If you come to Thailand

[kjun]

I have now lived in Thailand for five years and still enjoy it very much. I have learned a few things over the years and wish to pass this on to you. Most Thai people are good average people who are basically honest and kind. Unfortunately there are Thais who do not meet these standards and are really just dishonest thieves. Many of those evil people live in Phuket, which is, without a doubt, the place most people looking for a fun beach time run to. This, my friends is a big mistake. Phuket is a rotten place with an abundance of crooks, hoodlums, liars and thieves. I strongly advise that you avoid the place. Check out some of the following for more information on this:

 

 

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/535753-pregnant-aussie-teenager-beaten-robbed-in-phuket-ladyboy-attack/

 

 

http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2012/article12435.html

 

 

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/535698-phuket-tourist-cheats-spark-foreign-diplomat-intervention/

 

 

http://phuketwan.com/tourism/aussies-tell-phuket-jet-ski-scam-nightmare-14443/

 

 

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2137061

 

 

http://www.orientexpat.com/forum/22759-atm-scams-rife-in-phuket/

[firecat]

I have now lived in Thailand for five years and still enjoy it very much. I have learned a few things over the years and wish to pass this on to you. Most Thai people are good average people who are basically honest and kind. Unfortunately there are Thais who do not meet these standards and are really just dishonest thieves. Many of those evil people live in Phuket, which is, without a doubt, the place most people looking for a fun beach time run to. This, my friends is a big mistake. Phuket is a rotten place with an abundance of crooks, hoodlums, liars and thieves. I strongly advise that you avoid the place. Check out some of the following for more information on this:

 

 

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/535753-pregnant-aussie-teenager-beaten-robbed-in-phuket-ladyboy-attack/

 

 

http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2012/article12435.html

 

 

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/535698-phuket-tourist-cheats-spark-foreign-diplomat-intervention/

 

 

http://phuketwan.com/tourism/aussies-tell-phuket-jet-ski-scam-nightmare-14443/

 

 

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2137061

 

 

http://www.orientexpat.com/forum/22759-atm-scams-rife-in-phuket/

 

 

I could not agree more!!!! Too many great places in Thailand to waste your time there!!

[+ Lucky]

Wasn't it nice of God to wipe so many of them out with that tsunami? I have only been to Phuket once, pre-tsunami. I liked it, and had no problems with thieves or other lowlifes. We took the trip to Phnag Nga Bay, which is incredibly beautiful. We saw the james Bond Island. The Muslim fishing village was built entirely on wooden stilts, and surely all of those people died in the tsunami. i didn't care for the gay bars so much. Prices seemed higher than in Bangkok, but tourist towns usually are. We read plenty or reports of people going to Mexico. Some meet harm, most don't I suspect it is the same for Phuket. kjun, what happened to you to set you off on this?

[kjun]

Lucky, Nothing happened. It is just reports from other friends here and what I read in the English Thai news.

 

Sorry I missed you on your last visit but health issues and other problems caused me to be a party-pooper. We will get together for sure on the next visit.

 

We're moving to Chiang Mai. So, on your next visit perhaps we can meet there or I can get to Bangkok to see you.

[+ glutes]

Only been robbed twice, and Phuket was one of them. Head to the north of Thailand...

[nynakedtop]

Greetings all from Bangkok - besides the usual unscrupulous taxi drivers I have never had a problem in all of Thailand. Some parts are definitely more appealing than others and, yes, Phuket seems to be a particularly unappetizing place, but -- if you have a realistic idea of this country (and forget the whole "Land of Smiles" thing) you will love it as much as I do.

[raulgmanzo]

Almost 20 years ago Phuket seemed to have an inconsistent reputation with regard to crime. Don't know as I never went there or to Pattaya though I'm sure I would have enjoyed it. Instead I whiled away many blissful days swimming, reading, hiking, eating and sleeping during various visits to Koh Samui (or nearby islands) and Koh Samedt. Both wonderful.

 

Fresh tasty inexpensive seafood, warm water blue skies AND an excuse to take a train to Surat Thani. Who could ask for more?

[+ Axiom2001]

I visited Phuket the year after that great disaster and had a safe and sane time. I was out at night until the wee hours of the morning, and during the day I took some private tours to the various islands that prevail as well as journey to the beach in the town itself. But I did not particularly like my lodging; I stayed at a gay "joint" which had a sauna next to it. ...just did NOT feel completely comfortable from the time that I checked in until the time that I departed. Also had a driver who had not wanted to take me to my lodging which I'd booked in advance. With my being forceful and determined, I wound up where I was suppose to have been.

 

...been to Pattaya on three visits and had a favorable experience while there as well. I hope to return to both places as well as to Bangkok one of these days. The urge currently exists, but I want to go again when the

weather is superb: December through February.

[Diverdan]

I have only been to Bangkok,,,, and on three occasions... the latest being three years ago. On all three visits I had a marvelous time... walked around the city at night by myself and never felt threatened. I hired a gay guide and a driver at dirt cheap rates in american dollars, and was almost embarassed by what a great day I had and how little I paid... the tour took me to places that I would never have found on my own. The guide was a friend of many of the monks and security officials at many places, and I was able to go with him into places that are normally not available to tourists. He also arranged for a fantastic Thai massage (nothing erotic, but somewhat sensual) that was one of the best massages I have ever had. I can't wait to get back to Thailand, and want tovisit some of the other places that you guys are talking about.