Thailand promises to crack down on crime

Thai authorities are promising to improve public safety after a series of incidents involving tourists. 

Many have occurred in Pattaya, a city with a reputation for sex tourism and wild nightlife. 

Officials in Chonburi, the province that is home to Pattaya, increasingly view security as essential to maintaining visitor confidence and supporting economic growth, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a nationwide crackdown on crime, making Chonburi one of the focal points of the campaign because of its strategic role as one of Thailand’s largest tourism and economic centres.

Speaking during a security policy meeting in the province, Charnvirakul said criminal activity -including organised crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, online scams and illegal gambling - poses a direct threat to both residents and visitors.

The Bangkok Post reported that the prime minister told provincial authorities that the government would fully support law enforcement officers carrying out their duties without political interference.

Charnvirakul said that no criminal organisation should feel beyond the reach of the law and called for closer cooperation between provincial governors, police commanders, the military and local communities.

Chonburi province welcomed approximately 25 million visitors in 2025, making it Thailand’s busiest provincial tourism destination outside Bangkok. Around 40% of arrivals were international travellers. 

The government’s tougher security stance comes as tourism operators themselves are demanding more decisive enforcement, the Bangkok Post said.

Australia edges towards the 21st century

Australia is finally entering the 21st century when it comes to entry formalities.

Filling out paper forms like the one above will soon be a thing of the past for millions of travellers to Australia as the Government rolls out digital passenger cards following a successful trial.

It will provide $56.1 million over four years for traveller modernisation at airports across Australia.

In a collaborative partnership with the Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Qantas, the Australia Travel Declaration pilot program has delivered a digital alternative to the paper incoming passenger card.

Since the pilot commenced in October 2024, more than 450,000 passengers on eligible inbound Qantas flights into Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne have trialled the Australia Travel Declaration, with anecdotal evidence proving the trial has been a significant success.

This new pilot, in partnership with Qantas will continue to be introduced to other capital cities including Perth and Adelaide, before the end of 2026.

The Australia Travel Declaration will then be rolled out to all international airports and seaports in a phased approach over the next 12 to 18 months, initially accessible via a webform option, with an aim to continue to collaborate with industry to co-design in-app capabilities.

The broader rollout of the Australia Travel Declaration will streamline facilitation and reduce manual processes for passengers, enable digital collection of information ahead of time and increase data quality for risk assessments, allow for rapid updates and management of global risks and events, such as biosecurity outbreaks, and meet passenger expectations for a biometric-enabled, seamless digital border experience.

"Making arrivals simpler and quicker means visitors can spend less time filling out forms and more time enjoying everything Australia has to offer," says Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell.

"This is a win for tourists and a win for our tourism operators, helping make Australia an even easier and more welcoming place to visit."


Major travel hubs like the 29 Schengen Area countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Thailand have largely replaced paper arrival cards with direct passport scans, digital travel authorizations, or online systems


It is a belated change. Major travel hubs like the 29 Schengen countries in Europe, the United States, Canada, the UK, Singapore, and Thailand have already largely replaced paper arrival cards with direct passport scans, digital travel authorizations, or online systems.

Northern Territory aims to lift visitation and tourism spending

The Northern Territory Government has unveiled a new visitor economy strategy, which aims to grow tourist spending from $1.5 billion to $2.2 billion by 2032.

It was launched at this week’s inaugural Destination NT tourism industry event.

The Top End will also seek to lift overnight trips from 1.2 million to 1.5 million over the next seven years, as part of its new roadmap to grow year-round visitation, Travel Bulletin and local media reported.

The strategy will be guided by the newly formed Tourism and Events Northern Territory and focus on showcasing the Territory's distinctive character, from its food and festival scene to natural and cultural tourism offerings.

“The NT visitor economy is a key part of the NT economy and lifestyle; when it thrives, the Territory thrives and Australia thrives,” said Minister for Tourism Marie-Clare Boothby.

“With two World-Heritage listed national parks and a lifestyle the rest of the nation should envy, the NT has what Australia and the world are looking for.

"We are focusing on five clear objectives: investing in infrastructure, improving connectivity, growing our workforce, lifting our global brand, and expanding experiences all driven by real data, modern technology and partnerships.

“Our people within the industry are the ones who make every stop along the way worth a visit – it’s part of our Territory spirit, which sets us apart from the rest of Australia.”

For the year ending June 2025, the NT recorded the strongest growth in visitor numbers and expenditures around the nation.

Department of Tourism and Hospitality CEO Suzana Bishop said the strategy captures the Territory’s trademark collaboration and drive.

“The strategy captures the ideas and ambitions of people driving the Territory’s visitor economy while establishing clear accountability across sectors that influence tourism and whole of visitor economy outcomes,” she said.

The NT Visitor Economy Strategy 2032 implementation roadmap will be delivered in March 2026, with the full start with partners in May 2026.

Image: Mindil Beach Markets, Darwin

Sri Lanka to expand free visa-on-arrival policy

Sri Lanka will approve the expansion of its visa-free travel policy to include visitors from 40 countries, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced this week.

The expansion, aimed at revitalising its tourism sector and accelerating economic recovery, followed a cabinet decision to broaden the scope of a visa waiver program initially launched in March 2023.

At that time, visa-free entry was granted to nationals of seven key markets - India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan - as part of a pilot project aimed at attracting more international tourists in the post-Covid era.

The new list now includes several major long-haul and regional markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Iran, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

Travellers from these countries will then be able to enter Sri Lanka without paying visa fees and receive a 30-day visa on arrival.

They will, however, still need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance. Which is annoying, but increasingly common.

Foreign Minister Herath acknowledged that the decision to eliminate visa fees could result in a short-term revenue loss estimated at US$66 million per year.

But he said increased tourist arrivals, higher foreign exchange inflows, and broader economic stimulation would more than compensate for the immediate fiscal impact.

“We have stabilised the economy, and through bold policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure a sustained increase in arrivals and foreign exchange earnings,” Herath said in a media statement.

The tourism sector, which accounts for roughly 12% of Sri Lanka's GDP, has been a cornerstone of the country’s recovery efforts following the twin shocks of the Covid-19 pandemic and a 2022 economic crisis.

Visitor numbers have been steadily rising in 2024 and in first half year 2025.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau has set a goal of 2.5 million international arrivals in 2025, up from an estimated 1.6 million in 2024.

New campaigns are also underway to attract digital nomads, adventure travellers, and eco-tourists - groups that tend to stay longer and spend more.

Image: Water Garden Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Thailand abandons plans for legal casinos

Thailand has abandoned a plan to allow legal casino gambling, blaming the current political crisis in the country.

The move comes after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from office.

The casino bill is a major policy project for the Pheu Thai Party but it conceded it is "not the appropriate time" to proceed with it, said Julapun Amornvivat, the deputy finance minister.

“It’s a shame; the delay is a lost opportunity for the country,” he said.

Our Thai correspondent had long predicted that the casino plan would not go ahead, citing the money made by influential businessmen in the illegal casino industry.

He said it would "dilute the profits made in illegal casinos".

The Prime Minister is in trouble over an ethics violation in an unrelated natter – the military standoff with Cambodia, media hub Travel Mole reported.

The casino bill aimed to offer permits for major integrated casino resorts to boost tourism revenues.

The cabinet withdrew the bill "for now" as the ruling party has lost the support of its coalition partners.

“It needs more studies that require further understanding and social context,” government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab said.

Image: Calanja McIester, Scop.io

Japan to crack down on medical fee dodgers

If you have an outstanding medical bill in Japan you might be refused entry next time you try to get back into the country.

Japan plans to deny entry to foreign tourists who have not settled medical bills during previous visits to Japan.

A cabinet meeting last week drew up a new policy to crack down on unpaid medical fees for visiting tourists and also unpaid health care premiums for foreign workers and foreign exchange students.

Foreign tourists who outstanding medical fees will be denied entry, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

The government also plans to reject visa extensions for foreigners working in Japan who have not paid national healthcare premiums.

There are no specific details on how the rules will be implemented.

“If our current systems are unable to address the realities of globalisation and fail to dispel public anxiety, then drastic reforms must be undertaken,” Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said.

“We will make sure to consider the rights of foreign nationals are ensured and provide necessary support so they won’t be isolated in our country.

“But we will take strict measures for those who don’t follow the rules.”

Companies that employ foreign workers and don’t pay the required social insurance premiums will also be penalised.

This includes tourism related businesses.

Foreign nationals who live and work in Japan at least three months are required to join the national health care program.

Foreign exchange students must also join the national healthcare program.

Image: PJ Endrinal, Scop.io

Spain cracks down on Airbnb operations

Spain has imposed a major clampdown on Airbnb short-term rental properties, ordering the removal of over 65,000 listings from the platform.

The government action comes after months of anger over a housing affordability crisis in major cities including Barcelona, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The Spanish Consumer Rights Ministry said many listings have violated record-keeping rules, citing discrepancies such as missing licence numbers and owner declarations.

Spaniards have increasingly blamed short-term rentals on housing shortages and surging rental costs.

Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy said the clampdown will address the general ‘lack of control and illegality’ in the holiday let market.

“No more excuses," he said. "Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country." 

The move is mostly targeting what it calls "illegal listings" in Madrid, Barcelona and parts of Andalusia.

Airbnb is appealing the action and has filed a court motion.

Official data shows there are more than 320,000 licensed rental properties in Spain, but officials say there are many more operating illegally.

The Consumer Rights Ministry first opened an investigation into Airbnb late last year.

The housing shortage crisis has been at the centre of anti-mass tourism protests across Spain in the past year.

Barcelona has already taken measures to alleviate the problem, with plans to remove around 10,000 licensed short-term rental apartments within the next three years.

Image: Andre Oprea, Scop.io 

Thailand poised to give go ahead to casinos

Thailand is set to give the go-ahead to gambling and introduce casinos.

The Asian nation's cabinet this week approved a bill to legalise casino gambling.

The draft bill will now be assessed by the Council of State before debating it the lower house of parliament, said Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The bill allows for gambling only within Las Vegas-style integrated resorts which feature various non-gaming facilities such as hotels, convention centres, shopping and theme park attractions, news portal Travel Mole reported.

Melco, Galaxy Entertainment and MGM Resorts are among the companies said to be showing interest in operating casino resorts.

The business community has lauded the decision as a boon for domestic tourism growth and the economy in general.

Casinos and most forms of gambling are currently illegal in Thailand, but soccer betting and underground gaming activities and lotteries are rife, with huge sums of money changing hands.

Well-regulated integrated gambling facilities already operate in Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Japan has approved a similar bill to establish integrated casino resorts.

Image: Calanda McIester, Scop.io

Tasmania wants more flights - launches stunt fund

Tasmania's flailing minority Liberal government has completely stuffed up the introdution of its much-vaunted new Spirit of Tasmania ferries, so is desperate to create some positive energy around tourism.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who is so short of talent in his team that he has to also take on the role of Tourism Minister, this week announced a "$5 million Aviation Attraction Fund".

Rockliff claims this drop in the ocean will "increase domestic flights to and from Tasmania and enhance the potential for new international routes for locals and visitors alike".

He added the fund would "help to secure new routes from domestic and international destinations or extend existing seasonal services".

Given that Hobart Airport is currently a building site - as has been the case for much of the past decade - and does not have adequate bagging handling services and requires passengers to walk across the tarmac to their planes in mid-winter, I think he is being optimistic.

“This investment will drive visitation - boosting our local economy, supporting jobs and creating more opportunities for Tasmanians,” Rockliff said. He rarely makes any statement with mentioning the word "jobs" several times.

“For Tasmanians, it will mean more choices when they travel interstate or overseas, and support for our trade and export markets."

Quite what this taxpayer-funded fund will actually do is a little bit hazy. And the press release did not say who will run it, oversee it, or what its annual budget will be. Details!

But Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter is firmly on board,. saying the Aviation Attraction Fund would help to unlock huge benefits for Tasmania.

“Aviation is a competitive business, and these funds will give Tasmania a competitive edge to secure new and extra domestic and international flights,” Carter said.

“Importantly, this fund will go a long way to helping to secure direct international flights to Asia, once we complete our $130 million runway upgrade in the middle of this year.”

Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare also welcomed the announcement.

"Today's announcement will ensure Launceston Airport can competitively engage with domestic airlines to attract more vital connections for our passengers in what is a very competitive domestic market,” O’Hare said.

He believes the fund is "vital for Tasmania to compete with other states to attract aviation investment.”

The Aviation Attraction Fund will support "both Tasmania’s 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy and the Tasmanian Trade Strategy 2019-2025". 

If only we knew the nitty gritty. Will it be spent on advertising, or inducements?  Who knows? 

Australian government to hit airlines with a wet lettuce leaf

In Europe if a commercial flight is delayed or cancelled and it is the fault of the airline then affected customers automatically get compensation. Serious money. Not vouchers.

As well as being re-booked on the next available flight.

The amount of compensation can be between €250 and €600 per passenger depending on the delay and where your flight was going.

In Australia, the Albanese Government is trying to appease travellers frustrated by years of incompetence.

But it doesn’t want to seriously impact its airline friends. It has, instead, revealed plans to hit them with a wet lettuce leaf while talking big.

So while you might get your money back if your flight is cancelled you certainly won’t see any compensation.

Transport Minister Catherine King says the government “is working hard to get Australian travellers a better deal”, by releasing the draft Aviation Customer Rights Charter for public consultation over the summer period.

She says the charter sets out the expectations of fair treatment by airlines and airports to their customers to ensure customers get what they pay for, or get their money back.

"The Australian flying public deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and this includes receiving timely and fair remedies when their flight is cancelled or delayed.

"That is exactly what this charter is about, providing clarity to consumers on their rights - giving them greater certainty about what they can expect, and where to go if these conditions are not met."

The Charter proposes that customers have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, in an accessible and inclusive environment; accurate, timely and accessible information and customer service; prompt and fair remedies and support during and after cancellations, delays and disruptions; safe and timely baggage handling and fair remedies for damage and delays; the protection of their personal information; provide feedback, make complaints and exercise their rights without retribution.

So a whole lot of talk. Not much serious change.

Consumer rights organsation CHOICE is calling for more positive action. 

“We are concerned that the proposed charter does not comprehensively acknowledge rights to compensation for delayed or cancelled flights," says head of campaigns Rosie Thomas.

"Introducing a European-style compensation scheme is one way to do this, but even without a similar scheme in Australia, consumers deserve clear guidance about their compensation rights under the consumer law’s existing consumer guarantees.

"CHOICE will engage with the consultation process to make sure this is rectified.”

King encourages the flying public, industry and other stakeholders, to give their feedback on the draft charter before submissions close on February 28, 2025.

You can make your thoughts known at www.infrastructure.gov.au/Aviation-Rights-Charter

A long-term chillout in Thailand is now a lot easier

Ever thought of spending a few months in Thailand, chilling out on the beach?

Visa issues have, until now, made that difficult, but the Thai government is delivering changes to make it easier, the Skift travel news website reported.

In an effort to boost Thailand tourism numbers, ordinary tourists visas can be extended to up to 60 days, along with the possibility of extended stays for post-grad students and remote workers.

And government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said travellers from more countries will be eligible for visas on arrival.

The validity of visas for self-employed "digital nomads" and other remote workers will be extended to five years, with an unbroken stay of up to 180 days. 

The “Destination Thailand Visa” will now allow a 180-day maximum stay per visit, extendable for another 180 days, with another THB 10,000 ($270) fee.

Previously, digital nomads were entitled to only two 30-day stays. 

Wacharonke noted that this measure targets remote workers, freelancers, and those interested in learning Muay Thai and Thai cooking skills. .Also, foreign students can stay in Thailand for an additional year after graduating.

The tourist visas will be available to visitors from 93 countries, up from 57 currently. The new policies will kick off this month.

Thailand welcomed 14.3 million tourists for the year to date. In 2019, pre-Covid, it welcomed a record 39.9 million arrivals.

Image: Winsor Dobbin

Thailand slashes taxes on alcoholic drinks

Good news for thirsty visitors to Thailand.

In a boost for tourism, the Thai government has approved a tax cut on alcohol, and for entertainment venues.

Taxes on wine will be halved from 10% to 5% while the 10% tax on spirits will be scrapped, Travel Mole reports.

The excise tax levied on entertainment venues will be halved to 5%.

The measures are described as "temporary" and will last until the end of 2024.

This is the latest move to boost the night time entertainment industry after opening hours were extended to 4am recently in major tourism areas.

Wine lovers, used to absurd mark-ups on wines, particularly, will be pleased by the news with import tariffs on wines, currently assessed at 54% and 60% of declared value, also be exempted for one year.

Which means no more paying $50 or more for a bottle of Jacob's Creek in a 7/11 store.

Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Lawan Saengsanit said it was planned that additional spending by tourists will offset any cut in tax revenues.

The government said it reached the amended tourist arrivals target of 29 million in 2023. It is forecasting 34 million tourist arrivals for 2024.

Image: Walter Pucher, Scop.io

  Walter Pucher  on  Scopio

 

Vietnam to loosen visa restrictions

Vietnam is to grant longer period visas to tourists in a bid to boost its sluggish travel industry recovery.

The Government will propose the National Assembly extends the duration of e-visas, Travel Mole reported.

It wants the current 30-day limit applicable to Australians and US visitors to be extended to a maximum of three months.

The Government Office said the proposed extended e-visa would be be valid for single or multiple entries.

This visa is currently for single entries only and available to nationals of 80 countries.

The Government also wants to expand it to more countries.

Vietnam also has visa waivers for a limited number of countries allowing stays of up to 15 days.

Vietnam opened borders a year ago but the tourism industry recovery has been slow, official figures show.

Image: Alessandro Castiglioni, Scop.io 

Time to crack down on airline bullshit

 

There have been increasing calls for more Australian Government oversight of airlines.

With the ongoing plethora of absurdly high fares, poor service, cancelled flights and lost luggage, the airlines appear to have lost the right to self regulate.

In Europe, and many other destinations, passengers are compensated if their flights are delayed.

As Qantas has benefitted from millions of dollars of taxpayer money, why should it not cough up when it gets things wrong?

I flew from Hobart to Melbourne last week for a one-night visit. My ticket with Qantas for this simple flight cost a whopping $986 - which was an absurdity.

My flight was two hours late from Hobart to Melbourne - and the snack was a sliver of biscuit. I had chosen an aisle seat in advance but was switched to a window "because of a change of aircraft".

My return flight was just an hour late, while my business class meal (I upgraded for $65) was a dodgy chicken noodle dish that would not pass muster at Dad's Noodles.

There was no wifi on either flight but I travelled with hand baggage only, so was not subject to the usual baggage chaos at both airports.

A friend of mine is currently having an even worse experience. A Qantas platinum frequent flyer, he booked and paid for a flight to attend a wine event in Melbourne on Friday night.

 
Qantas this week cancelled his flights and said there were no other Qantas options. 

He was told he would have to book with their "unreliable subsidiary" - at an increased cost of $200.

This followed his experience the week before, when he flew from Hobart to Melbourne to see a specialist. Again, his flight home was cancelled but Qantas did get him on a replacement flight - that was only 50 minutes late.

Constant failures like this are simply not acceptable.

Customers are being treated like mugs.

Time to act Albo.

Oops. We've already spent the money!

The Japanese Government's plan to boost domestic tourism post-Covid has hit a major snag. 

The rollout of a new travel subsidy program is floundering, with some travel-related firms having already spent their allocated funds, Kyodo news agency reported.

The Japan Tourism Agency is asking participating businesses across the country to review their budgets while also considering increasing funding for the scheme, known as the "National Travel Discount".

Launched this week, on the same day Covid-19 border controls were eased for international arrivals, the program provides the equivalent of up to 11,000 yen (just under $120) in discounts and coupons per traveller per day. 

The money can be used for meals, shopping and accommodation expenses.

The scheme is being implemented through use of state funds. 

Budgets have been allocated to all 47 of Japan's prefectures, with the amount each receives based on criteria such as local accommodation figures. 

The prefectural governments then redistribute the funds between local businesses such as travel agencies and hotels to sell their products and services within the scope of the scheme.

Authorities of north-eastern Yamagata Prefecture had planned to use the funds they were granted over three months from October through December, but have since decided to divert some of their November budget to this month after local businesses spent all of the government's initial allocated subsidy.

"In some cases, too much funding has been given to local businesses, while estimates for others have fallen short," one government source said, requesting that prefectures redistribute their quota based on past tourism data.

Meanwhile, high consumer interest in the scheme has overwhelmed some participating travel agencies.

Seanuts Co, which manages accommodation bookings for around 5,100 hotels and other facilities, said that high traffic caused by a large number of hits to its website led to a system malfunction, leaving customers unable to book, while also possibly cancelling existing reservations.

Oops!

The new program was initially planned to be introduced in July but was postponed due to Japan's 's seventh wave of coronavirus infections.

Caught out trying to scam a government

It takes a certain chutzpah to attempt to scam a government.

But only if you get away with it.

Two travel agencies in Japan tried and failed.

Japanese travel agency group HIS Co said two subsidiaries scammed the government through the Go To Travel subsidised tourism campaign.

It reported that Japan Holiday Travel Co and Miki Tourist Co fraudulently over-reported the number of hotel stays booked as part of the campaign.

Together they received $8.23 million worth of subsidies for hotel stays that didn’t exist.

HIS said the theft was discovered during an internal audit, Travel Mole reports.

Miki Tourist allegedly conspired with hotel operator JHAT Co but Japan Holiday Travel did not take an active role in processing bogus bookings.

HIS CEO Hideo Sawada said Miki Tourist’s president will be fired and HIS will repay the money to the government.

The Go To Travel subsidised tourism campaign covered 50% of travel costs from July 2020 to December 2020, when it was halted due to rising Covid-19 cases.

Image: William Vaccaro Scop.io