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Southern Thailand

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Southern Thailand, especially the extreme south, is in the news occasionally with terrorist attacks on police stations and schools. The sectarian violence only involves a tiny part of the population, but nevertheless, travel to the cities bordering Malaysia is not recommended for Westerners at this time. The reasons for the violence are detailed and confusing, but overall, the area is ethnically more akin to Malaysia with the predominance of Islam. The history of this area is linked to Indonesia as opposed to India, which birthed Buddhism in the rest of the country. The mid and upper southern regions are quite safe and heavenly places to visit. Efforts to rebuild from the 2004 tsunami have been extensive in an effort to revive the important tourist industry in the area. Visitors come to southern Thailand to enjoy the great outdoors. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. One American noted that “southern Thailand is much prettier than Hawaii.” Diving is a popular activity, especially in the Similan Islands, as well as snorkeling. Kayaking and rock climbing are available in some of the marine national parks. Spas, golf resorts and the like have popped up over all the coastal areas. One island called Koh Pha-ngan, near Koh Samui, hosts Full Moon Parties that are some of the largest such gatherings in Thailand. Accommodations can be found for a few dollars (USD) to several hundred. Southern Thailand is filled with many small fishing villages with brightly colored boats. Wonderful seafood can be enjoyed at quaint seaside restaurants. Besides maritime industries, coconut, rubber and tin are important products that come from southern Thailand and are sold all over the world.

Sources:

Lonely Planet: Thailand; 9th edition, 1997.
www.tourismthailand.org

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