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False Fear Damages Embassies' Credibility
By Alan Morison Monday, July 4, 2011
PHUKET: Tourists in Thailand have been warned to exercise caution and avoid political demonstrations as the nation went to the polls on the weekend, reports the AFP news agency.
And yet again, Thailand and Phuket - and especially the tourism industry - suffers a setback, thanks to the knee-jerk reaction of ill-informed embassies in Bangkok.
This time it's a warning from the British and the Australians that was also taken up by others, including Canada, Ireland, Japan and the Netherlands.
These embassies and their foreign ministry masters were among the villains who also issued unnecessary warnings for the whole of Thailand amid last year's unrest.
The disturbances in March and April last year were largely limited to a few blocks in central Bangkok. But the needless blanket travel alerts that emerged in dribs and drabs cost Phuket and the rest of the Thailand travel industry dearly.
There was no chance of a disturbance on Phuket then, and there is no chance of a disturbance now.
Perhaps the ambassadors of Britain and Australia need to tell their bosses to focus on two words: Direct Flights.
Tourists flying direct to Phuket are perfectly safe. Tourists transiting through Bangkok are perfectly safe. Why the Australian and British embassies wish to create the impression that they are not is a total mystery.
We suspect that the ministry chieftans in London and Canberra like to believe that the world is a dangerous place, and prefer to keep their citizens at home, cringing with fear.
The other foolishness is that apparently British citizens and Australians and a few others are, so the alerts make it seem, less safe in Thailand (and Phuket) than the travelling citizens of nations that have not issued travel alerts.
As usual, the knee-jerk nations react in ones or twos, adding to the chaotic nature that makes all these travel alerts such a nonsense.
The more they are viewed as nonsense, the less they are obeyed by tourists who understand the real situation. And the less they are believed when there really is danger.
It's time, as Phuketwan has long been advocating, for the knee-jerk nations to get their act together - or like the German embassy, at least be more specific.
Last year, the German embassy - along with a few other sensible embassies - made the point that the problems were only in Bangkok, and that Phuket remained perfectly safe.
It's more than time for a universal system of travel alerts. If tourists from Australia and Britain are now exposed to danger, then all tourists are surely exposed to the same degree. Why haven't they been warned, too?
The nations of the world manage to agree on an international system to keep all citizens as safe as possible in the air. Surely they can come up with an effective system on the ground.
''You should avoid demonstrations and in the event of violence, remain indoors,'' warned Britain's Foreign Office on Friday. And don't forget to pull the sheet over your head.
Sure, there are times when the citizens of individual nations are more exposed to danger. And that's when individual warnings from specific embassies have some relevance.
Messrs Ambassadors for Britain and Australia, get your act together. Start telling your Ministries that these alerts are an embarrassment.
And put your efforts into promoting a universal system, one based on reality. Do that and you just might one day re-establish the non-existent credibility of travel alerts with the travelling public.
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Comments
Comments have been disabled for this article.
Embassy's will err on the side of caution when advising their citizens, which is the right thing to do.
What happens to tourism because of their pronouncements is not within their remit, nor, should it be. Their citizens come before business in Phuket.
Posted by
Sir Burr
on
July 4, 2011 10:20
Editor Comment:
Sir Burr, maybe you don't mind being fed false information. I don't like it. The warnings are constantly exaggerated - and not in the best interests of citizens for that reason. It's time to use 21st century technology to create a system that doesn't constantly cry wolf.
I am sure you have noticed . . . Phuket is not Bangkok. Time to tell your embassy.
Sorry Ed..I have to agree with Burr "alittle" on this one...afterall, it's only due to the recent history of political unease here...Including Phuket which at one time saw road blocks at the airport..that the embassies are simply covering their as---...because if anything does come up and if someone does get caught up let alone hurt as a result, then they will be held accountable for not warning people...I think most travelers with any common sense will know how to comprehend these "warnings"..
Posted by
Sky
on
July 4, 2011 12:11
Editor Comment:
So you approve of embassies covering their asses, making false assessments of danger, and relaying those lies to others? Sad, sky, sad.
Personal opinion counts as news these days?
Phuketwan is going downhill.
Posted by
Glen
on
July 4, 2011 12:14
Editor Comment:
I thought it said 'News Analysis.' Is there something wrong with my eyesight, or yours?
I'm afraid I agree with above posters. I think you are in the minority on this one. Thailand does not have a great record when it comes to political stability and this could yet turn nasty.
The Embassy is in a much better position to advise than local business's. Perhaps you shouldn't be blaming them, but instead looking to the root cause and pointing at that instead.
Posted by
Singha Gold
on
July 4, 2011 12:41
Editor Comment:
Singha Gold, If you think majorities are always right, you are going to have a few problems . . . the issue is about the improvements that the antiquated travel alert system requires in the 21st century. Thailand is just one place where these false alerts are created unnecessarily. Embassies know very little about Phuket - and they even mostly fail to heed the advice of their representatives here. That advice is: Phuket remains safe for tourists. The Ministries prefer to ignore the best interests of their citizens, and the truth.
Oh c'mon Ed..you can call it false information or over exagerration...but as I said, Thailand has recently developed a track record for making the lives of some travellers a bit uncomfortable, especially when a whole airport gets shut down...The embassies have a responsibility to inform their citizens of what they feel may be any potential unrest, especially based on recent events...I have no doubt that if Thailand didn't have recent political uneasiness, then there wouldn't be a need to inform travellers of any potential effects...People like you and me who live here can see that this may be be an example of being overly concerned...but no stone must be left unturned...It goes the same for Thai citizens living abroad needing their embassy to advise them of certain things going on....I'd be curious to know how much of an impact did this recent advisory have on tourism here.
Posted by
sky
on
July 4, 2011 12:52
Editor Comment:
No tourists were hurt in the airport invasion. The only tourist I can recall being hurt in March-April last year was an Aussie who had been working in Burma who received very superficial injuries in a MTR explosion. He wasn't even aware there was a problem in Thailand. The embassies have a responsibility to tell their citizens the truth. That's an obligation they fail to uphold. None of the modern incidents in Thailand have targetted tourists, nor are they likely to. The embassies convey an entirely false impression. If the alerts have no impact - and you're probably right on that one - then the system needs the total overhaul that I am suggesting should happen.
Yes..Thailand and Phuket are quite safe without a doubt...and I agree that there needs to be a revision of what determines a warning as well as how and what information is conveyed
Posted by
sky
on
July 4, 2011 13:58
I agree with most of the posters. Most analysts acknowledge that Thailand was on the verge of civil war during the recent protest. The mass riot that occurred when the military finally moved in did not solve the underlying problems. Embassies were very right in issuing warnings, if the democrats had chosen to not accept the poll results there could have been a lot of trouble. Fortunately, it looks like we will get a peaceful transition.
The Australian embassy has already updated their travel advice post-election. So to claim that they are recklessly hurting Thailand is quite extreme.
Posted by
Dr.Jeremy
on
July 4, 2011 14:04
Editor Comment:
Dr jeremy, you don't get it.
Take three tourists. If an American is given no warning, an Australian is told he's not safe anywhere in Thailand, and a German is told he's perfectly safe in Phuket but needs to look out in Bangkok, which one is getting the good deal he pays his taxes to deliver?
And if the Australian is told he's not safe one day but safe the next, that's even more ridiculous . . . especially if his local newspaper waits until Monday to publish a report about Friday's alert.
''Recklessly hurting Thailand'' are your words, not mine. I would say, however, that embassies are ''recklessly hurting'' their credibility, and the truth.
Oh, and I am sooo not persuaded because you agree with others.
I don't think an international bureaucrazy for travel warnings, like UNTWVIO (UN-Travel-Warning-Very-Important-Office), will be a solution, sounds more like a bigger problem to me.
I like the local travel warning for a country. Like a weather forecast done by private companies, like Stratfor. Let them put it in Google maps and there you see the danger zones in Thailand, etc. Maybe you can add specific danger zones for special people, cultures, lifestyles, like Jews (Iran, Lebanon...), Americans (Pashtun tribal area in Pakistan, do not hike into Iran...), Blacks and Asians (Eastern German states), Gay people (Kabul etal), Outspoken democrats (China, Belarus), Car driving women (Saudi Arabia), Pot smokers (Malaysia...), rich old men who like to bang anyone in a hotel (USA).
That sounds more like a solution or what.
Posted by
Lena
on
July 4, 2011 14:40
"And if the Australian is told he's not safe one day but safe the next, that's even more ridiculous . . . especially if his local newspaper waits until Monday to publish a report about Friday's alert."
That's a little extreme. The Australian is told pre-election that there is a reasonable chance of violence and to avoid travel at that time. Post-election, when more information is available the Australian is told that the possibility for violence cannot be excluded and to be cautious when traveling.
Warnings always 'look' silly when the thing that they are warning about doesn't eventuate. Does that make the warning itself silly? No, because at the time it was not known what would happen, the warning has to assume the worst outcome. Like when a volcano starts erupting, you evacuate the local residents, if it turns out to just be a small tremor then you wasted peoples time and imposed some expenses on them. If the worst case scenario does happen then you saved their lives. It's a simple risk martix. It's easy to look back and claim an over-reaction when the outcome is already known.
Posted by
Dr.Jeremy
on
July 4, 2011 15:03
Editor Comment:
If you are 1200 kilometres from the ''volcano'' - and you are exaggerating wildly there, dr j - then a travel alert because of a vague tremor is utter nonsense. And if people get different messages, it's farcical. The current system is ridiculous. In an age of tweets, sms and the Internet, there is no need for this antiquated drivel. I wrote a similar piece during the march-april crisis, and i would have written this piece earlier, if there had been time. If the Sydney Morning Herald publishes a warning about Friday's alert on Monday, as if it's still current, then it's still current in many readers' minds. You ignore the major issue of inconsistent advice, or no advice. Nationality is unimportant. Leave the 1950s behind.
There was no warning or alert from the British Embassy - just an advisory. The wording is below:
"National elections will be held on 3 July and the Thai Electoral Commission has until 2 August 2011 to confirm the election result. There remains a risk that political developments may lead to violence. The Thai authorities have indicated that security may be enhanced in various parts of Thailand against the possibility of unrest and violence. We advise you to keep up to date with our travel advice, monitor the local media, stay in touch with your travel company if you have one, avoid demonstrations and in the event of violence, remain indoors".
I don't really follow your view that this constitutes an alert or warning. It's what it says, an advisory.
Posted by
Pete
on
July 4, 2011 15:04
Editor Comment:
AFP and the Sydney Morning Herald report:
The British embassy also urged its citizens to be on alert. "There remains a risk that political developments may lead to violence."
The headline on today's article reads: 'Warning for Australian tourists in Thailand' and the last paragraph says: ''There is a danger that if the losing side does not accept the result, the country may plunge back into turmoil.''
Advisory, alert, warning . . . just goes to show how confusing the whole thing has become. Time for a less confusing universal system.
And just in case you missed it, here's another bit of nonsense:
<b>focustaiwan.tw</b> The Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised its travel alert for Thailand from "gray" to "yellow" late Sunday amid possible political uncertainty following parliamentary elections in the Southeast Asian country.
How much longer must the world's travellers put up with this?
Surely embassies should base alerts on some evidence - past evidence would be a start. In which case, Phuket has no recent past evidence of danger to tourists from political demonstrations. And if the embassy has a local honorary consul, shouldn't their comment be very valuable? It appears not right now, but it should be. They do, after all, have their fellow nationals best interests at heart, no?
Posted by
Duncan
on
July 4, 2011 15:10
Editor Comment:
As someone in a senior diplomatic role explained it to me, if the chiefs in Washington get a message from their embassy that contradicts what they're watching on CNN or the BBC, they'll always go with what they're seeing on television. Unfortunately, knowing what you're talking about counts for nothing when it comes to travel alerts/advisories/warnings etc. Gossip and rumor are just as reliable. Easy to see why nobody believes the warnings.
I will be back in Phuket in August for almost a month. Travelling with wife, 3 children and grandma. If there is a problem tourist are not a target on Phuket, in my opinion. If they do happen to close the airport what a shame, we will just have to stay longer. How hard would that be.
Posted by
Richard
on
July 4, 2011 15:45
A month prior to elections Thai media published notices of anticipated election related violence. These notices also listed provinces and locations at high risk of such violence.
Similarly, foreign embassies advised travelers to be cautious and particularly avoid political gatherings.
No "DO NOT TRAVEL" alerts where issued.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
July 4, 2011 17:48
Editor Comment:
That fails to take into account the inconsistency between what some nations do, and others do not. It also fails to take into account that most parts of Thailand are almost always going to stay safe. I don't recall seeing any notices of ''anticipated election related violence.'' Everybody talked about peaceful rallies.
Ed, you sound like a broken record.
You've made your point on countless occasions, I wonder why you need to keep repeating yourself.
Some agree with you but most don't. Including me.
If you can't win by reason, go for volume, huh ?
You refuse to even consider any opinion different from yours.
It's easy for you to criticise the travel ADVISORIES because if something does go wrong, despite your assurances, you don't have to take any responsibility, but the Embassies do.
You are not qualified to evaluate their warnings (but you sure can whine and gripe about them ad infinitum), not only because of that particular fact but more so because you don't have access to the confidential intelligence they do.
In case you dispute that such intelligence exists, please read through some of the WikiLeaks documents written by embassies around the world.
You write excellent articles and your reporting DOES make a difference, for which I respect you but this subject is slowly turning into your all time low.
Move on please.
Posted by
Chris
on
July 4, 2011 21:39
Editor Comment:
Most of the changes in the world come about because people don't mind being labelled ''broken records,'' Chris. What's actually broken is this antiquated system. It's ridiculous to have some citizens of some countries declared in danger while others are not; to have an entire country declared unsafe when clearly it's not; to not use 21st century technology (largely because the nation by nation system is wasteful and inefficient); and to not have a united front when warnings do become important. As long as readers come up with poor reasons for continuing the existing system, I'm content to offer reasons for a better one. Give it to any time-and-motion study group, or a class of business management students, and they'd rule the current nation-by-nation system ineffective. I'd prefer a system that works, and I am surprised so many people are locked into the past with one that doesn't. Why do people demand fast, accurate, reliable information from news sources, and let their embassies feed them false information, or alternatively tell them nothing?'' Confidential intelligence''? Sure. They watch television. Try thinking about the issue, Chris.
Alan Morison and The Editor are "Thai-Wannabes" - the most disgusting species on Thai soil! Why should visitors care about Thai-bizness, why should the Embassies? "Safety First" - as it reads on many a construction site in Bangkok,they could put the same sign up in the arrival terminal in Soyouwannaboom. Bangkok has experienced a terrible increase in muggings, assault and theft from tourists. It's not mentioned too much in the media as you probably know, but a few days ago a Tv Channel had a lengthy report on the assault, robbery and mugging of a Farang in Prakhanong in Bangkok. With ref. to the revolt in Bangkok last year, you risked to be executed by either the Military, "The Men in Black" or just random violence, and your downplaying of these risks and events are just despicable!! What about your own "Island Paradise"? Kamoy infested hellhole it is... But you reside above that I guess, totally unaware, a real "Thai-Wannabe"!
Posted by
BOM
on
July 7, 2011 20:23
Editor Comment:
This has nothing to do with business, BOM, only getting it right so all travellers are treated the same, and a better service is provided to all. You consistently prove how narrow a brain can become from lack of sunshine. I think you're a wannabe human. Keep trying.
Wow such mud slinging, yes the embassy's
over reacted we all saw that! Whats wrong with stating that! Many embassies have always treated the Thais poorly, we all know that - just try getting your girl friend into your country.
It used to be a joke at many embassies about Thailand being a hardship posting, I heard from many working at the embassies.But the fact remains they overreacted with a vengeance with the problem in Bangkok. Okay, many things need changing here so its a level playing field e.g. customs, they want to export cars but don't want to allow cars in at a fair price. Taking it out on the Thai people like was done was by the embassies was wrong. Okay we all know that.
Posted by
capt canada
on
July 8, 2011 14:04
Editor Comment:
Nothing to do with taking it out on the Thais, Capt, just an oversupply of security experts at all the embassies justifying their easy jobs with misleading information. If a small, effective service was established involving only the best of the experts from all nations, all travellers would be better off. And all the nations would save money.
So you dislike exaggerated Travel Warnings or Advice for tourist's travelling to Thailand.
BUT you do want them to be warned about swimming on Karon beach.....
Posted by
NannyState
on
July 8, 2011 23:49
Editor Comment:
Spot the difference: Warnings about the dangers at Karon beach should be precise, repetitive and effective, and they have the capacity to save lives. Travel alerts about Thailand lately have been imprecise, ineffective and a waste of time.
One common factor is true, though: whenever there is real danger, ALL travellers should be properly warned in the same fashion.
Yes good idea, If a small, effective service was established involving only the best of the experts from all nations, all travelers would be better off. And all the nations would save money.
it could be funded many different ways, either private or corporate funding or governments helping.
Posted by
capt canada
on
July 10, 2011 13:31
Yet again you fall WAY too far on the Thai side of any argument. Now you are blaming the embassies for doing their job properly and indicating that this somehow affects our tourism business. It is the repetitive crime, instability, corruption and occasional riots that do that. No one wants to have a holiday in a place where they are shooting each other in the streets and yes we all know that Phuket is not Bangkok but when they are only and hour's travel distance from each other, how do you think the average potential tourist feels when they are trying to choose a relaxing destination ??? Bali sounds good and they have some fantastic beach destinations in Vietnam that are less than half the price of here....and new air con taxis cost about 2or3 bucks on average to go all the way across town. Can't blame the embassies because Phuket / Thailand is continually falling so far short of the mark as a tourist destination. Sounds like the reporter is blaming the reporting and what's up with that ??
Posted by
ridiculous
on
July 17, 2011 05:14
Editor Comment:
There is no Thai side to this argument, ridiculous/you must be joking. It's about providing ALL travellers with a more efficient global alert system. But as you are distorting the picture, let's make one thing clear: most people have a wonderful time holidaying in Thailand, especially on Phuket. Your pathetic attempt to hijack the thread won't work . . . and your perverse view is deeply troubling.
Funny I just checked www.smarttraveller.gov.au for the australian Government travel advisory re Thailand and I am shocked and amazed after reading this opinion piece that I found a measured, calm and intelligent appraisal of Thai conditions, not the shrill, outrageous and obviously wrong report that i expected after reading your opinion piece, ED.
All governments have a resposibility to there citizens to provide honest advice. Would you rather that they say all is fine when they know it is not?
Posted by
arthur
on
July 17, 2011 23:20
Editor Comment:
That's right, arthur. You can be safe one day, and in danger the next. The questionable advice changed within days. The main issue is that even though all travellers are equally at risk, some countries issue warnings while others don't. Why is that, arthur? How come you can be in danger while other travellers are not? The Australian Government travel ''warning'' also failed to make the point that Phuket remained safe. I would rather have a universal system that worked for everyone, everywhere, all the time. That would be good use of taxpayers' money.
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Embassy's will err on the side of caution when advising their citizens, which is the right thing to do.
What happens to tourism because of their pronouncements is not within their remit, nor, should it be. Their citizens come before business in Phuket.
Posted by Sir Burr on July 4, 2011 10:20
Editor Comment:
Sir Burr, maybe you don't mind being fed false information. I don't like it. The warnings are constantly exaggerated - and not in the best interests of citizens for that reason. It's time to use 21st century technology to create a system that doesn't constantly cry wolf.
I am sure you have noticed . . . Phuket is not Bangkok. Time to tell your embassy.