Tighter Block on Facebook In Vietnam as January Approaches

OK, I’m calling it. Yesterday midday I noticed Facebook was suddenly not available, here in Phan Thiet, Vietnam. I couldn’t access it on wifi via a local ISP, nor could I get it on 3G via state-owned Vinaphone cell service (the Facebook iPhone app couldn’t pull it up either). By nightfall, there were complaints about facebook access popping up all over the country—from Saigon to Danang to Hanoi. Not everybody had difficulty accessing facebook—in fact many of my friends still could—but it seemed half of the people I know could not.

This isn't a big surprise. Vietnam started blocking Facebook in September 0f 2009 due to political speech concerns. There was never an official call to block it—but a government memo was leaked. In typical Vietnam fashion, the website block was not across the board—it was left to each ISP to implement on their own. Thus Facebook access varied a lot depending upon your location and service provider, but eventually most ISP’s cut off direct access.

Most of us came up with work-arounds, which included anonymous IP, encrypted servers, a special Google DNS or remote desktop access. Likewise, some service providers eased up the censorship, and after a few weeks it was possible to access Facebook directly on most cell phone services.

The new move—a tighter block on Facebook which circumvents some of the work-arounds, comes just a couple of weeks before the convening on the National Congress of Vietnam’s Communist Party. This only happens once ever several years and is a very big deal because a large portion of the government comes up for re-election. The government becomes concerned about any social elements that could threaten social and political stability during these sessions, and so the clamps tend to come down hard. We don't know for certain if this is the reason for the outage, but it seems highly likely.

Hopefully things will loosen back up after the congress is over. Hopefully the block won’t include other services as well, namely Twitter, Youtube, Blogger and other popular online resources. But there is always the possibility that these could be affected next.

If you are having trouble accessing Facebook it Vietnam, there appears to be a new backdoor available into the website via http://www.lisp4.facebook.com

Phan Thiet Christmas Light Displays, 2010

Below are some highlights of Phan Thiet's Christmas lights and manger displays this year. These are all from Thanh Hai, the city's largest Catholic neighborhood, and taken with my iphone. 

The Friendly Circle K Mui Ne Invasion

The first Circle K opened this week in Mui Ne, one of only several "firsts" the company is likely to achieve on our beach. Circle K is the first international franchise to arrive in Mui Ne (Lotteria, the popular Japanese-Korean burger chain was the first foreign franchise to arrive in greater Phan Thiet city a few years ago).

Circle K now occupies the shop on the left side of Hot Rock (one of the longest-running bar/restaurants in Mui Ne). Though still setting up, Circle K Mui Ne is already carrying a notable selection of merchandise that was previously unavailable on the beach, and a few things that can otherwise only be purchased in Saigon. Notable items coming soon include Haagen Daazs Ice Cream, a bakery stocked by Pandanus Resort, freshly-squeezed tropical juice and grilled hot-dogs.

Two other Circle K's will open following this one, including a one in the old Living & Giving shop and restaurant. This will include something entirely unique--hostel accommodations in the back, and an eating are across the road at the beach. The third will open in the middle, near Paris Mui Ne.

While officially there are only 3 being discussed, rumors abound that up to 7 locations are planned throughout Mui Ne and downtown Phan Thiet. Circle K definitely has some of the smaller mom-and-pop shops nervous. Many think it will be hard to compete against a recognizable brand name that is open 24hrs, has such a polished appearance, a fixed price list, and is air-conditioned (Snow, the popular Russian bar and restaurant, is perhaps the only air-conditioned venue along the beach strip).

Circle K does have a few obstacles of its own however. Like everyone else, they must cope with Mui Ne's Russian tsunami at a time when some of the most successful businesses here are now Russian-owned, and the client base overwhelmingly Russian. The cultural, language and economic barrier has presented a dilemma to local businesses, and Circle K will likewise have to lean to adapt to this new business environment.

Likewise, while Circle K has brand recognition for some foreigners, the brand reputation starts from scratch with locals. The fact that their prices are slightly higher than competing businesses also may make it difficult, at least initially, to snag local customers.

There is no denying though that Circle K is paving the way for the inevitable appearance of other international franchises. Other businesses likely to ride on their coat tails include Highlands Coffee, Coffee Bean and KFC.

We CAN Make a Difference

Despite insurmountable odds, scorn, and a lot of nay saying by other expats, publicizing the scam problem in Saigon (which is being spearheaded by a growing Filipino Mafia) has begun to work. I was notified that not only are the investigative crime unit in Saigon actually tracking down these criminals based on my blog posts, but last week arrested 2 men in the group. We can stand up to this, and we can make a difference. I encourage victims to come forward and share your stories and photos. Vietnam's tourists shouldn't have to put up with harassment, scams and ultimately leave in fear and shame. Lets take back our city.

Many thanks to the support of other expats and travelers, the Saigon Police Department, the Caravelle Hotel, Vincom Shopping Centre and the victims who have come forward. We can do this together. Special thanks also to: vietnam720.com and johnnyvagabond.com.

Banana Pole Mafia, Hanoi