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hzink
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It didn't take much for me to ignore SARS as a threat in April, after I evaluated the facts about the disease, and it's influence in Thailand, in Taipei and China Airlines planes (zilch, in short).
I'm considering on going back for a short trip (10 days) in October, and was initially considering leaving LAX on Oct. 16th and returning on October 28th. The plan was to fly into BKK, get over the jetlag by staying for 1-2 days. Head to Udon Thani to visit a gal I met last time in Pattaya, spend a week there, and head back to BKK for 2-3 more days before heading back
I then found out that APEC was going to take place Oct. 20/21 in Bangkok. Essentially, it's the WTO of the Far East - and with 30 world leaders, should prove a potential circus.
As it stands, the previous arrest in Thailand of potential terrorists, and recently the mastermind of the Bali bombings paints a picture that some kind of terrorist interference is being planned for that time period - add to that the fact that they were known to be planning to blow up known tourist spots...
So, understandably, this does kinda fill me with a bit of concern - though only concern on how to best work around this.
We've all been reading about the crackdown lately, which is clearly aimed to clean up Bangkok for the sake of the APEC delegations. I have a feeling, 48 hours after APEC is history, that many things will be back to normal. But I would be interested to hear / read from some local brothers about what their more local eye sees in these regards:
- Heightened police presence.
- do you estimate that BKK will be a circus during APEC?
- do you have any additional talk/information on possible terrorist activity?
Also, any suggestions as to my trip plans? I was thinking of possibly skipping the 1-2 days in BKK, and just book a flight to Udon Thani as I arrive at BKK (I expect to arrive around noon, Thai flight leave around 1600hrs.), thus avoiding conference issues, and returning after the conference is over to report on the scene after APEC 
Obviously, I'd like to make and survive the trip. Possibly, some of my concern may be paranoia - if so, feel free to say so. Otherwise, be generous with suggestions.
Harry
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 10:41 pm on Sep. 1, 2003
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Thai Traveler
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hiya hzink,
Of course BKK will be a circus when APEC is in town, but then so would any other city during that that period. I'll be in LOS at that time, but during the days of the APEC meeting, I'll piss off sowhere else (pattaya, maybe phuket). Other that getting away from the confusion caused by moving 30 something heads of state about I'm not really worried about terrorists.
Cheers,
TT
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Bangkok Women : Meet Sensual Bangkok Women
Posted on: 10:47 pm on Sep. 1, 2003
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Whisper
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Hi Harry,
I could be a smartarse and advise you to wrap yourself in cotton wool and stay home instead of travelling, but I won't.
I'll be living in BKK during the conference and I will be going about my daily business, as will everyone else in the city, I suspect. If you are afraid of being involved in something nasty then you probably should avoid the area and visit when it's all over.
My attitude is "if it happens, it happens". I could also get struck by a falling billiard table as I cross Soi 5.
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 10:48 pm on Sep. 1, 2003
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Yurune
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Crash.....Whisper....???...Whisper?????......NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Sexy Bangkok Girls
Posted on: 11:47 pm on Sep. 1, 2003
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Yurune
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Actually joking aside.....I think it's a time that needs a bit of caution....it'd be a hell of a message to get across.....they won't get near the World Leaders but they could get near to somewhere that'd create a stir....plenty of Westeners about etc.
If I was the Thai police I'd seriously consider closing down NEP and other such places for the duration.....drastic measures yes....but they do not need any egg on their faces at this time.
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Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 11:50 pm on Sep. 1, 2003
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Thai Traveler
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Quote: from Yurune on 8:50 am on Sep. 2, 2003
....they won't get near the World Leaders but they could get near to somewhere that'd create a stir....
Yurune, you're spot on there. They (terrorists & other loonies) don't have to actually get to anyone important, if they manage to stage a public enough incident in BKK at the same time all those dignitaries are in town, that's just as good for them. That incident could be anything, from causing a riot, to bombs...
I'll just be a little more careful for those days.
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Bangkok Women : Meet Beautiful Thai Girls
Posted on: 12:03 am on Sep. 2, 2003
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Whisper
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T T, can I ask how you propose to do that? What steps do you plan on taking?
Just curious.
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 12:10 am on Sep. 2, 2003
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Yurune
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Personally I will definately avoid NEP and Soi Cowboy on those days.....it's not like I go there every day anyway so it's no bother...
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Thai Girls : Meet Active Thai Girls
Posted on: 12:12 am on Sep. 2, 2003
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Oz
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There is already signs of change, hopefully not permanent! My usual Hotel in Soi 33 that has always had rooms at a good price when I needed them could not be booked for anywere near the same price last week. Actual Hotel prices appear to have risen, I do tend to book late as I often go to BK on short notice but 100% price rise in a little over 7 days? In Phuket a couple of weeks back the Rock Hard has their Dancers wearing long pants and shirts. Yes we are seeing change for APEC sake. Follow the good advice of Bro's Yurune & TT.
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Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 12:27 am on Sep. 2, 2003
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Kryptonite
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During that time you can still have alot of fun. Just get out of Bangkok and come on down to Chonburi. Nothing has changed here 
Those damn terrorists just drive right on through Chonburi and their way to Pattaya from Bangkok. Most people don't realize there is actually "fun" to be had here.
Beer Chang is known to be a little scarce here though. Due to the fact that some damn American moved in about 3 years ago. :cheer:
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 12:36 am on Sep. 2, 2003
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