Phuket’s safety needs review

PHUKET, 15 August 2017: Phuket hoteliers have enough on their mind worrying about the massive increase in new hotels rooms just over the horizon, but there is more to fret about if you have a hotel on Patong Bay.

Hoteliers fear Chinese tour operators might take their tour groups to other beaches on the island to avoid the risky bus transfers to Patong Bay.

Three serious tour bus accidents occurred over the last six weeks on a hilly road that climbs a forested ridge and then drops down in a series of hairpin bends to the popular resort. Read more

On camera at pub street

SIEM REAP, 27 July 2017: Siem Reap provincial government wants to install more CCTV security cameras along a popular tourist pub street in an effort to tighten safety and security for visitors.

Khmer Times reported the scheme was supported financially by MineBea, a private Japanese company.

The street is packed with tourists in the evening visiting restaurants and pubs, but there has been an increase in petty crime that worries authorities. A study of the street showed at least another 30 cameras were required to cover the area adequately. Read more

Thais charged for negligence

BANGKOK, 14 July 2017: Two Thai men have been charged after an Australian tourist plunged to his death, while parasailing in the tourist island of Phuket, the latest tragedy to highlight the kingdom’s dismal safety record.

People watched in horror on Wednesday as 71-year-old Roger Hussey fell more than 100 feet (30 metres) into shallow waters on Kata beach after the harness attaching him to the parasailing instructor failed.

His wife, Thai national Budsabong Thongsangka, was filming at the time and uploaded the tragic video of his last moments to the internet. Read more

Thailand’s makes aviation progress

BANGKOK, 13 July 2017 (NNT): The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has acknowledged Thailand’s attempts to address red-flag security issues according to Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith,  the National News bureau of Thailand reported earlier this week.

The long-term objective is to develop the country as a major regional aviation hub.

He said an ICAO Asia-Pacific delegation acknowledged a progress report presented by Thai officials that addresses aviation security concerns raised by ICAO red flags. Read more

Flying days end at 65

LUXEMBOURGE, 6 July 2017: A European Union law that forces passenger airline pilots to retire at 65 is valid, the EU’s top court said on Wednesday.

German flight instructor Werner Fries took his case to a German labour court in 2013 after his employer, Lufthansa, ended his contract when he turned 65, in line with EU law.

The German court referred the case to the European Court of Justice, the EU’s highest court, which ruled that the action was legal. Read more

Ministry to improve river safety

BANGKOK, 21 June 2017: Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports says it will focus on safety measures along waterways to prevent accidents particularly along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.

The ministry’s permanent secretary, Pongpanu Svetarundra, said he would improve safety for boat users to prevent accidents, especially in rainy season, and to raise confidence that travel in Bangkok is safe.

He noted that dining cruises topped the list of favourite activities along the Chao Phraya River particularly for European and American travellers. The dinner cruises generate an estimated THB3,067 million in revenue last year. Read more

Martial law on Mindanao Island

SINGAPORE, 26 May 2017: Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs latest travel advisory, released Thursday, warns Singaporeans to take all necessary precautions for their personal safety when travelling to Mindanao Island in the Philippines.

The Philippines Government has declared martial law on the entire island of Mindanao, 23 May, following clashes between government forces and a terrorist group in Marawi City.

Under Martial Law, the travel advisory warned enhanced security measures would be implemented, including strengthened border controls, restrictions on movement of people and vehicles, closures of public places if necessary and increased police surveillance of popular public areas. Read more

Afghan MPs compromise airline safety

KABUL, 26 May 2017: Supporters of two Afghan MPs who missed a domestic flight from Kabul blocked an airport runway with rocks, forcing the plane to return for the lawmakers, officials said.

The Kam Air flight was abruptly forced to fly back from central Bamiyan province earlier this week, triggering uproar and ridicule on social media with many accusing the lawmakers of abusing their powers.

Five people, including airport security officials, have been arrested over the “illegal diversion”, the interior ministry said Thursday. Read more

Halong Bay brings back Kayaks

QUANG NINH, 3 May 2017: Kayak tours are making a comeback on Halong Bay after the Quang Ninh People’s Committee gave boat operators the green light effective 1 May.

Halong city’s authorities halted kayak tours, 1 April, prompting protests from travel firms. They argued it was an arbitrary decision without first seeking feedback from the travel industry.

Kayak sightseeing trips, usually sold by overnight cruise boats on Halong Bay, are popular with tourists, according to the Halong City People’s Committee. But authorities said tour companies were over charging tourists and boat crews were leading kayak tours instead of attending to the safety of their cruise boats. Read more

Amsterdam airport overcrowded

THE HAGUE, 7 April 2017: Amsterdam’s rapidly-growing Schiphol airport is reaching its limits for the safe movement of planes on its busy airstrips, the Dutch safety watchdog warned Thursday, saying runway risks needed to be addressed before any further expansion.

“The boundaries to safely conclude air traffic movements are approaching,” the Dutch Safety Board (OVV) said in a report.

“There are no indications that the airport is unsafe at this point, but stakeholders need to act to reduce the safety risks,” the OVV said in the 215-page report. Read more

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