Gary Glitter has been flown back to Thailand after being refused entry from Hong Kong. The former star who served two years in prison in Vietnam for child abuse was supposed to be on a flight back to the UK, but claimed he was suffering a heart attack when due to transfer planes in Thailand.

The Thai authorities refused to allow Glitter access into the country, and under Thai law Glitter (real name Paul Gadd) was only allowed to remain in transit for a maximum of 12 hours before committing an offence. He flew to Hong Kong but was again refused entry, and has now arrived back in Bangkok.

On arrival in the UK he would be added to the sex offender's register, and could face further legal action. In an attempt to take action against sex tourism, particularly in countries where the legal system is weak, the UK government have brought in laws that allow sex offenders to be punished for crimes that happened overseas once they return to the UK.

Obviously Glitter wishes to avoid this but according to the TV this morning 19 countries have already stated they will not allow him to enter their country. He is stuck in limbo but sadly as he is currently in international transit there is nobody with the authority to force him to go home and face the music.

He was arrested in Vietnam following the abuse of two girls aged 10 and 11 in Vung Tau, and served 2 years and 9 months of a 3 year sentence. At the time of his sentencing eyebrows were raised about the short length of his punishment, but under Vietnamese law it is possible to have your sentance reduced if you have already paid compensation to the victims. Due to the weak currency and Glitter's fortune, this meant a token payment to the families involved avoided a far harsher punishment - all the more reason efforts should be made to take him back to the UK and ensure he serves time there, too.

Sex tourism and 'sexpats' are a major problem across South East Asia, and although Vietnam doesn't have quite the same reputation as some of its neighbours it is a growing issue. As it remains taboo little is spoken - prostitution is a 'social evil' and is rarely discussed in the media or in public - but in order to protect vulnerable children and young adults more should be done to prevent sex crimes. By comparison on arrival in Cambodia you will find huge billboards threatening severe penalties for sex with minors, and there are major ad campaigns in tourist guides and newspapers both threatening punishment and urging vigilance.

In Vietnam it seems sex tourism is treated in an 'out of sight, out of mind' manner which could lead to others getting away with similar crimes. Glitter was only discovered after being spotted by a backpacker - he had been singing in a local bar in Vung Tau, and had been living in the area for some time. More must be done to ensure children are protected, and residents - both Vietnamese and expatriates - should ensure they are vigilant and don't claim the explotative sex industry is 'just the way things are over here'