Golfasian - Asian Golf Holiday Experts in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Laos & Myanmar
By Paul Myers Bangkok, March 4, 2014- The swathe of negative headlines about safety in Bangkok that has swamped international media in the past three months should now disappear as protestors dismantle barricades in key parts of the city. Despite the impression that Bangkok has been a city under siege, nothing could have been – or is – further from the truth. And despite a delicate political impasse that has put a question mark over the future of Thailand’s (now interim) government, life and business in Bangkok and the rest of the kingdom has been perfectly normal. Hopefully, selective images and footage of street marches, police battling protesters and barricades at intersections will now be replaced by reality: tourists and locals eating, socialising, shopping and enjoying all this vibrant city has to offer. Unlikely. The negative publicity, caused by perception swamping reality, has hurt Thailand’s tourism, even outside Bangkok where there hasn’t been the slightest hint of trouble. To be sure, there are political issues in Thailand. There have been protests, mostly peaceful, which may continue. The People’s Democratic Reform Committee has moved its supporters to Lumpini Park in Bangkok’s business district where they are gathered, quietly and orderly, listening to speeches and watching a giant screen. There isn’t the slightest hint of trouble. Bangkok is a far cry from the situation in the world’s real trouble spots: Kabul, Kiev, Baghdad and Beirut. It’s not even close to the situation in New York, Chicago or many major cities where assaults and concerns about personal safety are everyday issues and occurrences. It’s likely that Thailand’s political issues will be solved in coming months. The two sides are talking and there is confidence the impasse will end soon. Meanwhile, it is perfectly safe to visit Bangkok and the rest of Thailand and do the same things tourists always have done in this friendly, welcoming city and country. Mark Siegel, who operates Golfasian, one of Thailand’s leading inbound golf tourism companies, says sensational journalism has adversely affected people’s views about the safety of visiting Thailand. “In actuality, life, golf, and tourism are normal across Thailand. I live in Bangkok and other than some minor traffic inconveniences, everyone is going about their daily lives completely normally,” he says. Even during the height of the “trouble”, tour operators were puzzled by all the fuss. Australian, Sheri Yu, the principal of AYM Golf Tours, brought a group to Bangkok and Hua Hin in early February, but didn’t have the slightest problem. “We had some non-golfers in the group who went shopping during the day while others played golf. We went out at night in Bangkok without difficulty or concern. Not once was anybody worried about anything. In fact, people were asking ‘where are the protests?'” Exactly. But you wouldn’t have known this from the world’s selective media reporting.
  • Chat with Golfasian
    • These guys are excellent. Loved our tour in Saigon. They arranged everything. Tony our driver was great, fun and was very accommodating. The courses were awesome and everything was so easy to deal with through Jim. Thanks for an unforgettable holiday.
      Steve Delane Avatar
      Steve Delane
    • Perfect!! Fixing everything from transport, greenfee, buggy, caddie, checking in and everything with a smile. 5 rounds in Hua hin with my wife and some friends.
      Daniel Hojas Avatar
      Daniel Hojas
    • Good service and knowledge about courses👍🏌🏿‍♂️🙏
      Lasse Transeth Avatar
      Lasse Transeth
    • Just had 17 of my members from Mt Derrimut Melb, Aust play and stay in Hua HIN through Golfasia.
      From pick up in Bangkok to being dropped off to head home, Ian Morgan and his staff could not have been more helpful. Courses were amazing.

      Stay Balanced
      Geoff Ross Aust PGA member..
      Geoff Ross Avatar
      Geoff Ross
    • Despite the weather delay we had great time playing Loch Palm and Red Mountain over the weekend. Arrangement was on point. We will visit again. Thanks very much.
      Edwin Wong Avatar
      Edwin Wong
    • Golfasian have done all my bookings and are most helpful never any pricing surprises, transport always on time and the golf course knowledge correct every time.
      Kevin Murphy Avatar
      Kevin Murphy
    • I would like to joint golfasian
      Jimmy Siow Quey Sang Avatar
      Jimmy Siow Quey Sang
    • Vietnam- Fabulous First Trip to Asia (October 21-November 5, 2017)
      Huge thanks to AJ for making it all so easy. We emailed Golfasian asking for options on Tuesday morning MST, spoke to AJ Tuesday night and were on our way to Vietnam from Calgary, Alberta Canada on Saturday. We were met by a GolfAsian Representative at the Airport and our driver Jason (who took great care of us). **Remember to get your Visa and photos, it must be ordered online and confirmation received back before arriving in Vietnam** The golf courses were beautiful (BRG Da Nang , Montgomerie Links, Ba'Na' Hills and Laguna Golf Lang Co) and the staff were excellent, professional, super fun Caddies. We stayed at Naman Retreat in Da Nang, 5 STAR perfection. We highly recommend using Golfasian for your Asia Golf Holiday.
      Cory Rowland Avatar
      Cory Rowland
    • This is my 2nd golf trip to Bangkok arranged by Golfasian. Very professionally and the trip was enjoyable. Would highly recommend to others and will contact them for future golf trips soon.
      Steve Chang Avatar
      Steve Chang
    • Just used Golfasian for the 3rd time. Their professionalism, organisation and flexibility is wonderful. They are well-priced and we have had no problems on any of the trips they have organised for us. Now could they just improve my golf score please??
      Jane Paterson Avatar
      Jane Paterson
  • Sign up for the latest Asian Golf News

    Breaking news, cool tips, great resources... Sign up for our FREE Golf In Asia Newsletter!
  •   How to Plan Your Dream Golf Holiday

    Learn How to Plan Your Golf Holiday to Asia...

    Want to put together an unforgettable Asian golf holiday? Learn everything needed with this FREE 6-step trip planner.

    ×