- Thailand News
EU team visits Thailand to assess fishing industry cleanup
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community EU team visits Thailand to assess fishing industry cleanup Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: A European Union delegation that is visiting Thailand to weigh its progress in battling illegal and unregulated fishing will not make a decision this week on whether to ban Thai seafood products,…
- Phuket News
Phuket man takes bullet in the groin
PHUKET: A Phuket man on a motorbike was hit twice during a drive-by shooting on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket late last night. Rawi Suksamran, 34, suffered a bullet wound to his groin area and lower back, confirmed a Kusoldharm Foundation rescue worker who arrived at the scene in Srisoonthorn. “According to witnesses, Mr Rawi was heading straight through the Thalang…
- Cannabis News
Dirty dozen picked up in mass Phuket raid
PHUKET: A large task force swept up twelve suspects wanted for a series of crimes ranging from illegal drugs and firearms, to their role in the Thalang Police Station riot (story here). “The joint mission on Sunday saw 120 officers from local police forces, Thalang District and the Royal Thai Navy make 12 arrests with 12 search warrants,” said Phuket…
- Phuket News
PM informed: B50bn of national park land allegedly stolen by officials
PHUKET: Allegations of officials pillaging Phuket national park land, dividing it and then illegally selling it, were brought to the attention of Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha today. “I have obtained and passed on information incriminating officials who abused their power and sold off about 1,200 rai of Sirinath National Park,” said Damrong Phidet, a member of the National Reform…
- World News
Jakarta attack highlights jostle to lead Islamic State in SE Asia
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Jakarta attack highlights jostle to lead Islamic State in SE Asia Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Last week’s attack on Jakarta showed for the first time that Islamic State violence has arrived in Indonesia, but security experts believe the radical group’s footprint is still light here…
- World News
Robots, new working ways to cost 5 million jobs by 2020, study says
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Robots, new working ways to cost 5 mln jobs by 2020, Davos study says Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Disruptive labor market changes, including the rise of robots and artificial intelligence, will result in a net loss of 5.1 million jobs over the next five years…
- World News
Tennis World hit by match-fixing reports, authorities back integrity unit
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Tennis-World tennis hit by match-fixing reports, authorities back integrity unit Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: World tennis was rocked on Monday by allegations that the game’s authorities have failed to deal with widespread match-fixing, just as the Australian Open, the first grand slam tournament of the…
- Pattaya News
Law and Order: When dogs attack: ownership laws
PHUKET: There are growing numbers of dog owners in Thailand who treat their animals like their children, prized possessions, or members of the family. With the surge in pet ownership, there have been more disputes involving domesticated animals. We have recently been contacted about two dog biting cases. A KIWI BITE The first case was a man from New Zealand…
- Property
Property Watch: Inside look at the hotel licencing crisis
PHUKET: Crisis? What Crisis? At long last the ticking time bomb of unlicenced accommodation establishments in Phuket has finally made headlines. The furor of action was capped as the Thai Hotels Association (THA) Southern Chapter issued a formal letter of complaint to the Governor’s Office asking for action, given an out-of-control spread of hotels operating without licences. To fully understand…
- Phuket News
A Decade Ago: Invaders of the nude variety
PHUKET: The Phuket Gazette‘s page one story a decade ago was about water supplies being enough to keep Phuket’s thirst quenched for the high season. However, the juicy part of the January 14-20 issue was the ‘Inside Story’: Are nudists itching to invade Thailand? The Tourism Authority of Thailand had called on Phuket Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura to see if the…
- Opinion
Ministry of Farang Affairs: Asleep in two seconds
The Ministry of Farang Affairs is a one-stop shop where foreigners in Thailand can learn all they need to know about living here. No, we’re not talking about work permits, visas or taxes. We’re talking about day-to-day life in the Land of Endless Shocks and Riddles, of Blur, Befuddlement and the Bizarre. Stay tuned for weekly insights from Minister Stephff.…
- Phuket News
Myanmar national crushed by cement truck in Phuket
PHUKET: A Myanmar national was killed after he fell off his motorbike and under the wheel of a cement truck in Thalang yesterday evening. Named on his identification card as ‘Mr Tengsor’, the 39-year-old man was crushed by the truck after he allegedly over took it and collided with another motorbike, said Lt Suporn Muangkhai of the Thalang Police. “The…
- Phuket News
Park chief kills Koh Yao Noi climbing
PHUKET: A new national park chief has banned rock climbing on a number of internationally popular limestone outcroppings in areas under his jurisdiction, ruling the sites as unsafe. “Climbing is an extreme sport and a risky activity. Even though there are safety regulations, and well-tested equipment is being used, there is still the possibility of someone falling and dying,” said…
- Phuket News
Austrian woman in Phuket ICU after falling unconscious
PHUKET: An Austrian woman remains in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Bangkok Hospital Phuket after she fell unconscious while swimming at Patong Beach yesterday. Annemarie Gusenbauer, 63, was rushed to Patong Hospital and later transferred to the better equipped Bangkok Hospital Phuket, after her friends pulled her from the water. “We immediately called for an ambulance and administered CPR…
- Opinion
Island View: Law of retaliation
PHUKET: An eye for an eye, or the law of retaliation, is the mentality that seems to be taking over Phuket these days. There have been several recent incidents where tempers flared and punches (or worse) were pulled at the slightest provocation. However, the recent video of a Krabi van driver attacking a foreigner on a motorbike, after the foreigner…
- Property
Layan luxury at Pavilions Phuket
PHUKET: Holiday makers to Phuket’s shores are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a vacation spot. Boasting more than two dozen beaches, Phuket offers plenty of variety and flexibility for all tastes and budgets. For seasoned travellers who value tranquility and privacy above all else, Layan Beach is a good option to explore. One of Phuket’s lesser known…
- Phuket News
Many Phuket tourism venues illegal, says government
PHUKET: Almost 50 per cent of private tourist attractions on Phuket have been operating illegally, confirmed Phuket Vice Governor Prajiad Aksornthammakul. The in-depth investigation into animal shows and other tourism hot spots, including ATV adventures, shooting ranges and go-kart tracks, was initiated following a tourist being bitten on the nose by a snake show python after she kissed the serpent…
- World News
At least 20 dead in siege by suspected Islamists at Burkina Faso hotel
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community At least 20 dead in siege by suspected Islamists at Burkina Faso hotel Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: At least 20 people died and others were taken hostage when Islamist gunmen stormed a hotel in the capital city of Burkina Faso on Friday, a hospital director…
- World News
High waves hamper search for Marines missing in Hawaii helicopter crash
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community High waves hamper search for Marines missing in Hawaii helicopter crash Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: High waves expected for the next several days will hamper the search for 12 Marines missing at sea after two helicopters collided near the island of Oahu in Hawaii, U.S.…
- World News
Malaysia arrests suspected IS militant with weapons in Kuala Lumpur
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Malaysia arrests suspected IS militant with weapons in Kuala Lumpur Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Malaysian police said on Saturday they had arrested a suspected militant with weapons anddocuments related to the Islamic State group at a train station in the capital Kuala Lumpur. Inspector-General of…
- Phuket News
Armed meth dealer busted in Phuket
PHUKET: Police arrested an armed drug dealer in Phuket on Thursday. Saichon Taengkliang, 37, was caught with about 235 grams of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine) and 331 pills of ya bah (methamphetamine), as well as a firearm and ammunition, confirmed Lt Col Prawit Engchuan of the Phuket Provincial Police. “We received a tip-off that Mr Saichon was dealing meth to…
- Phuket News
Hedonist thieves captured via CCTV
PHUKET: Police arrested two suspected thieves and their accomplice on Wednesday, after collecting evidence from nearby CCTV cameras. Chaiprasit Boonyok and Thiradet Chotika, both 23, confessed to two robberies that took place last week, confirmed Thung Thong Police Superintendent Chaowalit Petchsripia. “They told us that they had committed the crimes just to have some extra cash to ‘have a good…
- Phuket News
American dies in fall from 17th floor of Phuket hotel
PHUKET: A 40-year-old American man fell to his death from the 17th floor of a Patong hotel early this morning. “When we arrived at the scene, we found the body of the man was laying in the parking lot of the Royal Paradise Hotel and Spa,” said Patong Police Deputy Superintendent Akanit Danpitaksat. The man, whose name is being withheld…
- Opinion
Opinion: Safety needed by land, sea and air
PHUKET: This year’s high season for tourism has brought with it a surge in needless mishaps, injuries and deaths as tourists flock to our shores in pursuit of holiday happiness. Many of the victims, without a doubt, presume that sufficient measures are in place to ensure their safety. Rules and regulations do exist, but as our news pages chronicle –…
- Phuket News
British expat found dead at Kamala home
PHUKET: A British expat was found dead in front of his home in Kamala this morning. A neighbor discovered Thomas Robert Putnam, 52, hanging by his neck from a beam in his front yard. “We received a call from Mr Putnam’s landlord, Jarin Sattaman, whose father found him hanging in front of the house,” confirmed Lt Navin Petchjan of the…
- Phuket News
Resort employee beat by taxi driver for hailing tuk-tuk
PHUKET: Police arrested a taxi driver Wednesday after he was caught on CCTV cameras assaulting a Holiday Inn Resort Phuket employee in Patong on Tuesday. Officers used the footage to identify Chamni Khaiduang, 50, who was seen viciously attacking Human Resources Director Tawatchai Kwanchum, 37, after he hailed a tuk-tuk for hotel guests. “Mr Tawatchai flagged down a tuk-tuk at…
- Phuket News
Police hunt driver in fatal hit-and-run
PHUKET: Police are hunting the driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a woman in Paklok this morning. Obrom Daengprapai, 68, was dropping her 5-year-old granddaughter off at school when her motorbike was hit by a car while changing lanes, confirmed Lt Kraisorn Boonprasop of the Thalang Police. “Witnesses told us that Ms Obrom attempted to change from the…
- Thai Life
Up in the air: Aviators hit Hat Yai for huge airshow
PHUKET: For the second consecutive year, a large contingent of recreational aviation enthusiasts from Phuket flew southeast to Songkhla Province to take part in what may have been the largest and most exciting air show in Thailand’s history. The show was staged for Thailand’s National Children’s Day, an annual event which is celebrated on the first Saturday after New Year.…
- Phuket News
Open house to be held by Phuket Homeschooling Network
PHUKET: The Phuket Homeschool Network will be staging an all day open house at Rajabhat Univeristy’s Arts and Cultural Center on January 24 to present the achievements of the homeschooling network throughout the island. The event aims to present an alternative education system to the public and display the achievements of homeschooled children, explained Pakawan Chaimaneekorn, representative of Phuket Homeschool…
- Thailand News
Thailand offers condolences after Jakarta bombings
PHUKET: Thailand has expressed regret and sadness over yesterday’s bombings in Jakarta that resulted in the loss of several lives and left many injured. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said in a statement that he was deeply saddened to learn of the blasts and shootings in the Indonesian capital (story here). “On behalf of the Royal Thai Government and the…
