Thailand & Hong Kong

TREN 3F94: International Field Course Settlements, Tourism and Sustainability in

06 Jan – 14 May 2015

PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING #2 – 05 NOVEMBER 2014

AGENDA • Review & collect visa application forms • Collect passports (out of circulation until end of

November) • Health Insurance • Travel Cancellation Insurance • Health Issues overview • What to expect: Thailand (cont’d) and Hong

Kong • Practical considerations – clothing, gear,

electricity, phones, climate, money, etc.

Visa Application Forms ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • Date of arrival in Thailand: 11 January 2015 • Travelling by air • Flight No. CX 701 (Cathay Pacific) from Hong Kong • Duration of Proposed Stay: 124 days • Proposed Address in Thailand: Burapha University (Chonburi

Campus 169) Long-Hard Bangsaen Road, Saensook Municipality, Muang District, Chon Buri Province, 20131

• Name and address of Guarantor in Thailand: Dr. Rana Pongruenphant, Dean, Burapha University International College (address as above)

• Tel. / Fax: Phone:(66)3810-2571-2 Fax:(66)3874-5856

Passport Collection • Passports will be collected tonight • Make sure it is signed • Will be sent off to Thai consulate for visa

processing by 20 November at the latest • Usual turnaround: 2 weeks maximum • You should have your passport back by 04

December

Insurance concerns • all full-time undergraduate students are

eligible for BUSU extended health and dental plans

• must have been enrolled in a minimum of 3.0 credits for the academic year (Sept-Apr), by the fall deadline (Sept.30/12)

• if you meet the above requirements, you have Health Insurance and Dental Plan coverage in place already

Insurance concerns • BUSU extended health plan includes 120-

day world-wide travel medical coverage • If you will be away longer than 120 days,

you can apply for an insurance extension at the BUSU insurance office (free of charge) provided that it is for academic studies.

Insurance concerns Make an appointment with the BUSU insurance office (Joanne Matko) to: • confirm that you have adequate coverage • pick up insurance documentation • arrange insurance extensions if needed

Insurance concerns Joanne Matko Health & Dental Plan Administrator Brock University Students' Union 500 Glenridge Avenue St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 3A1 tel. 905-688-5550 x. 4194 healthplan@busu.net fax. 905-984-4863 www.busu.net/healthplan

Travel Cancellatoin Insurance Travel cancellation insurance required due to : • Umbrella Revolution / Occupy Hong Kong

protests underway in Hong Kong • Military caretaker government in Thailand • Possibility of global Ebola epidemic

affecting travel

Travel Cancellatoin Insurance Travel cancellation insurance: • Ranges from ~$185 – 500 per person for

our trip • Blue Cross appears to have the best value

and coverage ($185) • Will be covered by your Term Abroad fees • Will be arranged shortly, with policy

emailed to you upon confirmation

Health Issues • Brock Health Services no longer does pre-departure

health briefings due to budget cuts • We will attend a GROUP TRAVEL HEALTH CLINIC at

Region Niagara one afternoon in early December (Wed Dec 3, Fri Dec 5, or Mon Dec 8)

• About 3 hours in duration • Covered by your Term Abroad fees • Group session, followed by individual consultations • Any necessary vaccinations will be provided on the spot

(but at your expense) • MAKE SURE to bring your vaccination record

We’re on our way to

Thailand

AND

Hong Kong

Prepared by Leslie Macpherson, R.N. Brock Health Services

Travelling Checklist

• Visiting a Travel Clinic • Recommendations Immunizations and

Medications • Food and Water Precautions • Insect Protection Measures • Travel Tips • General Travel Advice

The Best Bet for Safe Travel is to be Prepared

• Travellers should visit a travel medicine clinic 4-8 weeks before departure

• Brock University Travel Medicine Program is located in Student Health Services, Harrison Hall (ext. 3243)

• ***Travel Medicine is not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan(OHIP). Immunizations may or may not be covered by additional health insurance.***

The Best Bet for Safe Travel is to be Prepared

• Visiting the travel clinic consists of a series of appointments:

a) visiting the nurse to be informed of required and recommended immunizations (here today)

b) seeing the physician to obtain prescription for vaccines and review history if necessary

c) seeing the nurse for administration of vaccines

The Best Bet for Safe Travel is to be Prepared

• Check to ensure tetanus, diptheria, MMR immunizations are up-to-date (before the appointment with the physician!! )

• If unsure, contact your physician’s

office or local public health unit (check yellow immunization card)

Recommended Immunizations/medications for travelling to

Thailand and Hong Kong

• Malaria

• Hepatitis A

• Typhoid

• Japanese Encephalitis

Routine Childhood Immunizations

(should all be up-to-date)

• Hepatitis B • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) • Tetanus • Varicella (chicken pox)

Recommendations for travelling to Thailand and Hong

Kong Malaria • Most travelers to Thailand are not at risk

for malaria and do not need to take an antimalarial drug. Travelers to the border areas of Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar should take an antimalarial drug.

• No risk in cities and major tourist resorts (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Phuket Island, and Ko Samui.

Medications

Medications will decrease your chance of acquiring malaria but will not totally protect you. Insect protection measures must be followed.

• Doxycycline -exaggerated sunburn reaction • Malarone - mild side effects - abdominal

pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, dizziness

Medications

• ***If you develop an unexplained fever within 3 months of your return from travel, seek medical attention immediately***

• inform the physician of your recent travel to Thailand and Hong Kong

• request thick and thin film blood tests

Recommended Immunizations

• Hepatitis A - to be given 2 weeks (preferably 4 weeks) before departure

• 80-90% coverage at 2 weeks

• to be followed by a booster injection in 6-12 months (long-term immunity)

Immunizations

• Hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver • Symptoms of Hepatitis A include fever,

malaise, jaundice, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain

• most cases resolve without complications in 4-6 weeks

Immunizations

• Can be acquired through direct person-to-person contact, exposure to contaminated water, ice, shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruit, vegetables and other foods (milk, cold meats) that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or preparation

• Oysters and mussels are frequently carriers

Recommended Immunizations

• Typhoid - is a one time injection • transmitted via food contaminated with

feces or urine of people with the disease • only 50-60% protection with immunization • must follow food and water precautions • Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be given the

same day

Typhoid Fever

• Signs + symptoms: persistant high fever (39-40° C), profuse sweating, headache, diarrhea, rash of rose-coloured spots, malaise

• Symptoms occur 1-3 weeks after infected

• Antibiotic therapy is required

Recommended Immunizations

• Japanese Encephalitis – endemic • Occurs year round - peaks in May to October • virus caused by mosquitoes • causes inflammation of the brain, spinal

cord and membranes surrounding them • S+S high fever, headache, disorientation

• ( vaccinations uncommon but recommended if available)

Recommended Immunizations

• Xiaro – injectable – 2 doses one month apart

• At least 12-24 months protection with 2 doses

• Available only at public health department • optional

Insect Borne Diseases

• 2009 – Chikungunya – mosquito driven illness

• Dengue fever – mosquito driven illness, prevalent all over country (peaks May to Nov)

• Daytime mosquito in urban areas (some rural)

• Follow insect protection measures

Other Recent Outbreaks

• Tuberculosis – incidence high (100 in 100,000)

• Avoid persons coughing in crowded public places (airports, bus and train stations)

Most Common Ailment??

TRAVELLER’S DIARRHEA • Diarrhea is common and is caused by

bacteria, viruses and parasites

• Affects 30-70% of all travellers • 97% of travellers make a food and water

mistake within 72 hours of arrival

Most Common Ailment??

• TRAVELLER’S DIARRHEA • as soon as you start feeling queazy, take

Pepto-Bismol as directed or take Immodium when diarrhea starts

• the doctor often prescribes antibiotics. Fill the prescription before you go (take only if you have 3 stools/8 hours or 5 stools/ 24 hours

• keep well hydrated

Food and Water Precautions

• Brush teeth with bottled water and drink bottled water and beverages only

• keep mouth closed when showering

• in rural areas: if bottled water not available, do not drink local water unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected

Food and Water Precautions

• Eat fruits and vegetables that have been cooked or peeled

• eat food when it is piping hot (foods that are at room temperature are particularly hazardous)

• avoid salads, raw seafood and meat that is undercooked

Food and Water Precautions

• Avoid unpasteurized milk and milk products

• avoid food from street vendors • wash hands frequently with soap and water

(bring along hand sanitizer)

Insect Protection Measures

• Most insects bite between dusk and dawn

• Wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, long pants, hats and shoes (not sandals)

• apply insect repellants with 20-50% DEET to exposed skin (avoid eyes, mouth and open wounds)

Insect Protection Measures

• May spray clothing with 0.5% permethrin

• do not sleep with the window open unless there is a screen

• use mosquito netting

Air Pollution

• Present at high levels in Bangkhok, Chiang Mai,Chiang Rai, Lampang and Mae Hong Son provinces

• may cause cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing (for those with cardiac or respiratory conditions)

• bring inhalers with you

Travel Tips

• Do not swim in fresh water (streams, rivers or ponds)

• Bring adequate sun block and apply regularly (sunblock first, then insect repellant)

• Avoid contact with stray dogs and other animals (monkeys)

Travel Tips

• If scratched or bitten, wash with antiseptic soap and water and contact local health authorities for post exposure treatment

• be aware of marine hazards – jellyfish, sea

urchins, coral

General Travel Advice • If you have a toothache, check it out before you

leave • Bring along your own medical kit • Include: Acetominophen ( fever, aches and

pains) • Dimenhydrinate (Gravol, Dramamine) (nausea

and vomiting) • Pepto-Bismol tabs • Immodium (diarrhea) • Antihistamine (insect bites, mild allergic

reactions)

General Travel Advice

• waterproof bandaids and blister pads, antiseptic swabs, hand sanitizer, lip ointment, feminine products, condoms (all available in Thailand)

• if prone to yeast infections, bring a one day over-the-counter treatment, just in case

• Keep all medications in original bottles

• Carry all medications in carry-on luggage

General Travel Advice

• For prescription meds: carry in packaging that is labelled with your name, doctor and medication

• Prescription medications: make sure you have enough to last during your trip (and a bit extra in case of delay of return)

• A doctor’s note on medical stationary is required for medications that are narcotics or require special equipment (e.g., syringes for insulin, Tylenol 3 or other narcotics)

General Travel Advice

• Bring an extra pair of glasses (or contact lenses) in case of loss

• drink plenty of water during your long flight to keep hydrated

• get up, stretch and move during your flight

General Travel Advice

• If you have a chronic health condition or allergies, it is advised that you get a medic alert bracelet

• Some medications that are legal in Canada are illegal elsewhere (ADHD, analgesia, herbal and homeopathic medicines) Check with Consular Services if in doubt.

REMEMBER !!

• BEFORE YOU VISIT THE REGIONAL TRAVEL CLINIC:

KNOW YOUR IMMUNIZATION STATUS (bring your immunization record)

KNOW YOUR HEALTH HISTORY

Remainder of session… • Finish overview where we left off, or recap

if necessary (slide 122 ->end) • First: other practical considerations

Practical Matters

Guidebook, Baggage limits, Electricity, Cellphones, Money,

etc..

Practical Matters: Guidebook

Lonely Planet – hailand • 15th Ed. • Paperback: 800 pages • Publisher: Lonely Planet; 15th Revised

edition edition (July 3 2014) • Language: English • ISBN-10: 1742205801 • ISBN-13: 978-1742205809 • Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 3.2 x 19.7 cm • Shipping Weight: 640 g

• SEEMS CHEAPER ONLINE (CDN $23.19)

(but must pay shipping)

Practical Matters: Baggage

Checked Bags: • 1 piece, max. 23kg - total dimensions (length +

width + height) of 158cm (62"). • Motor coach capacity is also only ONE bag per

person on field course – plan accordingly! Cabin bags: • one piece of cabin baggage with a maximum

weight of 7kg (15lbs); maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) of 115cm (45").

• personal items such as an overcoat, handbag, camera or slimline laptop.

Practical Matters: Baggage

Checked Bags on field course • a limit of only one suitcase per person is allowed

due to luggage storage space on the coach. • Bring smaller, lighter and therefore more

manageable luggage rather than a large cumbersome piece. Ideally your suitcase should not weigh more than 20 kg and recommended maximum suitcase dimensions is 75cm x 50cm x 30cm.

Practical Matters: Baggage

• This thin laptop satchel is considered a personal item and is permitted in addition to your usual cabin baggage allowance

• This large laptop satchel

is counted as 1 piece of cabin baggage allowance

Practical Matters: Electricity

• 220 V, 50 Hz • Twice North American

voltage!! – check devices for compatibility

• UK-style adapter in HK

Hong Kong receptacle

Thai receptacles – grounded (left) and ungrounded (right)

Practical Matters: Electricity

• Only a plug adapter is required for use with international voltage products

• A voltage converter is required to use regular 110-115v North American products (not recommended)

• Most new electronics (laptops, digital cameras, iPods, etc.) are internationally compatible (110-240 VAC input)

• Check your adapter for details

• Most portable appliances (hair dryers, kettles, etc.) are NOT internationally compatible

• May be cheaper to buy local appliances in Thailand than buy an expensive power adapter or dual-voltage appliance

Suggestion: • Bring a Canadian multi-outlet power bar, and purchase

one heavy-duty Hong Kong or UK plug adapter • You can plug several international voltage items into the

power bar from one HK outlet • Canadian power bars can be used in grounded Thai

receptacles. Ungrounded Thai power bars are cheap and readily available.

Practical Matters: Cell Phones • It is usually very expensive (and frankly,

silly) to use a cell phone from a Canadian service provider in Hong Kong or Thailand

Suggestions: • bring an UNLOCKED Canadian GSM cell

phone, and purchase a Thai pay-as-you-go SIMM card for the phone

• Buy a cheap unlocked Thai cell phone (available for about $35)

• Calling cards are quite cheap

• Skype and Messenger are viable options

• internet access while on the field course is variable (free in McDonald’s, though!)

Practical Matters: Money

Hong Kong currency: Hong Kong dollar Exchange rate 05 Nov 2014: $CAD 1.00 = $HK 6.80

Practical Matters: Money

Thai currency: the baht Exchange rate

05 Nov 2014: $1 CAD =

34.75 Thai Baht 1000 baht = $CDN 34.74

• Treat money respectfully, as it bears a picture of the King

Sample costs: Thai Baht $ CDN Entrance to Grand Palace B 200 $ 5.82 Entrance to Wimanmek Museum B 50 $ 1.45 BTS Skytrain Fares B 10 – 50 per ride $0.34 – 1.45 per ride

Light meals B 50 – 150 $ 1.45-4.45 McDonalds Big Mac Combo B 153 $ 4.45 (FOR PURPOSES OF COMPARISON ONLY!!!)

Meal and Show B 400 $ 11.65 Can of soda B 25 $ 0.72 Singha beer (small) B 50 $ 1.45

Practical Matters: Money

• Most Canadian ATM cards work in Hong Kong and Thailand – check for Cirrus / Interac / Plus logos on card

Practical Matters: Money

• Determine if your bank charges an international withdrawal FEE (some are quite high – upwards of $5.00 per withdrawal)

• Might be cheaper to get new bank or plan

Practical Matters: Money

• Traveller’s cheques are not necessary for travel Honk Kong or Thailand

• A major credit card is a major advantage

Practical Matters: Climate

• Hong Kong: generally pleasant • 14 – 18 degrees in January • occasionally cooler (peaks, cloudy days)

• Thailand: Warm to hot all the time • 22 – 35 degrees • occasionally hotter • monsoon climate

Practical Matters: Annual Climate Hong Kong

January : • 14 – 18 degrees • Mix of sun and

cloud • Low relative

humidity

Practical Matters: Annual Climate - Thailand

January – May: • 22 – 35 degrees • Dry on arrival;

gradually wetter

Practical Matters: Miscellaneous!

• Clothing • Social realities • Sexism • Racism • Assumptions about westerners • Scheduling your work and leisure • Computer access • Cell phones and calling home • Etc. etc. – your questions!!

Staying in touch through to December

• CHECK YOUR EMAIL REGULARLY!!

• Dave Brown’s office phone:

905-688-5550 x.3293 (until end of term)

Airport details - Toronto

• WE LEAVE PEARSON AIRPORT FOR HONG KONG ON TUESDAY 06 JANUARY 2015 at 01:25 AM

• BE AT AIRPORT A MINIMUM OF 3 HOURS PRIOR TO SCHEDULED DEPARTURE ON THE NIGHT OF MONDAY 05 JANUARY

• Check flight details prior to departure at http://www.gtaa.com/en/home/