Bangkok could get bombed again in March
The Thailand's government recently held an emergency to discuss intelligence reports that the Southern Insurgents are planning to bomb Bankok in March (Daily News via Bangkok Pundit).
Beware Fake Malaria Medicines
Recent studies have shown that there fake drugs circulating in Southeast Asia and Africa pose a serious threat to the lives of patients. More here.
Canadian Government Issues Terrrorism Advisory for Bangkok
You are advised against non-essential travel to the capital, Bangkok. On December 31, 2006, a series of bombs exploded in the city, killing three and wounding over 30 people. There exists the possibility of further attacks. The Thai Ministry of the Interior issued a security alert for Bangkok on February 23, 2007, due to reports of possible attacks targeting public places such as shopping centres and public transportation. Canadians currently in Bangkok should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, avoid unnecessary travel within the city, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.Some other travel advisories listed at Bangkok Pundit.
Safety of ferry boats serving the Krabi-Phuket Region of Thailand
I recently met John, who works as a health and safety officer on a ferry boat in British Columbia, Canada. Like myself, John had been traveling on the local ferries between some of the islands of Krabi. I asked him his assessment of the saftey of the ferry boat system.
He scoffed. "What safety?"
"Well I noticed the big boats do have lifejackets."
"And they don't float" he shot back. "Did you look at the dates printed on the life preservers? Nineteen-sixty-seven! Those things are old."
"And the life rings -- at the bow of the boat! What use are they up front? You put them at the stern. That's they only way you have any chance of getting it anywhere near the guy who has gone overboard."
I mentioned my own concern: the boats were usually crowded with dozens of passengers sunning on the decks. But the lifejackets were in the cabin below. In the event of an accident, I said I didn't think the people on the decks would be able to access the lifejackets down below, with all those in the cabin trying to exit.
"The cabin is set low in the water." John replied. "That means the boat will go down like a rock. There won't be time."
Bangkok needs to enforce international boating safety standards on its ferry boats. The boats aren't cheap, and the least passengers have the right to expect safe passage for their money. Additionally, with the daily terrorist attacks taking place in the nearby Southern Provinces, it is incumbent that Bangkok put basic security measures in place at the ports. The ferry boat system is utterly vulnerable, and needlessly so.
UPDATE: Concerning the Canadian ferry service where John works, recently investigors issued a report on the sinking of a large ferry off the coast of British Columbia that occurred just last year. A Canadian reader of Jotazine writes "it includes a number of ferry safety recommendations that might be useful for ferry administrations elsewhere." Here is the report on the "Grounding and Sinking of the Queen of the North."
He scoffed. "What safety?"
"Well I noticed the big boats do have lifejackets."
"And they don't float" he shot back. "Did you look at the dates printed on the life preservers? Nineteen-sixty-seven! Those things are old."
"And the life rings -- at the bow of the boat! What use are they up front? You put them at the stern. That's they only way you have any chance of getting it anywhere near the guy who has gone overboard."
I mentioned my own concern: the boats were usually crowded with dozens of passengers sunning on the decks. But the lifejackets were in the cabin below. In the event of an accident, I said I didn't think the people on the decks would be able to access the lifejackets down below, with all those in the cabin trying to exit.
"The cabin is set low in the water." John replied. "That means the boat will go down like a rock. There won't be time."
Bangkok needs to enforce international boating safety standards on its ferry boats. The boats aren't cheap, and the least passengers have the right to expect safe passage for their money. Additionally, with the daily terrorist attacks taking place in the nearby Southern Provinces, it is incumbent that Bangkok put basic security measures in place at the ports. The ferry boat system is utterly vulnerable, and needlessly so.
UPDATE: Concerning the Canadian ferry service where John works, recently investigors issued a report on the sinking of a large ferry off the coast of British Columbia that occurred just last year. A Canadian reader of Jotazine writes "it includes a number of ferry safety recommendations that might be useful for ferry administrations elsewhere." Here is the report on the "Grounding and Sinking of the Queen of the North."
Is it safe to visit Thailand?
Over the New Year a dozen bombs went off in Bangkok. On Sunday and Monday – this time during Chinese New Year festivities -- at least twenty-nine bombs went off throughout the four southernmost provinces of Thailand. It was the biggest single wave of coordinated terror bombings ever to hit Thailand.
Which brings us to a more specific question: at this time, how safe can it be to visit Krabi, Phuket, Koh Samui etc – fabled tourist destinations located just north of the four violence-prone provinces of Southern Thailand?
One approach to answer this question is by way of comparison with another prime tourist destination generally thought to be at high risk for further terrorist attacks: Bali. Bali has been attacked by Islamic terrorists twice: most horrendously in the fall of 2001 and yet again in the fall of 2005. Presently, I would suggest that visiting the Southern tourist islands of Thailand is at least as risky as touring Bali. The tourist infrastructure of Thailand is appalling vulnerable to terrorist attack; little if any security measures appear to be in place—not at the obvious places even! It would be relatively easy for terrorists to mount an attack should they choose to do so.
Because one might characterize the maliciousness of the violence in the Southern-most provinces as defying all rhyme and reason, nothing should be taken for granted. Caution is absolutely the watchword if you are planning to visit Thailand.
Which brings us to a more specific question: at this time, how safe can it be to visit Krabi, Phuket, Koh Samui etc – fabled tourist destinations located just north of the four violence-prone provinces of Southern Thailand?
One approach to answer this question is by way of comparison with another prime tourist destination generally thought to be at high risk for further terrorist attacks: Bali. Bali has been attacked by Islamic terrorists twice: most horrendously in the fall of 2001 and yet again in the fall of 2005. Presently, I would suggest that visiting the Southern tourist islands of Thailand is at least as risky as touring Bali. The tourist infrastructure of Thailand is appalling vulnerable to terrorist attack; little if any security measures appear to be in place—not at the obvious places even! It would be relatively easy for terrorists to mount an attack should they choose to do so.
Because one might characterize the maliciousness of the violence in the Southern-most provinces as defying all rhyme and reason, nothing should be taken for granted. Caution is absolutely the watchword if you are planning to visit Thailand.
What I like about Krabi Town
Any town with a waterfront is liable to win me over. And Krabi Town, gateway to some of Thailand’s more stunning scenery and sandy beaches, has done just that.
The waterfront is lined by a long boardwalk or seawall that stretches for about at least two kilometers. It is ideal for a morning or evening walk. In the early evening, dozens of locals put on their running shoes and jog its length. The opposite shore is mangrove forest. Not so far away, across the river to the North sits a towering limestone rock formation – one of many enormous outcrops that define Krabi Province. Across the inlet from the seawall the setting sun illuminates a traditional Thai village built on stilts.
For a few baht you can cross the inlet and pay the village a visit. Yesterday morning I made the trip. Following a brick sidewalk takes you from one end of this tiny fishing village to the other. On my walk I passed an old house where four beautiful young women sat talking on the veranda. From behind the house a man appeared. He held a slingshot. Contrary to my expectation, he said nothing about the women. He simply said “marijuana.” I politely declined. (Later a local farang said, “I’ve never heard of any tourist actually receiving the marijuana a fisherman has sold them.”) On the dock, outside every home on stilts, boats; and hanging from overhead beams, bird cages. Everywhere bird cages, homes for small songbirds.
The walkway terminates at the old town port (there is also a new port about eight kilometers out of town). On the street before the dock is the night market, where I ordered curried barbequed chicken skewers. The old lady gave me a plate stacked with a dozen hot skewers, a spicy dipping sauce, and a salad consisting of raw onions and cucumber in vinegar. Hungry I consumed three orders of her offerings, and from another stall I ordered a bottle of water and fruit salad for desert. The bill came to four dollars.
Just up the street above the market I found what might well qualify as the friendliest coffee shop in Thailand: “Relax Coffee and Restaurant.” The Thai couple who run the place are extremely attentive to their customers’ every need and comfort. The food is outstandingly fresh; the sidewalk seating area is almost always full. The name is apt. Because the street has very little traffic, the location makes it the perfect place to relax.
The waterfront is lined by a long boardwalk or seawall that stretches for about at least two kilometers. It is ideal for a morning or evening walk. In the early evening, dozens of locals put on their running shoes and jog its length. The opposite shore is mangrove forest. Not so far away, across the river to the North sits a towering limestone rock formation – one of many enormous outcrops that define Krabi Province. Across the inlet from the seawall the setting sun illuminates a traditional Thai village built on stilts.
For a few baht you can cross the inlet and pay the village a visit. Yesterday morning I made the trip. Following a brick sidewalk takes you from one end of this tiny fishing village to the other. On my walk I passed an old house where four beautiful young women sat talking on the veranda. From behind the house a man appeared. He held a slingshot. Contrary to my expectation, he said nothing about the women. He simply said “marijuana.” I politely declined. (Later a local farang said, “I’ve never heard of any tourist actually receiving the marijuana a fisherman has sold them.”) On the dock, outside every home on stilts, boats; and hanging from overhead beams, bird cages. Everywhere bird cages, homes for small songbirds.
The walkway terminates at the old town port (there is also a new port about eight kilometers out of town). On the street before the dock is the night market, where I ordered curried barbequed chicken skewers. The old lady gave me a plate stacked with a dozen hot skewers, a spicy dipping sauce, and a salad consisting of raw onions and cucumber in vinegar. Hungry I consumed three orders of her offerings, and from another stall I ordered a bottle of water and fruit salad for desert. The bill came to four dollars.Just up the street above the market I found what might well qualify as the friendliest coffee shop in Thailand: “Relax Coffee and Restaurant.” The Thai couple who run the place are extremely attentive to their customers’ every need and comfort. The food is outstandingly fresh; the sidewalk seating area is almost always full. The name is apt. Because the street has very little traffic, the location makes it the perfect place to relax.
Insect repellents: Do natural alternatives to Deet (such as eucalyptus) offer reliable protection?
Many travelers, especially those with chemical sensitivities, are reluctant to apply Deet, a potent and somewhat toxic chemical, to bare skin. Some turn to natural alternatives. But are any of these natural substances anywhere near as effective as Deet at preventing mosquito bites? When I asked an Australian doctor in
Jotman investigates.
The chemical industry, much like the drug industry, has little incentive to popularize non-chemical-based preventive measures. In other words, supposing there were a natural alternative to Deet that had been scientifically proven just as effective, it probably would not be very well publicized. The fact is that the chemical-pharmaceutical complex dominates the media-marketing-information channels in our society. Nevertheless, as malaria and dengue are potentially deadly diseases, I thought the doctor might have a point. Better safe than sorry. Where there any studies exploring the effectiveness of natural Deet alternatives?
Conducting some online research, here's what I learned:
- According to a UK study conducted in Bolivia that compared three mosquito repellents -- one eucalyptus based, one neem based, and one mixed essential oils based -- to a repellent containing 15% Deet, the eucalyptus-based repellent gave 97% protection for four hours, whereas Deet only gave 85% protection. The study reported that the other 2 products did not provide significant protection from mosquito bites.
- A UC Chapel Hill study compared Deet to several natural repellents -- and found Deet superior to the botanicals (providing protection for 300 minutes), though one botanical gave protection for 94 minutes, the others repellents were almost useless.
- A US Department of Agriculture study compared Quwenling, lemon eucalyptus plant to Deet concluded that "as a topically applied mosquito repellent, Quwenling has a shorter duration of effectiveness than Deet."
- Another UK study compared a eucalyptus repellent to Deet and found "no significant difference between PMD (the eucalyptus-based insect repellent) and Deet in terms of efficacy and duration of protection."
On the basis of these studies, in sufficient concentration, eucalyptus insect repellents would appear to offer an effective, safe, and natural alternative to Deet.
Update:
It's worth considering that many of the natural substances are produced in countries where there is no government oversight over the processing and labeling of the natural agents. As trusted brand-names seldom offer natural product alternatives to Deet, one may have to go on faith that the bottle of “natural repellent” contains the indicated substance in the strength claimed. Sadly, when purchasing locally-produced natural products in a corruption-prone region, you can’t be so sure what you are buying.
Just how safe are mosquito coils?
Walk down the main street of any tourist-town in Southern Thailand and you will likely find a mosquito coil smoking away under every table in just about every restaurant. The tourist wonders: is mosquito coil smoke hazardous to my health?
Travelers seem to fall into two camps on this issue. Some worry about it and try to avoid the mosquito coil smoke; others dismiss the health concern, considering the smoky coils a prudent precaution to thwart insects and the serious diseases they may harbor, most notably, dengue fever and malaria.
Jotman investigates.
According to a study by UC Riverside scientists, many mosquito coils – most notably those manufactured in Asia – often contain up to one percent BCME (which stands for bis[cloromethyl]ether, a chemical associated with the breakdown of S-2). BCME has been described as “the most potent lung cancer chemical ever discovered.” And lung cancer is just about the most deadly cancer known. In one Chinese factory where mosquito coils were manufactured, a large fraction of employees were dead within five years of starting their jobs. The cause? Lung cancer.
By contrast, no study of cigarettes has ever found tobacco smoke to pose any where near such a high risk. Put it this way: there is no comparison between cigarettes and mosquito coils. Another study -- one that only considered the amount of "small particulate matter" present in mosquito coil smoke (it did not investigate BCME question) -- found the coils to be about 100 times more hazardous to human health than tobacco smoke.
It is illegal to sell mosquito coils in the United States that contain BCME. Nevertheless, Chinese-made mosquito coils that contain BCME have penetrated the US market in recent years.
What to do about the risks associated with mosquito bites; the very real threat of contracting insect-born diseases like dengue and malaria? Mosquito bites can and should be prevented by each individual taking some basic personal precautions:
My conclusion: Mosquito coil smoke is highly toxic to humans and should be avoided.
Travelers seem to fall into two camps on this issue. Some worry about it and try to avoid the mosquito coil smoke; others dismiss the health concern, considering the smoky coils a prudent precaution to thwart insects and the serious diseases they may harbor, most notably, dengue fever and malaria.
Jotman investigates.
According to a study by UC Riverside scientists, many mosquito coils – most notably those manufactured in Asia – often contain up to one percent BCME (which stands for bis[cloromethyl]ether, a chemical associated with the breakdown of S-2). BCME has been described as “the most potent lung cancer chemical ever discovered.” And lung cancer is just about the most deadly cancer known. In one Chinese factory where mosquito coils were manufactured, a large fraction of employees were dead within five years of starting their jobs. The cause? Lung cancer.
By contrast, no study of cigarettes has ever found tobacco smoke to pose any where near such a high risk. Put it this way: there is no comparison between cigarettes and mosquito coils. Another study -- one that only considered the amount of "small particulate matter" present in mosquito coil smoke (it did not investigate BCME question) -- found the coils to be about 100 times more hazardous to human health than tobacco smoke.
It is illegal to sell mosquito coils in the United States that contain BCME. Nevertheless, Chinese-made mosquito coils that contain BCME have penetrated the US market in recent years.
What to do about the risks associated with mosquito bites; the very real threat of contracting insect-born diseases like dengue and malaria? Mosquito bites can and should be prevented by each individual taking some basic personal precautions:
- In the evenings or wherever mosquitoes are prevalent during the day, keep your body covered in light-colored clothing and spray insect repellent onto exposed extremities.
- At night either sleep under a mosquito net, stay in room with well sealed mosquito screens, or sleep in an air-conditioned room.
- Remember: malaria-bearing mosquitoes strike in the evening and at night. Dengue-carrying mosquitoes can strike at any time.
In many situations, it seems likely that the reality of mosquito-borne diseases (Mulla et al. 2001) may dominate determination of hypothetical risk:benefit ratios for mosquito insecticides delivered using devices such as coils. However, if BCME were an important environmental contaminant resulting from burning mosquito coils containing S-2, it would be impossible to maintain use given the well-established carcinogenicity of BCME in humans.Translation: the risks associated with BCME are so incredibly high that even the contribution mosquito coils make towards stemming the world’s worst tropical diseases would not seem to outweigh the hazard.
My conclusion: Mosquito coil smoke is highly toxic to humans and should be avoided.
Inventory of Co-habitants of my Beach Hut
Late last night I conducted an inventory of the co-habitants of my Phi Phi Island beach hut:
This rare video clip shows the most elusive of visible co-habitants:
Two more of the above listed co-habitants of my hut:
Update: I have moved out of the beach hut. The bottom line is that I am not willing to share a hut with a snake. One has to draw a line somewhere.
1 bat* Note: bed is of the platform-style.
1 small snake
3 rats
1 mouse
1 ladybug
1 noisy lizard
1 giant beetle
1 unidentified creature living under bed* that causes bed to shake when it fights.
This rare video clip shows the most elusive of visible co-habitants:
Two more of the above listed co-habitants of my hut:
Update: I have moved out of the beach hut. The bottom line is that I am not willing to share a hut with a snake. One has to draw a line somewhere.
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