Just returned from Phuket

[cathyb Member Find all posts View Profile Close cathyb]

One month ago we returned from 3 weeks in Thailand, one was fortunate enough to be in Marriott Phuket. We went from there to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. To be honest, we saw no unrest whatsoever.

In downtown Bangkok we wondered if anything would appear out of ordinary but there were tons of people and business as usual.

The only uncomfortability was the cracks in the new airport's runways that we had to fly into four times.

It is such an interesting and beautiful country and I wish them the best.

[Arline Member Find all posts View Profile Close Arline]

So glad you are home and had that unique experience. I know you were really looking forward to your trip.

[Dave M Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dave M]

As I recall, you were going to take the Orient Express. How was it? Any details for those of us who like to dream?

[Carolinian Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Carolinian]

As I recall, you were going to take the Orient Express. How was it? Any details for those of us who like to dream?

With the luxury train now promoted as the Orient Express, many people are not aware that the original Orient Express, a regular passenger train, still runs, although on a shortened route. Originally it ran from Paris to Istanbul. Then it was shortened to Paris to Bucharest, then Paris to Budapest, and now Paris to Vienna. Back a few years ago when it still ran to Bucharest, I thought about taking it on a journey from Budapest to Bucharest just to say I had riden the Orient Express, but other Budapest to Bucharest trains had schedules that better fit my needs. Finally, after the route had been shortened to Vienna, I needed a train to take me back to the Stuttgart airport, and guess which train best fit my schedule out of Vienna? I finally had my ride on the pokey original Orient Express.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Don't they do a longer run once a year? I seem to remember that from a recently viewed documentary on the Orient Express on PBS.

[taffy19 Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close taffy19]

It is such an interesting and beautiful country and I wish them the best.

Cathy, I am glad you had such a good time. Did you make many photos? Are you going to post them somewhere or here? Love to see them if you care to share. I know it takes time to get them all sorted and with titles, etc.

Good you came home safe and sound.

[LSBM Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close LSBM]

Which Marriott did u stay at in Phuket?
I am going to the Beach Club on Mai Khao, I hope it is not going to let me down!

[shaggy Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close shaggy]

I'm glad you had a wonderful time. I can only dream. Pics & tales appreciated. shaggy

[Kay H Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Kay H]

Poat resurrected from '07.

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

Very disturbing eport about violence against female tourists in Phuket.

It may simply be this article, but is gives the impression that authorities haven't done much up to this point... The statement that after six months, the police dept. hasn't been able to locate or train officers for an anti-rape unit is appalling..

The article is here...

....This latest attack follows three rapes being reported in November alone.

In August last year, honorary consuls on the island called for Phuket police to establish an anti-rape unit to investigate such reports and provide support for victims.

Phuket Police Commander Pekad Tantipong today told the Gazette that honorary consuls asked for English-speaking female officers with experience in sexual assault cases to take care of rape cases.

“We are having difficulty finding female officers especially to investigate sex assault cases. We are looking for them now,” he said.