Latest news with #SmartTraveller
Perth Now
13 hours ago
- Perth Now
Travel warning for hotspot after airport bomb
The Australian government has issued a fresh travel warning for Thailand following the discovery of a bomb near Phuket International Airport. Smart Traveller, the government's travel advisory body, said Thai authorities had discovered the explosive device this week. 'There's an ongoing risk of terrorism in Thailand,' the advisory, released on Saturday morning, reads. 'Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket. 'Phuket International Airport has increased security measures from June 26 and advised passengers to arrive well ahead of flights. 'This follows discovery of an explosive device near the airport this week. Thailand is a popular travel destination for Australian travellers. iStock Credit: istock 'Thai authorities defused devices in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga this week and have made related arrests in recent days.' Phuket, renowned for its gorgeous beaches and vibrant night-life, is a major destination for Australian travellers. The government recommends Australian travellers exercise a 'high degree of caution' in Thailand overall due to security and safety risks. A 'reconsider your need to travel' warning is in place for the country's Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces in the far-south. 'Co-ordinated attacks have occurred in the southern provinces,' the advisory reads. Tourists flock to Phuket for its splendid beaches and delicious food. iStock Credit: istock 'The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests in other regions. Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.' The government also advises travellers to be alert to political protests and drink and food spiking. 'Don't leave food or drinks unattended,' the advisory states. 'Stay with people you trust at bars, nightclubs and in taxis.' Thailand is also tightening its drug laws, travellers have been warned. The country has recriminalised cannabis three years after decriminalising the drug.
West Australian
13 hours ago
- West Australian
Smart Traveller issues fresh travel warning for Thailand on security fears
The Australian government has issued a fresh travel warning for Thailand following the discovery of a bomb near Phuket International Airport. Smart Traveller, the government's travel advisory body, said Thai authorities had discovered the explosive device this week. 'There's an ongoing risk of terrorism in Thailand,' the advisory, released on Saturday morning, reads. 'Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket. 'Phuket International Airport has increased security measures from June 26 and advised passengers to arrive well ahead of flights. 'This follows discovery of an explosive device near the airport this week. 'Thai authorities defused devices in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga this week and have made related arrests in recent days.' Phuket, renowned for its gorgeous beaches and vibrant night-life, is a major destination for Australian travellers. The government recommends Australian travellers exercise a 'high degree of caution' in Thailand overall due to security and safety risks. A 'reconsider your need to travel' warning is in place for the country's Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces in the far-south. 'Co-ordinated attacks have occurred in the southern provinces,' the advisory reads. 'The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests in other regions. Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.' The government also advises travellers to be alert to political protests and drink and food spiking. 'Don't leave food or drinks unattended,' the advisory states. 'Stay with people you trust at bars, nightclubs and in taxis.' Thailand is also tightening its drug laws, travellers have been warned. The country has recriminalised cannabis three years after decriminalising the drug.
News.com.au
16 hours ago
- News.com.au
Smart Traveller issues fresh travel warning for Thailand on security fears
The Australian government has issued a fresh travel warning for Thailand following the discovery of a bomb near Phuket International Airport. Smart Traveller, the government's travel advisory body, said Thai authorities had discovered the explosive device this week. 'There's an ongoing risk of terrorism in Thailand,' the advisory, released on Saturday morning, reads. 'Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket. 'Phuket International Airport has increased security measures from June 26 and advised passengers to arrive well ahead of flights. 'This follows discovery of an explosive device near the airport this week. 'Thai authorities defused devices in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga this week and have made related arrests in recent days.' Phuket, renowned for its gorgeous beaches and vibrant night-life, is a major destination for Australian travellers. The government recommends Australian travellers exercise a 'high degree of caution' in Thailand overall due to security and safety risks. A 'reconsider your need to travel' warning is in place for the country's Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces in the far-south. 'Co-ordinated attacks have occurred in the southern provinces,' the advisory reads. 'The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests in other regions. Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.' The government also advises travellers to be alert to political protests and drink and food spiking. 'Don't leave food or drinks unattended,' the advisory states. 'Stay with people you trust at bars, nightclubs and in taxis.' Thailand is also tightening its drug laws, travellers have been warned. The country has recriminalised cannabis three years after decriminalising the drug.
West Australian
4 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Re-routing, delays and squashy air corridors caused by Middle East war
The escalating war in the Middle East and shockwaves rippling out through the region is affecting aviation routes. There are airspace closures over Iran, Israel and Russia, and these have narrowed the flight corridors that Middle East airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways use to Europe. There may be delays and route diversions, particularly for passengers transiting through Dubai and Doha. But major carriers are still flying, with adjusted flight paths — and on Tuesday, Qatar Airways confirmed the reinstatement of flights following the reopening of its airspace. A spokesperson says: 'We are working tirelessly with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to restore operations as quickly as possible. 'As operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule. We would advise passengers to check or the Qatar Airways mobile application ahead of travel.' Travellers on Singapore Airlines, Qantas or Cathay Pacific through Singapore and Hong Kong are experiencing minimal disruptions. The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is advising travellers not to cancel flights. An ATIA spokesperson points out: 'Airlines have well-established systems in place to navigate such restrictions, and have been operating under constrained conditions since the start of the Ukraine conflict. 'Travellers should expect some delays, but not panic.' ATIA has provided this advice for travellers: You will be contacted Your travel agent or airline will prioritise impacted travellers of delays and cancellations. Do not contact your agent or airline unless you're travelling in the next three days. This will let them handle the needs of those travelling immediately first. I ncreased chance of delays Be prepared. You may be spending some time at airports as a result of schedule adjustments. Avoid cancelling flights independently When an airline cancels your flights, you are entitled to a full refund. Monitor official travel advice Look at the Smart Traveller website. The spokesperson adds: 'This evolving situation reinforces the importance of booking through an ATIA accredited travel business. Accredited agents and businesses are best placed to manage disruptions, rebook flights and ensure clients receive their full entitlements under Australian Consumer Law.'
West Australian
4 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Anthony Albanese says Ceasefire will make it easier to get Aussies out of Middle East
The Government is hoping a ceasefire between Iran and Israel will make it easier for thousands of Australians in the region to escape but also mean that fewer people need to leave as urgently. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed news of the ceasefire between the two Middle Eastern nations, saying Australia wanted to see 'dialogue and diplomacy replace any escalation'. He urged Australians travelling abroad to check the Smart Traveller safety warnings and register their plans to receive alerts. About 3000 Australian citizens have registered with DFAT as wanting to leave Iran, and about 1000 in Israel. Mr Albanese said efforts to evacuate them had been made more difficult by what had occurred, including flight diversions and the closure of airspace across the Middle East. 'There was a scheduled flight out of Israel that wasn't able to be fulfilled because of the security situation,' Mr Albanese told Sky News on Tuesday. 'What we hope is that a more secure position, a ceasefire, will ensure that people don't feel the need to get to safety.' He said there was no change in Australia's national security alert level but agencies were constantly monitoring the situation. Mr Albanese said on Monday that Australia backed the US action in bombing Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, but labelled it a 'unilateral action' and wouldn't say whether Australia had advance notice. The UK was given a heads-up about the attack. Asked whether Australia was the forgotten ally at the moment, Mr Albanese said, 'Not at all.' He said he and US President Donald Trump had agreed to meet 'at a time that's convenient for both of us.'
