Thailand vows to improve security for tourists after attack

Shaken by widespread publicity after a vicious attack on two tourists, Thailand’s Tourism Ministry has vowed to implement improved safety measures for visitors.

Officials acknowledged the assault on two Malaysians could affect tourism numbers, news hub Travel Mole reported.

The Malaysian couple were doused in chemicals and set on fire in Bangkok in a random attack by a Thai man. The attacker was caught and held by other people at the scene and handed over to Lumpini police when they arrived, The Bangkok Post reported.

The ministry made an official statement about the incident on social media.

It promised improved safety measures in tourist areas to boost overall confidence for international visitors.

The overriding message was that Thailand remains safe for visitors, which was echoed by tourist police chief, Lt-Gen Saksira Phuak-um.

One Yik Leong, 26, and Gan Xiao Zhen, 27 were doused in paint thinner and then set alight in a tourist precinct. Both were seriously injured but were in a stable condition in hospital.

They were attacked outside a Bangkok shopping mall with no immediate apparent motive.

They could remain in hospital for up to a month, officials say.

“Malaysia places its full trust in Thai authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation, and will provide full co-operation as required,” the Malaysian Foreign Ministry said.

The global media coverage of the incident has been extensive and has been seen as a major setback for Thailand’s tourism industry.

Qantas hit by cyber attack

Qantas has hit data turbulence after “a cyber incident”.

Around six million customers of the Australian airline have potentially been affected after the attack occurred in one of its contact centres in Manila, impacting customer data. The dangers of outsourcing to save money. 

“We understand this will be concerning for customers,” the airline said in a media statement. “We are currently contacting customers to make them aware of the incident, apologise and provide details on the support available.”

The incident occurred when a cyber criminal targeted a call centre and gained access to a third party customer servicing platform.

There is no impact to Qantas’ operations or the safety of the airline.

Importantly, credit card details, personal financial information and passport details are not held in this system, Qantas said. No frequent flyer accounts were compromised nor have passwords, PIN numbers or log in details been accessed.

Qantas has notified the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Given the criminal nature of this incident, the Australian Federal Police has also been notified.

Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson said: “We sincerely apologise to our customers and we recognise the uncertainty this will cause. Our customers trust us with their personal information and we take that responsibility seriously.

“We are contacting our customers today and our focus is on providing them with the necessary support.

“We are working closely with the Federal Government’s National Cyber Security Coordinator, the Australian Cyber Security Centre and independent specialised cyber security experts.”

Bizarrely, Hudson later declined to talk the media. Not a good look. 

Plane stowaway makes it from New York to Paris

You know those multiple checks you go through every time you take an international flight?

It turns out they are not so effective.

The US Transportation Security Administration is conducting a "far ranging" investigation after a stowaway without a ticket was able to avoid multiple checkpoints this week and flew from New York to Paris undetected, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The middle-aged woman went through a security checkpoint without a boarding pass at New York's JFK Airport and then was undetected at two further ticket checks before boarding a Paris-bound Delta flight.

The woman apparently spent the duration of the hours-long 100% full flight moving from bathroom to bathroom undetected.

It happened during a busy day for travel just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

An "exhaustive investigation" is underway.

Delta Air Lines is cooperating with law enforcement and has opened its own investigation, the airline said.

“Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security,” a Delta spokesperson said.

The stowaway hasn’t been named but media reports said she was US green card holder with a Russian passport.

On landing in Paris, passengers were requested to stay seated while French police boarded the flight and the woman was taken away. She is expected to be returned to the US. 

Good job she wasn't a terrorist.