southern thailand

[ste v]

Im going to bangkok in november - from there im getting the train to singapore, stopping off at butterworth (pennang) and kuala lumpur. The problem is ive looked on the foreign office website and it advises against all but essential travel to southern thailand. Any advise (p.s im a 25 year old male travelling with 2 friends) thanks !!

[mash]

The area the FCO are particually taking about is the south east region near the malaysian border. There has been some political and religious tension causing riots and some issues not favourable for tourists. It is not really a problem to avoid this area and looking at your route I doubt very much it will affect you. As you are travelling on the train and through the south west region the chances of seeing let alone involved in anything are slim. This problem mainly poses a risk if you were planning to travel and stay within the South east region of Thailand. Personally I would still travel as you have planned. They are all great places, hope you have a great time.