Travel Incidents
GOOGLE TRANSLATION
"Coup in Thailand"
Armed forces and police have seized power in Thailand, two days after declaring martial law.
Travelers currently in Thailand, can share their own travel safety, security or health updates with the Blackbook Traveler community website and help give potential travelers or travelers in the region the 'heads up'.
Post your own alert message or add comment to the community forum @ www.blackbooktraveler.com
#Travel #Safety #Security #Health
Ha Tinh, Vietnam
Ha Tinh Province"Vietnam Riots"
Thousands of Vietnamese participated in a peaceful anti-China protest in the Ha Tinh Province that turned ugly. The unrest has been sparked over a Chinese oil rig placed in disputed waters near the Paracel Islands, claimed by both Vietnam and China.
As many as 20 people were killed during rioting which broke out after attacks targeting Chinese nationals and foreign-owned factories. Five Vietnamese workers and 16 other people described as Chinese were killed in riots on Wednesday night.
In separate riots in the Binh Duong province, near Ho Chi Minh City in the country’s south, at least one Chinese worker was killed and more than 90 injured after thousands of Vietnamese workers set fire to dozens of factories. The brunt of the violence was borne by Taiwanese, Hong Kong and South Korean firms, apparently mistaken by rioters for mainland Chinese businesses. Foreign factory owners took to flying Vietnamese or US flags to avoid being swept up in the violence and looting.
400 people have been arrested over the the riots.
If you have have any further information to add as a tourist, traveler, backpacker or tour operator in the region to help advise of tourist safety, please log an incident here or add further information to our forum under Vietnam /Civil Unrest Riots.
Bangkok, Thailand
"Tuk Tuk Scam"
This scam is common throughout Thailand where tuk-tuks are found. You will be approached by a friendly local, offering a free or cheap tuk-tuk ride to take you around to the sites and temples on a full day tour. There are a number of variations on this offering free entry into temples (which are free any-way) or perhaps only certain colour tuk-tuks offer this deal. Once on your way your driver will at some point detour you to a local gem store, taylor or travel agents, where you will be pressured to purchase. These goods are usually fake or of poor quality or as with the travel bookings they are most likely another scam for services that don't exist. The driver gets a commission for your purchases and may even leave you stranded once a purchase has been made.
TIP: Avoid tuk-tuk ride deals that are free or seem too good to be true. Don't buy any products or services from pushy sales people.
Boat Quay, Singapore
Forum Seafood Village Restaurant"Extremely Overpriced"
Travelers beware - there have been many reports of overpricing at this establishment, with small families being charged over $1000.00 for a dinner which would perhaps be valued at a third of this cost. One of the main issues (other than the overpriced mains) is with the seafood being priced per kg and that price per kg being exorbitant. Dinners might be in for a surprise, once weighed and served an Alaskan King Crab alone, might set you back over $700.00 @ around $200.00 per kg.
TIP: Other than avoiding establishments with bad reviews, you can ask for menus written in your language. If menu's are not provided in your language, be aware of your currency conversions and always ask for clarification for food priced by weight.
Bucharest, Romania
"Roundworm Infection"
Trichinosis is a type of roundworm infection that people can be infected with by consuming undercooked pork or wild game. According to a 2004 survey by the International Commission on Trichinellosis, Romania had the most cases of human trichinellosis in the world.
When traveling through Romania be sure that pork or wild game you are consuming is well cooked and always avoid if unsure.
If you contract the roundworms you might experience diarrhoea and abdominal bloating within the first 2-7 days of infection. Later symptoms might include;
• High fever
• Muscle pain and tenderness
• Swelling of the eyelids or face
• Weakness
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
If you think you have contracted trichinosis, go and see a doctor, to help treat your symptoms. The worms should die off on their own accord.
