[Last letter on page]
Last year, I was in Thailand and Vietnam. Both countries ban handguns for everyone, law enforcement included. Crime in both countries is negligible. --Mary Ellen HallardU.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheet--Thailand:
The far south of Thailand has been experiencing almost daily incidents of criminally and politically motivated violence, including incidents attributed to armed local separatist/extremist groups. Although these groups focus primarily on Thai government interests, some of the recent violence in the area has targeted public places, including areas where tourists may congregate. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to defer non-emergency travel to the far south of Thailand: Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla provinces, including the town of Hat Yai. If U.S. citizens must travel to these areas, they should exercise special caution and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security. Since January 2004, a series of incidents in the far southern provinces has included arson attacks directed at schools and other buildings associated with the government; the placement of bombs in public areas, including the Hat Yai International airport, and near local government offices; killings of police and other officials; and the theft of weapons and explosives. On April 3 and 4, 2005, a series of bombs were detonated in Hat Yai and nearby Songkhla city in Songkhla Province and in Yala Province. Two American citizens were injured in these attacks. Travelers should be aware that Thai authorities have on occasion instituted special security measures in affected areas, such as curfews, military patrols, or random searches of train passengers.U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheet--Vietnam:
In recent years, Vietnam’s Central Highland provinces have been the scene of ethnic minority protests and clashes with security forces...Large gatherings, such as those forming at the scene of traffic accidents, can become violent, and should be avoided...I guess it all depends on the meaning of the word "negligible," right you lying commie?
CRIME: Cities in Vietnam have the typical crime problems of many other large cities throughout the world. Pick-pocketing and other petty crimes occur regularly. Although violent crimes such as armed robbery are still relatively rare in Vietnam, perpetrators have grown increasingly bold and the U.S. Consulate General has received recent reports of knives and razors being used in attempted robberies in Ho Chi Minh City. Thieves congregate around hotels frequented by foreign tourists and business people, and assaults have been reported in outlying areas. The evolving nature of incidents warrants caution on the part of the U.S. traveler...
Serious injuries have resulted when thieves snatched purses or bags, which were strapped across their victims' bodies, leading to the victim being dragged along the ground by the thief's motorcycle...
There have been occasional reports of incidents in which an unknown substance was used to taint drinks, leaving the victim susceptible to further criminal acts...
Some U.S. citizens have reported threats of death or physical injury related to personal business disputes. The U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Consulate General do not provide personal protection services. U.S. citizens who do not have confidence in the ability of the local police to protect them may wish to depart the country expeditiously.