Car bomb injures seven on the popular resort island of Koh Samui, Thailand (Paris, 2015)
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Southern Thailand has been experiencing an upsurge in the separist insurgency in the provinces of Narathiwat, Pattini and Yala which started in the 1960s with an estimated death toll of 6,300, but the violence has never escalated further north.
If the insurgency has indeed decided to change tactics and target popular tourist destinations like Koh Samui and Phuket, it could deal a significant blow to the country's economy. Tourism accounts for approximately 19% of GDP and shows no sign of slowing in spite of the economic crisis worldwide. Thailand Tourism Statistics for 2013 and 2014. Arrivals by Region and Countries of Origin.
The island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand and attracts around 20 million visitors a year. Ko Samui travel guide - Wikitravel
Why do people insist on going to these third-world hellholes when there is so much beauty in Europe and America to explore?
I wouldn't describe Samui as a hellhole exactly. It does have its merits such as a tropical climate and fantastic beaches.
I can't speak for America since I've never been there, but with Europe at least, it's touch and go with the weather once outside the normal high season months of late May, June, July and August. Or at least that's the case in Northern Europe, But from November to March, the weather is generally quite dismal.The trees have all lost their leaves and the landscape can be pretty bland.
At least in the Tropics, you're guaranteed temperatures of 34-38C (93-100F) during the day and around 24C (75F) at night regardless of which month you travel in.
Why do people insist on going to these third-world hellholes when there is so much beauty in Europe and America to explore?
Samui a third world hellhole? What a joke. Samui is a world class beach destination with nicer resorts and better tourist infrastructure than any beach city in the US. It's also a hell of a lot more beautiful than any beach city in the US. And it's close enough to the equator that you don't have to deal with typhoons.
Why do people insist on going to these third-world hellholes when there is so much beauty in Europe and America to explore?
They are not hell holes.
You do not know what you're talking about.
I've been to Thailand several times and I will tell you that there are many beautiful places there. The food, shopping, entertainment and culture is fabulous.
I have been all over Europe scores of times since my teens and served in the UK's Royal Merchant Navy. Yes, there is plenty of beauty in Europe but in recent years the service is poor, most places are way overpriced, the food - this should be unbelievable in countries renowned for their cuisine - is usually mediocre, and there is plenty of crime. Yes plenty of filth and security concerns in Europe too.
Why do people insist on going to these third-world hellholes when there is so much beauty in Europe and America to explore?
First of all, it's hardly a Third World hellhole. Secondly, price is a factor for some people. In Thailand, you can find a nice guesthouse to stay in for usually around $30 a night. If you eat Thai food, it can be had for as little as a dollar meal . You can't do that in Europe.
It's a little odd in a way though that the terrorists didn't wait a week for the annual Songkran festival due to take place from 14-17 April to begin since there will be a lot more tourists around then.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John7777
First of all, it's hardly a Third World hellhole. Secondly, price is a factor for some people. In Thailand, you can find a nice guesthouse to stay in for usually around $30 a night. If you eat Thai food, it can be had for as little as a dollar meal . You can't do that in Europe.
and... Europe needs to go to Asia 1x/ yr for affordable healthcare tune-ups!
]
the world is a 'war-zone'. get used to it.
It's a little odd in a way though that the terrorists didn't wait a week for the annual Songkran festival due to take place from 14-17 April to begin since there will be a lot more tourists around then.
Let's be grateful for small favors.
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