The recent deaths of at least six foreign visitors to Chiang Mai in Thailand has prompted families, friends, and worldwide media to question whether they may have been related in some way. The deaths were revealed almost by chance and officials have consistently stated they are entirely co-incidental, even though several of those that died were staying at the same hotel within days or weeks of each other.

On the face of it, it seems Thai officials were concerned any supposed link between the deaths would have a negative impact on tourism so they’ve said very little. In fact the opposite is true.

The less they say about how and why the deaths may have occurred, whether they may have been linked in any way, and how they intend to ensure there are no further deaths or sickness, the more likely travellers are to avoid Thailand, and Chiang Mai in particular. Read the rest of this entry »