higher military presence
Paul *******
@Corey ******
Hat Yai is generally quite safe, the odd incident here and there aside. It's not in the red zone.
Richard *********
what secret? everyone knows and monthly there are a few bombings and murders> targeted against the military.
For a tourist its ok> Dont travel at night Great people, great food
The road between Yala and Betong, ( a great city and lots ot see and do) is one of the most scenic in the south
I love southern thailand
For a tourist its ok> Dont travel at night Great people, great food
The road between Yala and Betong, ( a great city and lots ot see and do) is one of the most scenic in the south
I love southern thailand
Paul *******
@Richard ********
Betong is OK but best to travel there via Malay territory. It's safer that way.Richard *********
@Paul ******
But ya miss the route between there an yala 🙂i've done a few trips entering Malaysia at Wang Prachan, down to Penang an than back up thru Betong> a lovely drive
I want head back and check out the new sky walk in Betong.
Surawut ***************
I go visit my family once a year for the past 25 years. It’s been very peaceful lately for the past ten years. Lovely people and very safe environment.
Richard ********
@Janin *****
thank you wow, some good data there.👍Paul *******
@Janin *****
The fall in violence during the period between 2020 and roughly mid 2022 can be attributed to Covid restrictions, which in that region were some of the strictest in all of Thailand. Vaccine checkpoints were set up on major roads and only vaccinated people could pass. Masks were strictly enforced and those few who didn't comply, were fined and warned not to expose their faces in public again. The heavy military presence ensured that it was easy to implement all these restrictions, as the region was already under a state of emergency leading into Covid. So the tools they needed were already in place.Richard ********
@Surawut **************
be better if one could read Thai, interesting they keep stats on the number of deaths etc.Janin ******
@Surawut **************
safe? How many people are killed in a few years?Surawut ***************
@J *****************
If you want stat, here's your stat madam. ********************************
*****
Paul *******
@J *****************
That's probably because you don't speak Thai, don't follow the news and are one of these naive farang who believes whatever they're told. The far south of Thailand is far more dangerous than most parts of Europe (excepting Ukraine, which is obviously something on another level altogether).Jo **********
it’s not a secret and I cannot believe people are making jokes about this. The very far south is not safe for anyone. Monks have been killed by the islamic groups.
Nadhirah *********
@Jo *********
5555 are you watch too much movies 😅 I’ve been there almost every month I see nothing happened, and no one get killed. Just a small peaceful town with a muslim community.Jo **********
@Nadhirah ********
mmmh my Thai friends work and live there all there life and you know better!Richard *********
@Jo *********
I've been thru most of the south with my own car many times since the late 90's> just dont travel at nightJo **********
@Richard ********
yes especially at night
Thomas *******
Secret,....
*****
5
Andy **********
UK Foreign Office advice. Now some might disagree with that assessment, but for UK citizens, it carries legal weight. Ie travel insurance will not be valid in those areas where travel is advised against. Consult your own country's foreign ministry for advice.
*********************************************************************
Paul *********
@Andy *********
This is the one and only definitive answer.
Pascal ********
You have more chance to die from a motorbike accident in Phuket than getting in trouble in the south, dont listen to the negative comments from people who never been in the deep south, Betong area is fantastic
Jo **********
@Pascal *******
it’s not a secret and I cannot believe people are making jokes about this. The very far south is not safe for anyone. Monks have been killed by the islamic groups.Steve *************
@Jo *********
I was there for a few days about 4 years ago, and it was much like rest of Thailand, quite nice and the people were friendly, but I’m not ignorant to the FACTS, of the terrorists down there and the countless murders that they have committed all for their cause to steal land from Thailand and create their own Islamic country.Steve *************
@David *******
and then the Thais stole it from the British?????David ********
@Steve ************
Land which was stolen from them by the British.Jo **********
@Steve ************
good commentPascal ********
@Jo *********
1000 times safer in the south than any big cities in the worldPascal ********
@Paul ******
the topic was the deep southPaul *******
@Pascal *******
Bangkok is as boring once you start living there. It all depends on your social life/work-life balance etc.Pascal ********
@Jo *********
Working and living in Singapore a while ago and boring place to live , OK working not too badJo **********
@Pascal *******
Singapore is not boring i live in Thailand and work in SingaporePascal ********
@Jo *********
Maybe but boring cities especially Singapore.Jo **********
@Pascal *******
that’s ridiculous Singapore, Copenhagen and 100s are saferPascal ********
@Jo *********
Have you been in the deep south? or just read stupid stuff on it, I am over there 5 times per year and never encountered any problems, maybe a good thing is more talking negatively about it and less foreigners so us we can enjoy 100 times more
Coilean *********
Moslems guns bombs get the picture ?
Jonathan ********
Here's what the Canadian government website says, "Southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to and through the following southern provinces, due to the unpredictable security situation. Separatist insurgents periodically perpetrate violent attacks." and also says "Exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to ongoing political tensions and sporadic demonstrations in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.", so pretty much stay home and hide under your bed! I wouldn't think twice about taking my children on a vacation there, actually was on the way driving from Chiang Mai to Singapore when Covid hit so we only made it half way. I'll add that my parents took myself at 8 yrs old and my young siblings to Vietnam and Cambodia for vacation in 1968, yeah US Army didn't let us off the plane in Saigon as it was known then, but hey 55 yrs later I'm still alive and traveling in "hotspots", such as a recent bicycle trip thru Shan State, Myanmar with only great memories.
Avoid all travel to and through the following southern provinces, due to the unpredictable security situation. Separatist insurgents periodically perpetrate violent attacks." and also says "Exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to ongoing political tensions and sporadic demonstrations in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.", so pretty much stay home and hide under your bed! I wouldn't think twice about taking my children on a vacation there, actually was on the way driving from Chiang Mai to Singapore when Covid hit so we only made it half way. I'll add that my parents took myself at 8 yrs old and my young siblings to Vietnam and Cambodia for vacation in 1968, yeah US Army didn't let us off the plane in Saigon as it was known then, but hey 55 yrs later I'm still alive and traveling in "hotspots", such as a recent bicycle trip thru Shan State, Myanmar with only great memories.
Steve ********
I would love to visit the south but it's just too volatile . Do some reading on the insurgency in the south and you will be surprised . It's been quiet for a while now but make sure you know what your heading into .
Jo **********
@Steve *******
your right. it’s not a secret and I cannot believe people are making jokes about this. The very far south is not safe for anyone. Monks have been killed by the islamic groups. this is not fiction.Steve ********
@Jo *********
Over 6000 deaths since 2004 . As i said it's been quiet for a while as there are ongoing negotiations . The targets are mostly Thai military and police but there is always a chance of an outbreak of violence if talks break down. They dont target foreigners but i wouldn't like to end up as collateral damage . It' sad and i hope to visit some day.Jo **********
@Steve *******
exactly clearly stated.
Ryan *********
****************************
This will good for you to watch, 2 years ago but seems safe enough here.
Peter *********
Taliban sympathizer
Coralie **************
Safe everywhere for tourists…
Unless your a ??!!
Unless your a ??!!
Kevin **********
I went to Pattani and was shot 3 times...died twice and wounded once.
Nice beaches but difficult to find a Sprite.
Nice beaches but difficult to find a Sprite.
Paul ********
@Kevin *********
You're a liar!! Everyone's got Sprite in Thailand....Kevin **********
@Paul *******
Wrong dear boy....Pattani is a law unto itself on this....barring ****
its nigh on impossible to find!Paul ********
Kevin McGregor not been... drove to Malasia for visa runs a couple of times so I've been close but I've heard bad things about Yala, Pattani & Narithariwat...
I'm quite partial to Sprite and not being beheaded...
I'm quite partial to Sprite and not being beheaded...
Kevin **********
@Paul *******
The town itself has a lot of charm but I couldn't find a decent drink at any of the places on the river...all syrupy sweet local concoctions 😁Paul ********
@Kevin *********
actually I just thought it would be funny to call you out on the Sprite bit rather than the dying twice. Maybe you were telling the truth about that too, I've never fancied Pattani but I'm definitely not going there now.
I live on Koh Phangan, I've never died and we're drowning in Sprite up here...
Nick ************
You will not have any insurance cover if you visit places that you are advised not to. Plenty of other places in Thailand with no risk.
Dave ******
@Nick ***********
People think they have insurance if they have paid the premium but many insurance companies have so much smallnprint that they will try to wriggle out of paying anyway.
Steve **********
Nowhere I safer than home..... Obviously, your daughter thinks differently
James *********
Just wear your kevlar vest and Helmet, you'll be alright
Mark *************************
Many more farang deaths in central thailand than the south, so statistically youll be fine. But then again, there arent as many farangs in the deep south as central thailand. Dannok, Hatyai, Padang Besa, Satun, Betong should be as safe as anywhere else, if not safer.
Paul *******
@Mark ************************
Hat Yai certainly isn't safer than places further north.I passed through Hay Yai on my way to Penang last December. I drove all the way from Bangkok to Penang in one day. The day I passed Hat Yai, the railway was bombed. A train derailed. A week or two later, railway workers and engineers were repairing the tracks and another bomb went off, killing 3 workers. Finally, a third incident occurred but with no injuries or fatalities.
Such incidents NEVER occur north of Hat Yai.
So while Hat Yai itself is reasonably safe and so is Satun and Padang Besar, to make the absurd claim they're safer than places further north suggests you have an agenda to sell.
They're safe enough, but have sadly seen separatist violence. Sadao (what you Malays call "Dan Nok") is safe enough, but bombs have gone off there in the past. For the average traveler though, Sadao is merely a place to pass through. It's where you get your Malaysian insurance and cross the border.
Mark *************************
@Paul ******
I can now clearly see you a selective reading issue. "But then again, there arent as many farangs in the deep south as central thailand" doesnt ring a bell? What is absurd is accusing me of having an agenda just because my opinion doesnt fit your narrative. You claim to have been thru hatyai a few times and a bomb exploded im that duration. I pass thru the south like eating rice because I have a '02' Malaysian IC and only need a border pass to go anywhere deep south and I have yet to experience such a thing. In the news, yes, over 30 years of personal experience, none. I drive from Chiang Rai to Kuala Lumpur every 3 - 4 months once and back, and Im perfectly fine. Now what agenda do you think I have in mind?
And when we say Dan Nok, it is because we really meant to say Dan Nok as Dan Nok is a small town in the district of Sadao. Not only "Malays" call it Dan Nok, even the local thais call it that when they want to specific.
Also to say that there are no bombings above hatyai is a blanket statement as there were bombings in quite a few places, doesnt have to be for the same reasons but bombings are bombings. Shootings also happen from time to time in Chiang Rai as we are near the Myanmar border where drugs and weapons go in and out, so acccording to your reasoning, Chiang Rai is a dangerous place? Thats absurd. To say that it NEVER happens above hatyai is totally false. Every place in thailand has its own risks depending on what is going on, but I dont rank the deep south as being more dangerous than other places statistically. Your opinion might differ but I stand by what I said.
Paul *******
@Mark ************************
We could keep going in circles and the same with your family's claim of Chiang Rai having dangerous areas. I've traveled along the borderline there many times and there is no danger, especially not during daylight hours. Along that northern border road that runs along the ridge between Mae Sai and Doi Phahee (and beyond) there are a couple of military checkpoints, but it's par for the course for that area. Still safer than the far south where bombings, beheadings of monks and teachers were a daily occurrence between 2004 and 2020. Improved only because of Covid lockdowns, when people became too scared to go out and even the insurgents became afraid of an unproven virus.Equally, Mae Sai is perfectly safe even at night. It's also safe to travel to/from Mae Sai and other parts of the province at night, for example to Chiang Saen/Chiang Khong/Phayao etc as I did recently.
Mark *************************
@Paul ******
your eagerness to show that you know more than someone that actually has been in and out of these so called dangerous provinced for the last 30 years show that you have an agenda. Either that or you have fallen for media BS. The fact stands, you are more likely to fall off a balcony in thailand than to get bombed in those 3 provinces.Paul *******
@Mark ************************
Plenty of Thais have warned me to avoid the far south and I wouldn't go there if someone paid me except maybe Betong, but I'd only visit there by passing through Malaysian territory. Betong is the safest town in those 3 provinces and quite touristy. Being only 10km from the border you can be in and out very quickly if need be.Paul *******
@Mark ************************
It's clear YOU have an agenda, trying to prove something which is demonstrably false. The far south is dangerous (except for the western border provinces such as Songkhla and Satun). Everyone who knows the region is aware of this.
Paul *******
@Mark ************************
If you're so convinced Chiang Rai is more dangerous than Pattani, please do 3 things: 1) tell foreign governments they are wrong and need to update their travel advice. 2) please tell the Thai government to impose a state of emergency in Chiang Rai, while lifting it in the fsr south 3) stop visiting Chiang Rai, if you feel it's that dangerous. Enjoy getting stopped and searched at every checkpoint in Pattani and Yala.Mark *************************
@Paul ******
an obvious case of false sense of security. You feel safe in the CR yet not in east of Hatyai. My full blown born in CR in laws will always say avoid going up to areas you claimed are as safe as anywhere else, so its your word against theirs. As many times as you have travelled to the Golden Triangle, Ive been in those so called 'dangerous' provinces a thousand folds. Blown out of proportion.Singaporeans dont generally speak malay, but sensible ones will use when it is the best option. People in dan nok speak way better malay than english, so why the hell not?
Prachuap is still in the south, just not deep so its not a wonder large groups of people there still can speak in malay. Thai malays are still found there but get way less past that point.
It seems like you have an agenda trying to so desparately prove that those provinces are unsafe for travel. I would have been killed in my 30 over years of going there if it was true. But you can believe what you want. 🤣🤣🤣
Paul *******
@Mark ************************
NOT true. There is a reason that the 3 southernmost provinces are under martial law will the rest of the country is not. There is a reason that foreign embassies warn their citizens not to visit the 3 southernmost provinces, whereas for the rest of Thailand it's just "exercise normal safety precautions". Similarly, travel insurance will NOT cover you if you decide to visit those provinces, whereas there is coverage in the rest of the coverage. Malaysian cell (mobile) phone signals are blocked in those 3 provinces too, so roaming isn't an option there.Chiang Rai doesn't stand out in terms of being any less safe compared to other parts of upper Thailand, though foreign governments do warn of possible land mines at the border and drug smugglers but chances are, as long as you don't try to cross the border illegally and stick to well traveled routes, you'll have absolutely zero issues. I've been up to the Golden Triangle region many many times and was just there last month. I felt extremely safe. As safe as anywhere else in Thailand (except for areas east of Hat Yai).
Singaporeans generally don't speak Malay, unless they're of Malay ethnicity.
If you can find Malay speakers so far north (Prachuab), great. I applaud that. Its a bit surprising to me (unless these people are ethnic Malay Muslims from southern Thailand) but anything is possible. Seek and you shall find.
In Kawthoung, Myanmar, the surrounding villages all have Malay names and some of the locals speak a dialect that mixes Burmese, Thai and Malay.
Mark *************************
@Paul ******
The rest of the country sees only occasioanal shootings - illegal guns have always been a problem for the whole of thailand, 'occasional' and your attempt to downplay this fact does not make other parts of thailand any safer than the south. I have mentioned above, depending on which part of thailand you are refering to, each place will have its own heightened risk. That doesnt make it any more dangerous or vice versa than other places. Chiang Rai is no more like to be a location for a shoot out than CM or BKK - false, shootouts happen often here, just not in the city area as CR is a big province. Go and take a look at the records, youll find that CR has way more shootouts than CM or BKK, military point of view. Again, this is different type danger, a danger nonetheless. As much as I can say CR is peaceful place, which is where my wife is from and Ive stayed in CR for nearly 10 years, I know of the dangers here that exist in other forms.
You are generalizing things massively and blowing this safety issue out of proportion. Ill say it again, you are as safe anywhere in thailand, statistically.
Paul *******
@Mark ************************
The southern insurgency has been going on for decades with almost daily bombings/shootings/murders etc. It's also been under a state of emergency for 20+ years. Only since around 2020 have things started to settle down a little.The rest of the country sees only occasional shootings that occur due to all sorts of reasons anywhere in the country.
Chiang Rai is no more likely to be a location for shoot outs than say Chiang Mai or Nan or Bangkok.
Bangkok getting bombed once or twice 10 years ago still makes it far safer than Narathiwat, which has been on the receiving end of possibly hundreds of bombings. Hat Yai = same thing - more bombings than Bangkok, even if nothing of note in recent years.
Mark *************************
@Paul ******
"The shootings between drug gangs arent a daily occurance and could occur anywhere." Same goes for bombings in the deep south, it not a daily occurance and it could happen anywhere. Bangkok got bombed before, Chiang Mai got bombed before. When you bring Mae Sai in as an example, I could very well bring Dan Nok, Padang Besa, Betong and all the border towns to support my view that they are VERY safe and that is what I exactly did in my OP.Paul *******
@Mark ************************
The shootings between drug gangs aren't a daily occurrence and could occur anywhere. By contrast the instability in the south is the work of shadowy insurgents who plant car and motorcycle bombs, murder monks, rubber tappers and government officials. Chiang Rai is VERY safe and peaceful in comparison, even in border towns such as Mae Sai.
Paul *******
@Mark ************************
You're claiming those in the deep south are safer than areas further north is pure nonsense.Clearly it's the other way round.
If you're going to Chiang Rai every 3-4 months then tell me, how is Chiang Rai more dangerous than Sadao? It isn't.
The border sub district is called Dan Nok, but Thais will generally refer to it as Sadao, as that's the District it's located in and the immigration stamp says Sadao. Only Malays like you routinely refer to it as Dan Nok. Nothing wrong with that but technically it's still Sadao.
David ********
@Paul ******
FYI, Sadao is the district. Ban Dannok (or Dan Nok) is the actual border town. Malaysian men coming for quick fun don't venture north of Dannok into Sadao proper.Mark *************************
@Paul ******
Dan Nok is a sub-district of Sadao, as it is a small town in Sadao itself. Locals call it and acknowledge it as Dan Nok. The pharmacy there? Its called Dan Nok Pharmacy. Locals living there call it Dan Nok as Ive mentioned, thais from outside the region wont call it dan nok, because they dont even know its called that, so they start generalizing by calling it Sadao or even worse, Songkhla. Sensible Singaporeans will also use Bahasa Malaysia in dan nok, if they can speak it, as it is also their national language. The national anthem of singapore is in Bahasa Malaysia.
One thing you said true, as you go up north, less and less people speak in Bahasa Malaysia, for example Hat Yai, you hear less people speaking in malay however most of them still can speak the language when faced with it. I have known large groups of people that are able to speak in malay until Prachuap Khiri Khan. History tells why this is so.
Paul *******
@Mark ************************
No, Dan Nok is a SUB-DISTRICT of Sadao. Malaysians like you are the only foreigners who call it that. Thais from outside the region simply call it Sadao. Like I said though, it's not wrong to call it Dan Nok. It is after all, the name of the border village, just that it's only referred to as that by locals from the area and Malaysians. I never said you can't speak Malay with Sadao natives. After all, many are ethnic Malay themselves and use Pattani-Malay in their daily lives.
The other aspect is that westerners only ever visit the border to cross over. Westerners rarely linger in town, whereas Malaysians do. That is another reason why Malay is more commonly used. Since there are 100 Malays for every farang tourist down there. Some Singaporeans do visit though. I guess they would use English.
In the rest of Thailand, except for the far south where locals can speak Malay, foreign tourists, including Malaysians, would have to use English.
Mark *************************
@Paul ******
again, not true. Dan Nok is a small town in Sadao. Calling it Dan Nok because we really meant Dan Nok isnt at all wrong, in fact it is way more specific and accurate. And again, locals in Dan Nok call it Dan Nok. This isnt similiar to the Bangkok vs Khrueng Thep name where locals only call it by the latter. What makes you say we speak in english in Dan Nok when most of us can speak in Bahasa Malaysia and we know for a fact that the thais in Dan Nok can also speak in Bahasa Malaysia? What is stopping us from using Bahasa Malaysia in Dan Nok when it is a language way more common than english? I speak 100% in Bahasa Malaysia when Im in Dan Nok, regardless my mother tongue or what I use most frequently in Malaysia, because it is the only logical thing to do in that situation.
Paul *******
@Mark ************************
Foreign tourists can't be expected to speak Thai. Malaysians would generally use English when interacting with Thais and Chinese-Malaysians like you use Chinese and English back home rather than Malay anyway. So when you're in Sadao you probably use English, which most Thais working in the tourism industry can speak.Mark *************************
@David *******
true, dan nok is just a friendly neighbourhood quick fun place for malaysian men, dont need to speak thai as nearly every thai there can speak Bahasa Malaysia and you dont even need to exchange money there as Ringgit is widely accepted in all those joints. Its really convenient. Malaysian women like to pop over to dan nok too for quick authenthic thai food.Paul *******
@Mark ************************
Most farang in Central Thailand die of motor vehicle accidents. Almost no foreigners visit the deep south, so dying there is unlikely simply because no one is there.
Ivan ************
I think statistically your biggest risk would still be the traffic. You could be in the wrong place at the wrong time, there are bombings and shootings but Westerners aren't specifically targeted. Violence is still happening but it's way down on 10 or 20 years ago. It's very untouristed, completely unlike the entire rest of Thailand and the locals are very friendly and genuinely interested to see foreigners.
Paul *******
@David *******
I never suggested they were getting in trouble with insurgents, I do question your "many foreigners" living in Narathiwat.The family of American missionaries- yeah those types love to try and convert Muslims to Christianity in Thailand.
My neighbors (and I'm in a predominantly Buddhist area, though there are a fair few Muslims elsewhere in the district) used to be American missionaries who came here to convert Muslims, since my district and surrounding areas has a lot of Muslim residents.
The irony is there's a Thai Malay Muslim family who moved in to that house, around 4 years after the missionaries left.
These missionaries are still in Thailand but spend 3 months a year back home (as most do) and live closer to downtown Bangkok.
I wouldn't be surprised if you had the odd Arab living in your area but Africans? I guess they're English teachers?
Paul *******
@Ivan ***********
Well, that's because there are essentially no foreigners that go there, other than some Malaysian Muslims who visit border areas and Malaysians of all races who visit Betong. It's kinda weird, considering that everywhere else in Thailand, foreigners are commonplace. Even in hill tribe areas of the north, a foreigner doesn't raise any eyebrows.David ********
@Paul ******
There are many foreigners living there: mostly Filipinos, Africans and a lot of Arabs. Narathiwat even has an American community of missionaries. Never heard of any of them getting in trouble with insurgents.
Todd ***********
Probably still safer than most people's home countries from a statistical point of view.
Paul *******
@Todd **********
Yeah sure, if you come from a place where car bombs and murders of monks and rubber tappers is common place.
Daniel *******
Not dangerous at all. Completely blown out of proportion
Ticha *****************
My hometown is in Narathiwat. It's safe to travel around. People may look at you too much because they rarely see foreigners there. But people are kind. Though the experience of getting bad incident on the way is random event that one can experience. Food are nice. People are very kind. You may experience a lot of hundreds of check point on the way from Hatyai.
David ********
Very safe. Higher chance of winning the lottery than seeing any insurgency violence.
Paul *******
@David *******
Pattaya isn't really a place for me or most others who seek an authentic Thailand experience either (except the outskirts, which is like anywhere else). However, Chiang Mai (the pollution during the dry season aside) is magical and Bangkok, while large, is pretty exciting too.
If you prefer the countryside (as I do) or smaller cities, you can't go wrong with Kanchanaburi province/city, somewhere in the east or many parts of the north.
In the south, I like the beaches (Phuket doesn't appeal too much to me, as it's too crowded, but it's nice to visit).
I couldn't see myself living in a majority Muslim area though.
Paul *******
@David *******
Well, the deep south is authentically Muslim, which doesn't appeal to most farang. I'm certainly not suggesting moving to Pattaya. While I think its an OK place to visit on a day trip, there are much better places to visit or reside in as an expat, especially up north or Southern areas like Samui, Chumphon etc.David ********
@Paul ******
I'd never live in Pattaya or Bangkok, or Chiang Mai/far north for that matter, due to a variety of reasons. The south suits me best.Paul *******
@David *******
It's not that safe. It's not quite Myanmar either but the situation in the southernmost provinces has only in recent times become more stable but its definitely not as safe or peaceful as Bangkok, the north, Isarn or basically anywhere north of Hat Yai.
Paul *******
@David *******
Tell that to the family’s of the border guards that got shot a few years ago 😂David ********
@Paul ******
As sad as something like that is, it doesn't make it more dangerous for a random person. Since the last few years the violence has subsided significantly. I would feel less safe in a place like Pattaya than I do in Narathiwat.David ********
@Paul ******
And why would that even matter?At least the deep south is still authentic, unlike a place like Pattaya. I prefer authenticity over tourist traps.
Paul *******
@David *******
Sure sure. A biased comment made because you are Muslim and live in the region. You've probably never even been to Pattaya.
Petri *******
Yala etc absolutely beatyful, same as ppl and food.
Henning **********
Spent a few weeks there six years ago. Really friendly people and very welcoming. They would like to have more foreigners to visit them but they are stigmatized. There is conflict but I didn't hear or see anything during my stay.
Paul *******
@Henning *********
Depends where you went. It's not like the conflict is simultaneously affecting every town in the region. Come on now you know that. There might have been (at the time) 2-3 incidents a day. Scary, but if you took precautions, stayed in a secure hotel and didn't venture out at night, you would be OK.Henning **********
@Paul ******
totally agree. My point is it is personal experience. Some might find it a dangerous place and some don't, also, like you said, depending on where you go and what you do. It's a question that can't be answered objectively.
Jo**
I can only offer this:
Depending on who or what nationality you are, everywhere is both safe and dangerous. Just Don't be the one (or first westerner farang) to be taken captive, hostage or beheaded, just for international press exposure and sound bite...
Depending on who or what nationality you are, everywhere is both safe and dangerous. Just Don't be the one (or first westerner farang) to be taken captive, hostage or beheaded, just for international press exposure and sound bite...
Jo**
Addendum: there is no secret war between the govt and the (alleged) separatist parties. They have 'been at it' past 30?40?years or more, as far as I can remember. I lived just across the border for decades. Its a non event unless a road side bomb or a market or a karaoke club bomb went off and killed or injured some unlucky passerby folks.
Paul *******
@Jo**
Yeah well, no one wants to experience that. The Burmese often downplay all the regular violence that goes on in their region of the country (or elsewhere) but they're used to calamity. People from other parts of the world are not. Tourists shouldn't go places where there is a risk of getting gunned down in the crossfire of an attack or there's a chance of a car bomb going off while they're walking to the market.
Dianne *****
@Jo**
This
Phil ********
Its very dangerous at the moment. I'd look at visiting Afghanistan and letting the Taliban know your scared of Thailand and ask if you can join them for a 6 month training camp to grow a pair.
Yorgos **************
OP@Phil *******
, I prefer not going to parts of the world that the Brittish policies destroyed
Arthur ********
Not been secret for a long time.
Dianne *****
@Arthur *******
yeah, I was aware of it in the 80s
Sander *********
Interesting.
Maple *********
Why and where are you interested in this 3 Southern provinces ? Because it’s not famous for tourists. But if you want to visit Ko Losin in Pattanee province for diving it’s good.
Yorgos **************
OP@Maple ********
, because I visited famous for tourists before. And I will continue my trip to Malaysia tooMaple *********
@Yorgos *************
it’s quite dangerous in my opinion. You can visit but not guarantee it’s 100 % safe. In Pattanee province has Ko Losin you can diving for see Sharks and mantas. Narativas it’s good for trekking in the wild, it’s name Halabala mountain. And Yala the most famous is Betong it’s mostly safe in this 3 provinces. All of this you should go by private car and it’s better not stay some place for long time.
Ivan *********
Phil Jones I agree with your comments !00%. ,Life is for living .
Rogerio ******
Phil Jones Generalities. Obviously it's all levels of safety. U wouldn't walk into a favela in Rio at night wearing a Rolex and spout this.
Paul *******
Betong is the safest town in the whole 3 province region, but if it were me, I'd only travel there to and from Malaysia to avoid all that potentially risky Thai territory. I don't know how long it takes to drive there from Hat Yai, but I can see Yala is quite mountainous and with all the checkpoints it probably takes like 4 hours.
Whatever you do don't use public transportation. Travel by car only.
Whatever you do don't use public transportation. Travel by car only.
Jo**
@Paul ******
errrrrrr... Well a few small bombs had gone off there before, plus some yrs back, a van full of people was stopped and gunned down. Not far from Betong town. Van enroute to Hatyai...David ********
@Jo**
That was years back. Do you know how many minivans cross the region every day?Paul *******
@David *******
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country with 10% of the population being of Indian origin. So of course Indian-Malays are welcome in the Dan Nok/Sadao bars, since they're Malaysian citizens who can speak Malay. Same with ethnic Chinese.It's white farang who would find themselves feeling awkward for going somewhere where no other farang goes.
Paul *******
@David *******
Doubtful. Those places are just for Malaysians. They'd stare at a farang if they went there. We have Samui, Phuket, Krabi etc.David ********
@Paul ******
As a farang, you're just as welcome in the karaoke bars and clubs. Only some Chinese-only places would refuse a white guy.Meanwhile, whereas Indians might see themselves not being able to enter certain bars in Pattaya or Bangkok, they are more than welcome in the Malaysian-oriented bars.
Paul *******
@David *******
For Malaysians. Farang go to Phuket or Samui.David ********
Paul *******
@David *******
Dan Nok is a shabby border town used to cross the border into Malaysia. 99.9% of foreigners go there for this reason and none linger in town unless they get stuck due to the border closing for the night or lack of onward transport etc.Nothing to do there. Much nicer on the Malaysian side in Changloon, where you feel like you've been thrust 20 years into the future because it's so much more organized, cleaner and modern than on the Thai side.
David ********
@Paul ******
Ever heard of Dannok? Plenty to see and do there.David ********
@Jo**
Living here, one learns to avoid the military and police. If there's any danger, it is becoming collateral damage.Paul *******
@David *******
In December (2022) the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line was attacked THREE times. I was driving to Malaysia and passed that region on the very day the first attack occurred (December 6).This proves my point of public transportation being risky.
I felt safe traveling by car, but my mission was to pass through the area between Hat Yai and the border as fast as possible..nothing to see or do along the way anyway.
Jo**
@David *******
yes... Hundreds possibly. Maybe even thousands... And if u r driving or riding, follow the army convoy at your own risk or adventure, plus you cannot over take them too... So you stop and drink char yen for an hour or so...
Billy *******
@Paul ******
Why not public transport?Paul *******
@Billy ******
Possible risk of attack or just a lot of inconvenience. Lots of passport/ID checking.Foreigners traveling in the region will be subject to extra scrutiny. This can be reduced by traveling by car.
Paul *******
There are a lot of checkpoints, which can make travel inconvenient. Don't travel at night, whatever you do. Be careful in rural areas. Travel by car and avoid public transportation. Don't ride a motorcycle. Comply with army checkpoints. They'll usually let you through, but may be reluctant if a recent incident has occurred in the area you're heading to.
John ***********
@Paul ******
my thai wife said the same, don't travel at nigh down there, its dangerous.Kevin **********
@Paul ******
"There are a lot of checkpoints"There are lots of muppets out there too...funny checkpoints are few and far between in Pattani so your "lots" comment is rather suspect.
John *****
Avoid the eastern side
Shaun *********
It’s not a secret now is it!!!!
Yorgos **************
OP@Shaun ********
, Ok. So, your answer is there is a war field? Because Roy Timothy just said it's not dangerous for foreignersShaun *********
@Yorgos *************
it's not a secret as you have published it on Facebook. It was a joke.
Roy *********
Roy *********
It's not dangerous for foreigners, but check you government advise so your travel insurance won't be void
Jo **********
@Roy ********
not true. it’s not a secret and I cannot believe people are making jokes about this. The very far south is not safe for anyone. Monks have been killed by the islamic groups.Paul *******
@Roy ********
I'd say it's not safe either. You could get caught in the crossfire. Basically it's safe enough if you travel by car, during the day ONLY, passing through the region as quickly as possible.Betong on the Malaysian border is one of the few relatively safe parts of the region but I'd personally only go there via Malaysia, if I wanted to visit. Upon concluding my visit I'd head back into Malaysia and return to Thailand via one of the 4 western land checkpoints which are all quite safe.
Anthony *************
@Paul ******
I concur. I drove from Surat Thani to Malaysia down the east coast a few years ago and there were army checkpoints all the way down. Difficult to relax; and yeah, daylight only!Paul *******
Also, Malaysia highways are just way better. Thai highways are full of potholes and/or badly resurfaced pavements, u-turns and other obstacles. It just takes too way too long.
An expressway is a pipe dream. Despite lots of talk, it will be decades before even a partial expressway is built south of Cha-am. The Nakorn Pathom to Cha-am expressway could be built in the years to come, but even thats 10 years away from being completed. So you can see just how long it would take for an expressway to reach the Malaysian border.
Long before then, global "climate change" rules will bar most civilians from driving private cars thus an expressway won't be of any use anymore.
An expressway is a pipe dream. Despite lots of talk, it will be decades before even a partial expressway is built south of Cha-am. The Nakorn Pathom to Cha-am expressway could be built in the years to come, but even thats 10 years away from being completed. So you can see just how long it would take for an expressway to reach the Malaysian border.
Long before then, global "climate change" rules will bar most civilians from driving private cars thus an expressway won't be of any use anymore.
Paul *******
@Anthony ************
Exactly. It's also a lot further if you go that way. I don't think I'll ever visit the region, not just due to its dangers, but it's simply much faster to head into Malaysia at Sadao (or to avoid heavy traffic, nearby Padang Besar). Once in Malaysia, the expressway begins. By traveling via Narathiwat, you spend an extra 5 hours traveling through Thai territory before reaching the Malaysian border, compared to crossing at Sadao.
Jon *****
Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani are not recommended
Jon *****
@Daniel *********
Once again, the OP was asking if it was safe to go to the south, I only stressed that we were advised to avoid 4 provinces, get it ?Jon *****
@Daniel *********
The governments' official sites, easy to findPaul *******
@Anna ******
There are a few here and there. Can be verified by vloggers who've recently been in Yangon.Paul *******
Phil JonesMindanao isn't perfectly safe at all.
Daniel **********
Pattani is very nice. I spent several days there. People are friendly and beaches are nice.
Daniel **********
@Jon ****
Pattani is fine. Had a lovely vacation there. Nice beaches.Jon *****
@Daniel *********
Pattani is one of 4 provinces we are advised not to travel to, along with Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat
Anna *******
@Paul ******
did not see a single check point in Yangon (other than the one at the airport gate). Yes, when you go outside and travel, plenty.Paul *******
@Anna ******
Yangon is OK. Not completely safe but pretty OK. Plenty of checkpoints about. I was recently in Kawthoung for 2 days. Felt very safe. Just that foreigners aren't allowed to travel very far outside of town as there's active fighting some distance off to the north.Anna *******
@Courtney ********
Yangon is fine to visit. We have been in and out since Jan this year.
Courtney *********
Phil Jones Not to hijack the thread, but can anyone offer an informed perspective on whether a 3-day visit to Yangon is reasonable for an American right now?
Jon *****
Phil Jones I know perfectly well, I was only answering to the OP who was wondering if it's safe or not. Western governments advise us to avoid those 4 provinces, facts
Ivan *********
Look on the Foreign Office web site for advice ? I think Yala and 1 other site is not recommended ?
Yorgos **************
OP@Ivan ********
, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla have some kind of periodic violence. I know this. I'm asking group's members opinion, especially from those that have been thereActivity
74 joined74
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