16 Jun 04 Where are the tourists?
An inn-keeper on the lookout for guests in Narathiwat, South Thailand.
Terrorism has scared away the tourists over here. I spent a couple of days in the southern provinces of Yala and Narathiwat. At Yala train station, a soldier saw me taking some pictures. He (very politely) asked me to delete all the pictures showing the train or the station. After that I avoided built up areas and spent most of the time in a little fishing village and the nice beach at Narathiwat.
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YOu did not ask me to go to thailand with you…!
Oh wait, i don’t have the cash.. another time? = )
Question - why did the soldier ask u to delete the pictures of the train station? would the pics pose a security risk?
Hi Stephanie,
Thailand is a good value for money. I spent about SGD 20 to 25 a day.
I did not see any “NO Photography” signs anywhere, but I guess it is understandable - I myself did not realize the seriousness until I walked out of the station and saw dozens of armed soldiers guarding the building. I guess the soldier was just being cautious. Anyway, he was very nice so I complied.
Terrorism and tourism
Mutually exclusive Preetam Rai reports from southern Thailand that the tourist industry there has been severely affected due to the recent upsurge in terrorism. He wonders when tourists will return to Yala and Narathiwat just north of the Isthmus of Kr…
Hi Preetam,
Cool blog, bookmarked, good reference for me when I (can) go east!
Sanjay
Hi,friend,
Don’t you think it’s funny: Narathiwat,a residence of good people, has so many strong soldiers.
Regards,
Tony F
Yes, a bit sad, this was the first time I went to the deep south of Thailand. Nice people there also in the neighbouring Kelantan in Malaysia.