During the initial trip planning for Thailand I decided I wanted to see both the northern and southern areas of the country in addition to the capital city. Given the rail system in Thailand, which is certainly not up to the high speed rail standards found in Europe, and the distances between these destinations (430 miles from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for example), it quickly became obvious that domestic air travel would be the way to go.

After considering Thai Airways, Air Asia, and some other options, I settled on Air Asia. They run numerous flights between not only the destinations I was interested in within Thailand but also throughout Southwest Asia, China, and Oceania. They also had great fares.

Including the fare itself, taxes, fees, as well as the "First Boarding Privilege", tickets for two adults flying from Bangkok to Phuket, from Phuket to Chiang Mai, and from Chiang Mai back to Bangkok ran to a total of THB 8,964, or, about $260.

The map above details the areas, marked in green, of central Bangkok where protests have raged for the past four days. It seems a group compiled of "urban citizens, royalists, and business people", the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), seeks to force the current prime minister to step down for they feel he is corrupt and connected to the previous prime minister that was ousted in a 2006 coup by the military.

So far the protesters have numbered about 25,000 (out of a city of over 9 million) and have been peaceful. However, some disruption of airports, outside of BKK, and train lines has occurred resulting in stranded tourists and passengers. The U.S. Embassy issued a Warden Message on 29.08.08 advising U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations as they could have the potential to become violent.

While we're not making any major changes to our plans as of yet, we have decided to avoid travel to the country if the U.S. Department of State issues travel warnings or advisories.

Backup plans would probably place us in Korea or Japan via AirAsia. Mt. Fuji anyone?

Here's hoping for a peaceful and democratic solution to the issues and difficulties facing the Kingdom of Thailand. And one that is preferably reached before 10.09.08.

I'm off to a productive weekend regarding further preparation for the upcoming Thailand voyage.

I stopped by my physician's office on the way home from work and got the first dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine. As the vaccine actually takes about four weeks to kick in I may be paying a visit to the county health department for more immediate protection.

I've been scheduled to receive the second injection for today's vaccine in February '09. Once administered the vaccine literature states protection lasts up to 25 years in adults. Which, considering I'm planning on trips to South America, Africa, and Oceania/Australia, by the end of 2010, makes the effort worth it.

This evening I also registered the Thailand trip with the U.S. Department of State's Travel Registration service. This free service collects basic information about U.S. Citizens' travels abroad and compiles them in a database in case of emergencies.

I'll rest in peace at night knowing that if something threatens my well-bring while I'm in Thailand Condi will have my info and will certainly head on over to fetch me.

The Thailand Hotel Selections:

Bangkok: The Buddy Lodge:

Located in Bangkok's Banglampoo district on the infamous steps of Khao San Road and just short walks from such major city sites as The Grand Palace, Lak Muang (City Pillar), and Wat Phra Kaeo.

Also situated at the borders of Bangkok's Chinatown and the shore of the Chao Phraya River.

Friday - Sunday, September 12-14, 2008

Karon Beach, Phuket: Marina Phuket Resort:

The shoreline of the Andaman Sea gives way to the beaches of Karon.

Kata's noisy buzz to the north affords Karon's visitors plenty of eating, drinking, and activities while Phang Nga Bay National Park provides any type of water sport one could desire.

Monday - Tuesday, September 15-16, 2008

Chaing Mai, Chaing Mai Provence: Bodhi Serene Hotel:

Set in the city of Chiang Mai, the Bodhi Serene will act as base camp for travels to Wat Phra Singh (home to the Lion Buddha), walking tours of the Old City Temple, and an animal friendly, eco-tour, day trip to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center near Lampang.

Evening trips to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar will certainly be a must.

Wednesday - Friday, September 17-19, 2008

Given that I may opt out of lugging a laptop to Thailand I've decided to set up a Pownce account to which I may post.

What the hell is a Pownce, you ask?

In short, it could be thought of as a mini-blog. Or, as many have coined them, a microblog. It works like any other blog but only very short entries are posted to it. Generally these posts are made from mobile devices such as phones.

So, check it out and Pownce through Thailand with me.