Legacy Phuket Gazette

Archiving articles from the Phuket Gazette circa 1998 - 2017. View the Phuket Gazette online archive and Digital Gazette PDF Prints.
  • Phuket NewsToo fast to be furious: Phuket speed cameras can’t keep up

    Too fast to be furious: Phuket speed cameras can’t keep up

    PHUKET: Drivers on Phuket moving at reckless speeds of over 200km/hr are outpacing the ability of the island’s new speed cameras to capture clear images of them. “In Thalang, the cameras are set to photograph cars travelling in excess of 120km/hr. However, the images of the licenses plates on cars going extremely fast are too blurry to read,” Thalang Police…

  • EntertainmentRoyal Melodies concert coming to Phuket

    Royal Melodies concert coming to Phuket

    PHUKET: Jazz lovers are in for a treat starting tomorrow when the Royal Melodies concert and exhibition kicks-off in Phuket. Featuring the music of His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the three-night concert will be a star-studded affair. The exhibition of HM’s musical legacy will include the saxophone, which he used to composed many of his songs. There will…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Briton jailed 27 years for Florida murders seeks to reopen case

    Phuket Gazette World News: Briton jailed 27 years for Florida murders seeks to reopen case

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Briton jailed 27 years for Fla. murders seeks to reopen case Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Lawyers for a British man convicted in Florida for a 1986 double homicide sought to reopen the case on Tuesday, claiming that three Colombian drug traffickers were the real killers.Krishna Maharaj’s lawyers…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Mexico vigilantes refuse to lay down arms

    Phuket Gazette World News: Mexico vigilantes refuse to lay down arms

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Mexico vigilantes refuse to lay down arms in troubled state Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Vigilante groups battling a powerful drug cartel in a troubled region of Mexico on Tuesday rejected a government call to lay down their arms, raising the risk of an increased security headache for…

  • Phuket NewsFatal accident on Kata Hill raises concerns about Patong Hill bus ban

    Fatal accident on Kata Hill raises concerns about Patong Hill bus ban

    PHUKET: Yet another bus accident, this time killing a motorcyclist on the Kata Hill road yesterday morning, has raised concerns about increased bus traffic in the area after the controversial Patong Hill bus ban takes effect. Worrapong Chaichomphu, 25, was travelling downhill toward Chalong when a bus travelling uphill crossed the center line and struck him in front of the…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket protest forces Provincial Hall to remain closed

    Phuket protest forces Provincial Hall to remain closed

    PHUKET: Police today closed Surin Road in Phuket Town after anti-government protesters expanded their camp and forced Provincial Hall to remain closed for a second consecutive day. The protesters, led by former Rassada Mayor Suratin Lian-udom, compelled officials to close Provincial Hall (map here) yesterday as they staged a mass rally in support of the “Bangkok Shutdown” (story here). “The…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Employment Office closed due to anti-government protests

    Phuket Employment Office closed due to anti-government protests

    PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO), the island’s sole agency for issuing and renewing work permits for foreigners, has closed its doors today. “We are following a request from protesters yesterday asking for all government offices to close. We are afraid that if we open, they will blockade our office,” PPEO Chief Yaowapa Pibulpol told the Phuket Gazette. “We…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s DJ Doris to be honored with Celebration of Life

    Phuket’s DJ Doris to be honored with Celebration of Life

    PHUKET: Paul Norris, Phuket’s renowned ‘DJ Doris’ from Phuket Island Radio 91.5FM, will be honored with a Celebration of Life. The news follows the death of Mr Norris in a motorcycle accident early Sunday morning, a tragedy which prompted an outpouring of grief among friends, family and fans (story here). “Paul Norris is being repatriated to his home in Scotland.…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket bagman corruption investigation dropped

    Phuket bagman corruption investigation dropped

    PHUKET: The Phuket bagman investigation into corrupt government officials who collect bribes from Patong business owners has been cancelled, businessman and adviser to the Thailand Trade Organization Chart Chindapol told the Phuket Gazette. Mr Chart alleged in October last year that government officials from at least 17 offices were extracting bribes that totalled almost 50 million baht a month from…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Man shot dead over Lone Survivor texting | Thaiger

    Phuket Gazette World News: Man shot dead over Lone Survivor texting

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Man shot dead at Florida theatre showing ‘Lone Survivor’ Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: A moviegoer shot and killed one person and wounded another on Monday when an argument over text messaging in a Florida theatre showing the hit new war film Lone Survivor erupted in gunfire, authorities…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Hong Kong confirms second death from H7N9 bird flu

    Phuket Gazette World News: Hong Kong confirms second death from H7N9 bird flu

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Hong Kong confirms second death from H7N9 bird flu Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: A 65-year-old man infected with the H7N9 bird flu virus has died in Hong Kong, the government said on Monday, the second such death in the city.The man, the third person in Hong Kong…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Nigerian leader signs anti-gay law

    Phuket Gazette World News: Nigerian leader signs anti-gay law

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Nigerian leader signs anti-gay law, drawing U.S. fire Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan signed a bill on Monday that criminalises same-sex relationships, defying Western pressure over gay rights and provoking criticism from the United States.The bill, which contains penalties of up to 14 years…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket Gazette Thailand News: Suthep says no to talks; Bangkok roads empty; Reds rally north; Floods hit Deep South

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Suthep says no to talks; Bangkok roads empty; Reds rally north; Floods hit Deep South

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Suthep turns down PM’s call for talks on poll delay The Nation / Phuket GazettePHUKET: The caretaker government, having repeatedly ignored calls for postponement of the February 2 election, yesterday softened its stance as pressure for a delay in holding the poll increased.Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra…

  • Phuket NewsPolitical accessories market heats up in Phuket | Thaiger

    Political accessories market heats up in Phuket

    PHUKET: The number of vendors selling political paraphernalia at the Phuket Provincial Hall protests has significantly increased since the protest on December 9, despite the number of protesters decreasing, vendors explained to the Phuket Gazette today.“I sold whistles at the last big protest. Since then, the number of vendors has increased by about 20 per cent,” said 50-year-old Monthathip Jormtai.Kanokphan…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Provincial Hall protesters peacefully move outdoors for the night

    Phuket Provincial Hall protesters peacefully move outdoors for the night

    PHUKET: The protesters vacated Phuket Provincial Hall late this afternoon after holding the building all day to show support for the “Bangkok Shutdown” (story here). “We agreed to leave Provincial Hall and establish our camp outside,” Former Rassada Mayor and protest co-ordinator Suratin Lian-udom told the Phuket Gazette. “We don’t want to be responsible for any criminal activity; we just…

  • EntertainmentPhuket Events: Coming up in wonderland

    Phuket Events: Coming up in wonderland

    PHUKET: When the Phuket Gazette interviewed them a few months back, Sonu Kapoor and Vikram Singh, the owners of Events International, had just settled in Phuket and were about to set out on their mission to quench the island’s thirst for more fun. Now, with two sold-out Abba Forever shows behind them, we know they placed their bets right –…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket FC tame Ratchaburi Dragons in 2014 pre-season kickoff

    Phuket FC tame Ratchaburi Dragons in 2014 pre-season kickoff

    PHUKET: Rebranded and reborn this year as the the “Ronins”, Phuket FC kicked off their 2014 pre-season in respectable form last night, defeating Thai Premier League squad, Ratchaburi Mitrphol FC by a score of 1-0 in an evenly-weighted friendly match at Surakul Stadium.In two 45-minute halves, under some clouds and periodic light showers, both sides employed a number of promising…

  • PropertyProperty Watch: So near and yet so far

    Property Watch: So near and yet so far

    PHUKET: Asia’s resort property scene is not unlike any other industry, in that it’s always on the lookout for the next big thing. What do they say about the key to success – location location location. Is that one or three? Perhaps there is just an echo in the room or the snoring of an elephant next door. Of course…

  • Phuket NewsRunning red: police probe deadly DJ Doris crash

    Running red: police probe deadly DJ Doris crash

    PHUKET: One of the drivers involved in the accident that killed Paul Norris, Phuket’s renowned ‘DJ Doris’, early yesterday morning ran a red light, Phuket Police confirmed to the Phuket Gazette. “We believe that one of them drove through a red light as the lights were working at the time of the accident,” said Wichit Police Investigator Ekarat Chartthai. “However,…

  • PropertyLiving in Patong has its privileges

    Living in Patong has its privileges

    PHUKET: With the lasting development boom in Phuket, one might find it difficult to keep track of all the new condominiums and villa projects appearing on the island’s map. That’s why Karn Jiratuntathorn, the owner of the Privilege residences in Patong is aiming for something different. “My project is not the same as others. There are many projects coming to…

  • Phuket NewsAnd the winners of the Boat Show lucky draw are…

    And the winners of the Boat Show lucky draw are…

    PHUKET: This year’s edition of the annual Phuket boat show (PIMEX), which closed late yesterday, offered solid testimony to the improving global economy and the renewed vibrance of the marine leisure industry in Asia, particularly at its hub – Phuket. Full car parks, full restaurants and lots of action in the booths and berths at the Royal Phuket Marina –…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Russia says militants seized with bomb in south

    Phuket Gazette World News: Russia says militants seized with bomb in south

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Russia says militants seized with bomb in south Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Five members of a banned militant group were arrested in southern Russia on Saturday and a homemade bomb packed with shrapnel was defused, in another security scare weeks before the Winter Olympics in Sochi.Islamist militants…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Turkish PM pushes judicial reforms after parliament punch-up

    Phuket Gazette World News: Turkish PM pushes judicial reforms after parliament punch-up

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Turkish PM pushes judicial reforms after parliament punch-up Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Sunday to forge ahead with judicial reforms which prompted a fist fight in parliament, denying he was trampling on the constitution as the government battles a damaging corruption…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Israelis pay last respects to warrior-statesman Sharon

    Phuket Gazette World News: Israelis pay last respects to warrior-statesman Sharon

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Israelis pay last respects to warrior-statesman Sharon Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s body lay in state on Sunday outside parliament in Jerusalem, where thousands of Israelis waited to bid farewell to the maverick warrior-statesman who reshaped the Middle East.Sharon died at the age…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Iran sanctions lifted under nuclear peace deal

    Phuket Gazette World News: Iran sanctions lifted under nuclear peace deal

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Deal on curbing Iran’s nuclear activity to take effect January 20 Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: A deal for Iran to freeze parts of its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief will take effect on January 20, giving world powers and Tehran six months to agree a…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket Gazette Thailand News: Bangkok shutdown begins; Pheu Thai objects May 4 polls; Businesses ready for downturn

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Bangkok shutdown begins; Pheu Thai objects May 4 polls; Businesses ready for downturn

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Stage set for huge Bangkok shutdown The Nation / Phuket GazettePHUKET: The People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) will today begin their Shutdown operation to try to seize seven sites in Bangkok at 9am after a series of blockades at state agencies – in a bid to paralyse…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s Paul ‘DJ Doris’ Norris dies in motorcycle accident

    Phuket’s Paul ‘DJ Doris’ Norris dies in motorcycle accident

    PHUKET: Paul Norris, Phuket’s renowned ‘DJ Doris’ on Phuket Island Radio 91.5FM, died in a motorcycle accident early this morning. He was riding home when his motorbike and a taxi collided at an intesection on Chao Fa West Road in Chalong at about 2am, police confirmed. Mr Norris was well known and much loved by his many friends and fans…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket braces for Monday shutdown

    Phuket braces for Monday shutdown

    PHUKET: Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut today assured that the island’s authorities were well prepared to peacefully deal with a large protest planned for Monday in front of Provincial Hall. The protest will be held at Sanam Chai field (map here) in Phuket Town, in line with the “Bangkok shutdown” being organized by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), led by…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: U.S. to withdraw diplomat from India as dispute festers

    Phuket Gazette World News: U.S. to withdraw diplomat from India as dispute festers

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community U.S. to withdraw diplomat from India as dispute festers Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: The United States said on Friday it would withdraw one of its diplomats from New Delhi at India’s request after Washington effectively expelled an Indian envoy at the centre of a dispute between the…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Celebrations in Central African Republic as leader resigns

    Phuket Gazette World News: Celebrations in Central African Republic as leader resigns

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Celebrations in Central African Republic as leader resigns Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Central African Republic’s interim President Michel Djotodia caved in to international pressure and resigned on Friday after failing to halt inter-religious violence, drawing thousands onto the streets in celebration.The resignations of Djotodia and his Prime…