British guy shot dead in Philippines

[IanB]

Sad but useful advice.

Also sad to say that virtually none of this applies in Thailand. I have walked through the worst slums on my own late at night and driven the country top to bottom. The biggest dangers are actually stray dogs, and there are usually enough big sticks lying around to deal with them! Muggings and pickpockets are rare, but "scams" are common, so they main advice in the Land of Smiles is to avoid talking to strangers.

Ian

[andypaul]

Sad but useful advice.

Also sad to say that virtually none of this applies in Thailand. I have walked through the worst slums on my own late at night and driven the country top to bottom. The biggest dangers are actually stray dogs, and there are usually enough big sticks lying around to deal with them! Muggings and pickpockets are rare, but "scams" are common, so they main advice in the Land of Smiles is to avoid talking to strangers.

Ian

The thailand tourism board website advises you not to walk alone in lonely areas.

http://www.tourismthailand.org/trave...ion-107-1.html

ps not a pop at you or thailand just advice i saw on their website and i know a lot of Brit/phill couples go there.

Another good point they make is be wary of Tour guides, good advice anywhere.

Many Brit phill couples are in an area when on a holiday like Boracay for example where the phill is a stranger and maybe not realising the danger posed by non regulated tour guides and what have you.

I did notice though many of the murders of Brits or non westners do appear to be a little more involved than a street robbery. Disputes involing family etc.

Guys do think things though and find out about your potential girlfriends family and situation before jumping in, just as you would here in the Uk.

Think it though, i've noticed that phill and im sure thai families lifes and relationships are generally far more complicated than brits. Partly due to sheer numbers and the way of life in the respective countries.
Many Brits if they dont get on tend to ignore or keep away from family they dont get on with but many phills have to get along (even if problems rumble along in the background) due to the closeness of the families and the need to help one another.

You turning up could cause more problems and ignite ones that had been almost forgotten.