Is it safe to travel to Thailand??

With news about street protests, a Prime Minister deposed, the imposition of martial law followed by a military coup and now curfews, you are forgiven for wanting to opt for a last minute switch in your summer travel plans.

However, in my reading, the country is safer today with the military in charge as compared to what it was a few months ago when street protests called for Yingluck Shinawatra, the 28th Prime Minister of Thailand, to step down. The Thai army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha is now in power following a bloodless coup. Thailand is not new to military coups and I believe that this action will help restore order following months of turmoil. The media is obliged to exaggerate as is clearly the case with regards to recent events in Thailand. I am in touch with many of my friends in Thailand who have confirmed that the streets are peaceful and there is a general feeling of relief amongst the locals.

Hence I would not recommend cancelling a visit to this wonderful land of smiles, especially, if your destination is outside Bangkok. For those travelling to Bangkok do keep in mind that the call for curfew will see malls shut by 10 pm at night.

If you have plans to travel to Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, now is as good a time as any to visit these beautiful parts of Thailand. Your only worry should be the hot spicy food the Thai's love so much and the blazing hot temperatures across the country.