As if Bangkok didn't already have enough interesting stuff to do, Merlin Entertainments, a UK-based theme park operator is planning to open a Madame Tussauds' branch in Bangkok's Siam Square next year. The wax museum will feature the typical celebrities and historical figures the brand is known for but will also have images of some local folks.

While I can understand the attraction for locals, long-term visitors and wax figure enthusiasts of all kinds, it's a little tough to justify taking time from sightseeing in Bangkok to visit Madame Tussauds if you're just here for a few days. If you're desperately looking for something to do (and you've already exhausted all the shopping, eating, people watching and museum visiting in the Siam Square area), why not head over to Wat Pathum Wanaran?

There is a big anti-government rally planned for today around Bangkok's Democracy Monument and officials expect there may be as many as tens of thousands of people involved.

If you're in Bangok and planning on doing some sightseeing in the Democracy Monument area (including Sanam Luang, the Grand Palace, Wat Po, and Khao San Road, depending on how big the demonstration gets) you might want to arrange your plans so you can do something different and avoid the area entirely.

Here's an excerpt from the US State Department alert (it specifically mentions US citizens but the alert applies to all foreigners):

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are urged to avoid the area of the demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers in other areas by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

If this is like other recent demonstrations (and there's no reason to expect it won't be), everything should be business as usual in the rest of the city.

A baby hippo disappeared from the Chiang Mai Zoo's veterinary hospital last week. According to news reports, the baby hippo was last seen soaking in a small pool on Thursday. A security guard fell asleep while watching the hippo and when he woke up, it had escaped.

Zoo officials believe the hippo made its way to a nearby forest. More than 100 zoo staff and volunteers have been dispatched on a search and rescue mission to find it.

Thailand ranks the number one hospitable place for a vacation, according to a recent survey done by hotel booking engine Zoover. More than 1,400 Brits took part in the survey and were asked to rank popular vacation destinations according to hospitality.

Thailand took a whopping 25% of the vote, Australia came in second with 19%, and Greece third with 14% of the vote.

This news comes as no surprise to those who've already visited Thailand, since charm and hospitality are among the country's many attractions. Since more vacationers from the UK come here than Americans, it's also no surprise that they agree.