North Korea has announced that it's ready for the fight. The US and Japan joined hands in a naval exercise off the Korean Peninsula. China and Russia showed off their military prowess by sending their troops and aircraft carriers to the area. Tensions in the Korean Peninsula have escalated in the past few weeks. The whole world is anxious about the possibility of the next war.
But the manoeuvres, physical or psychological, cannot stop Thai tourists from booking plane tickets to Japan and South Korea.
Last week, a lot of people I know still showed their pictures from the colourful Japan landscape. And you may also notice advertisements of package tours with beautiful pictures of sakura flowers in newspapers and on websites.
I have to admit, I have no idea why Thai tourists are so worry-free (in March and April, South Korea tourism suffered from boycotts by Chinese tourists over the deployment of the US-backed anti-missile system).
Perhaps for us, perception of places is so powerful. Tourists keep in their minds that Japan and South Korea are places from a dream and both countries are always safe. So no matter how the world is tensing up, Thai tourists will keep on going there anyway.
An image of a destination is something that cannot be changed easily. Sometimes it's more powerful than the reality of the place itself.
For example, Pai district in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Khan in Loei were once lovely towns, boasting scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere. They became dream destinations for city tourists who sought beautiful places to hide out from bustling city life.
But Pai and Chiang Khan could not keep their peaceful moments. Resorts, shops, bars and various other businesses rushed in and packed the towns to cater to demand, turning the places busy, vibrant, even chaotic sometimes. However, until now, both places still attract those who still believe in the image of tranquil countryside that's no longer there.
For years, I have read about Iran's nuclear-weapons programme and its long conflict with the US. I had a picture in my mind that this country was a dangerous place everyone should avoid.
However, when I actually visited Iran, my experience was a far cry from those images. Iran is a safe country. The Iranians are very friendly to foreigners. Many teenagers are eager to greet and know visitors from other countries. My guide in Iran confirmed that Tehran and other cities are quite safe for visitors to walk alone in after dark.
Scary pictures about nuclear weapons, extremist terrorists and violence were replaced by impressive culture and delicate art. My perception about Iran totally changed -- but not for most Thai people, I am quite sure about this.
Other destinations with a reputation for danger, this time in Thailand, are the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. For over a decade, news about the insurgency and bombings made most Thai people forget about these lovely provinces. Finally, these three provinces have become the places most tourists choose to keep away from.
I have visited these provinces and find they are still safe to travel around in, though of course not everywhere. People are friendly. Nature is pristine. Food is fabulous. I think the news has been a great disservice to the provinces that still maintain their charm.
A few days after my visit, Pattani was attacked again. From the news, it looked scary. But ask any local people and they'll tell you that the attacks occurred in remote areas where there are no tourists anyway. The town and major neighbourhoods remain safe and sound, as usual.
Actually, casualties from the situation in the deep South are outnumbered by road casualties. Last year, 307 people lost their lives in the South while road accidents during New Year's Eve 2017 claimed 478 lives in seven days. But Thai people think the roads are safe anyway. It is pitiful that this image of a dangerous place has set root -- it is very hard to change in the short-term.
After disappointments and surprises from various destinations, I have learnt not to stick with old perceptions.
The world keeps changing. Destinations, too. Do not linger with old images and outdated information. Otherwise you'll miss out and be left in this fast-changing world.
Peerawat Jariyasombat is a travel writer of the Life section of the Bangkok Post.