Legacy Phuket Gazette

Archiving articles from the Phuket Gazette circa 1998 - 2017. View the Phuket Gazette online archive and Digital Gazette PDF Prints.
  • Phuket NewsPhuket beach encroachment top concern of Senate tourism sortie

    Phuket beach encroachment top concern of Senate tourism sortie

    PHUKET: A fact-finding tour of Phuket’s top west coast tourist beaches yesterday identified encroachment by hotels, resorts and restaurants as the top concern among members of the Senate Standing Committee on Tourism. The tour of beaches began at about 8:30am, led by Phuket Senator Tunyaratt Achariyachai, who is also the chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Tourism. Joined by…

  • Phuket NewsUS Ambassador Kenney showers praise on Phuket

    US Ambassador Kenney showers praise on Phuket

    PHUKET: US Ambassador Kristie Kenney praised an array of aspects of Phuket during her one-day outreach trip to the island yesterday. “I am very thankful for every Phuket police officer. I am aware of how hard your work is, especially as Phuket is a tourism city and you have to take care of not only Thai people, but also foreigners,”…

  • Thai LifePhuket Life: Smooth sailing on the USS Nimitz [VIDEO] | Thaiger

    Phuket Life: Smooth sailing on the USS Nimitz [VIDEO]

    PHUKET: For anyone interested in military aviation, a chance to board the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is the opportunity of a lifetime – and a group of lucky Phuket reporters were invited aboard the mammoth floating airfield soon after it anchored off Cape Panwa recently. The Nimitz Strike Group includes the USS Princeton missile cruiser and nine flight squadrons.…

  • Phuket NewsVIDEO Report: Phuket officials unveil “drive-thru’ preview of Patong Tunnel

    VIDEO Report: Phuket officials unveil “drive-thru’ preview of Patong Tunnel

    PHUKET: The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), commissioned to roll out the Patong Tunnel project, has released a video highlighting the preferred route the tunnel will take through the Phuket hills separating the Kathu valley from the beachside resort town of Patong. The preferred route was chosen after a panel of experts investigated three major factors in the selection process,…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Turkish patience runs out; Greek tragedy; Cabbie stabber confesses; Swiss banks shaken

    Phuket Gazette World News: Turkish patience runs out; Greek tragedy; Cabbie stabber confesses; Swiss banks shaken

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Skirmishes in Turkey after police storm Istanbul square Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Turkish riot police fought running battles with pockets of protesters overnight after storming a central Istanbul square in a show of force that risked ratcheting up tensions almost two weeks after anti-government demonstrations began.Prime Minister…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket Gazette Thailand News: Businessman murdered; Drug dealer wanted by FBI arrested; F1 in Phuket; Size not important

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Businessman murdered; Drug dealer wanted by FBI arrested; F1 in Phuket; Size not important

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Driver admits killing Ekkayuth, police say The Nation / Phuket GazettePHUKET: The chauffeur of missing businessman Ekkayuth Anchanbutr admitted to his murder last night, former police spokesman Pol Lt General Prawut Thavornsiri said on his Twitter account.Two other suspects who allegedly helped Santiparb Pengduang are on the…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s new Airport Bus slated for July 1 launch

    Phuket’s new Airport Bus slated for July 1 launch

    PHUKET: The Phuket transport authorities today verbally agreed to launch the new Phuket Airport Bus service on July 1.The provincial transportation committee will meet again next Tuesday to ratify the decision in writing, Phuket Vice Governor and committee chairman Chamroen Tipayapongtada confirmed.Of the 29 government officers, airport officials and tourism and hotel industry representatives present at the meeting today, not…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket tour company robbed after staffer makes bank withdrawal

    Phuket tour company robbed after staffer makes bank withdrawal

    PHUKET: Police are searching for a thief who robbed a small Phuket tour company of almost 70,000 baht this morning.“We questioned all four of the staff at Nonthasak Marine Co Ltd,” said Phuket Provincial Police Commander Choti Chavalviwat.Pornpirom Junthong, a human resources staffer at the company, told police she went to a bank with a friend to withdraw 69,239 baht…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Police suspect arson in three-truck fire

    Phuket Police suspect arson in three-truck fire

    PHUKET: Three pickup trucks burned early this morning in a fire police believe was caused by a faulty liquid gas tank (LPG) tank or arson.Police responded to a report just after 1am that a vehicle was ablaze at a commercial building near the entrance to Wat Manik in Srisoonthorn, Thalang.Firemen took 30 minutes to put out the fire, which appeared…

  • Thai LifePhuket Lifestyle: Rice – a whole grain of truth

    Phuket Lifestyle: Rice – a whole grain of truth

    PHUKET: Rice is the staple food of the Thai diet and one that is consumed in great quantities. From breakfast to dinner, and sometimes well into the night, no Thai meal is ever complete without rice. Nothing beats a bowl of freshly cooked, aromatic Jasmine rice. Considered by Thais the king of all rice, its perfume is redolent of the…

  • Business NewsPHUKET FINANCE: Don’t let a ‘wall of worry’ cut you off from a bull market

    PHUKET FINANCE: Don’t let a ‘wall of worry’ cut you off from a bull market

    PHUKET: Although the economic numbers coming out of the United States are not exactly impressive, the S&P 500 has been hitting all time highs and at the end of April, was up some 14.5% since the start of the year, while gold, the ultimate investment of market contrarians, plunged the most in 33 years. In other words, the US stock…

  • Phuket NewsLong-awaited Patong Phuket Immigration office to re-open Thursday

    Long-awaited Patong Phuket Immigration office to re-open Thursday

    PHUKET: The Patong Immigration office, scheduled to re-open almost a year and a half ago (story here), will open on Thursday, and provide limited immigration services in addition to general immigration information. The office, located on Thaweewong Road next to the Patong Tourist Police Volunteers office (map here), will provide 90-day resident reporting services. In addition, hotels will be able…

  • Business NewsPhuket International Boat Show 2014 sponsorship opportunities

    Phuket International Boat Show 2014 sponsorship opportunities

    PHUKET: A number of commercial sponsorship and partnership packages are now available for the next Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), which will celebrate its eleventh anniversary next January. Sponsorship experts, Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co Ltd, will represent PIMEX 2014 in its drive to attract new sponsors and partners, offering several package tiers (click here for site). Andy Dowden…

  • PropertyTaking the long-term view for Phuket’s property market

    Taking the long-term view for Phuket’s property market

    PHUKET: I figured I might as well go ahead and embarrass myself right out of the gates by making a bold prediction about where Phuket’s property market is headed. Unfortunately for you, my prediction is probably much longer term than you might be hoping to hear. It is based on a few simple principles, and I dare say that if…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket Gazette Thailand News: Supercar crackdown looms; Bangkok raid nets prized wildlife; Transgender ID photos approved

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Supercar crackdown looms; Bangkok raid nets prized wildlife; Transgender ID photos approved

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community DSI tells luxury car owners to keep valid documents ready The Nation / Phuket GazettePHUKET: People who own or possess 488 luxury cars, whose domestic prices start at Bt4 million each – mostly senior police and military officers, businesspeople and politicians – are required to produce relevant…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Egyptian war talk; Rains leave 40 dead; Thwarted Taliban attack; Mandela still serious; Suspected Taliban behead boys

    Phuket Gazette World News: Egyptian war talk; Rains leave 40 dead; Thwarted Taliban attack; Mandela still serious; Suspected Taliban behead boys

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Egypt “war” talk raises Ethiopia Nile dam stakes Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: Egypt does not want war with Ethiopia but will keep “all options open”, President Mohamed Mursi said yesterday, turning up the heat in a dispute over a giant dam Addis Ababa is building across the…

  • Phuket NewsSwedish domino effect nets another Phuket drug dealer

    Swedish domino effect nets another Phuket drug dealer

    PHUKET: Two gun-stashing drug dealers were scooped up on Friday in the wake of a drug bust that netted a Swedish national in Karon last month. Hasachai Khaokhem and Suvimon Chaikhun were arrested on Friday when police recognized them from a description given last month by drug dealer Nattharin Dansathaporn, 29. Mr Nattharin was found based on information supplied by…

  • Phuket NewsLaguna Phuket International Marathon sees fun and fund-raising

    Laguna Phuket International Marathon sees fun and fund-raising

    PHUKET: Michael Page of the UK won the eighth Laguna Phuket International Marathon (LPIM) when the annual running festival took to the island’s roads over the weekend. More than 4,000 entrants of all ages and abilities from 45 countries competed on a variety of distance courses in an atmosphere of community fun and charity fund-raising. Page finished the 42 kilometer…

  • Phuket NewsDrunk looking German busted for meth in Phuket

    Drunk looking German busted for meth in Phuket

    PHUKET: A German national whose inebriated driving style caught police attention on Saturday was arrested in Patong after he failed a drug test and confessed to having drugs in his hotel room. The 44 year old was stopped by Phuket Immigration officer Capt Angkarn Yasanop at about 1:30am. “We were on patrol as usual,” said Capt Angkarn. “When we arrived…

  • Phuket NewsV for Thailand unmasks Phuket unrest

    V for Thailand unmasks Phuket unrest

    PHUKET: Thousands of Phuket residents donned white Guy Fawkes masks and joined anti-government group “V for Thailand” to protest the current administration’s running of the country. “We are not a mob, we have gathered to let the government know that their management of Thailand has failed,” said a statement issued under the name of V-Phuket to the media during the…

  • Phuket NewsRainstorm drowns out Phuket FC

    Rainstorm drowns out Phuket FC

    PHUKET: The rainstorm that swept over the island last night forced officials to abandon the football match between Phuket FC and PTT Rayong; the decision was made more than halfway through the 0-0 deadlock at Surakul Stadium. Attending the half-match last night were several VIP guests of Phuket FC President Pamuke Achiriyachai, including Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut, Mr Pedro Moreira,…

  • Phuket NewsWeather warning for Phuket, Andaman as Patong’s streets flooded

    Weather warning for Phuket, Andaman as Patong’s streets flooded

    PHUKET: The flood waters from last night’s deluge have cleared from Patong’s streets, but the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for Phuket and the Andaman region forecasting more heavy rain until at least Friday. A two-hour torrential downpour last night flooded major streets in Patong, including the party district of Soi Bangla, to depths of half…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: NSA leak Snowden seeks refuge in Hong Kong; Germany evacuates as Elbe floods; Nazi diary undusted; Tanks in Beirut

    Phuket Gazette World News: NSA leak Snowden seeks refuge in Hong Kong; Germany evacuates as Elbe floods; Nazi diary undusted; Tanks in Beirut

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Ex-CIA man says exposed U.S. spy scheme for better world Reuters / Phuket GazettePHUKET: A former CIA employee working as a contractor at the U.S. National Security Agency revealed in an interview published on Sunday it was he who leaked details of a top secret U.S. surveillance…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket Gazette Thailand News: DSI seizes 20 luxury cars; Anti-Thaksin tycoon feared abducted; Deep South peace talks hit YouTube

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: DSI seizes 20 luxury cars; Anti-Thaksin tycoon feared abducted; Deep South peace talks hit YouTube

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community More luxury cars snared in tax scam raids in and near Bangkok The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: The Department of Special Investigation yesterday impounded 20 luxury cars on suspicion their owners had not paid proper import taxes. The high-end cars were seized pending tax clarification…

  • Phuket NewsLaguna International Marathon: 4,100 runners to conquer Phuket tomorrow

    Laguna International Marathon: 4,100 runners to conquer Phuket tomorrow

    PHUKET: A total of 4,100 runners – aged 13 to 80 years old and representing 45 countries – have registered to compete in the five races of the 8th Laguna Phuket International Marathon (LPIM), with runners set to take their marks as early as 4am tomorrow. Speaking to the Gazette this afternoon, shortly after marathon registration closed, Roman Floesser of…

  • Phuket NewsBritish national busted for dealing heroin on Phuket

    British national busted for dealing heroin on Phuket

    PHUKET: A Phuket Marine Police sting operation last night busted a British national with 6.1 grams of heroin smuggled onto Phuket from Koh Samui. John Robert George Cawley, 22, was caught in a Rassada rental room at about 11:30pm in possession of the category 1 drug stuffed into seven plastic bottles, said Phuket Marine Police Inspector Chatchai Sakdee. Marine Police,…

  • Phuket NewsHundreds of Phuket residents come together for World Ocean Day 2013

    Hundreds of Phuket residents come together for World Ocean Day 2013

    PHUKET: Nearly 500 local students and other participants joined together at the Phuket Aquarium in celebration of World Ocean Day 2013 this morning. “For this special day we encourage people to become more aware of the problems facing our oceans, and the need for them to take action,” Sombat Poovachiranon of the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) said. The United…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket hotel manager, truck take 50-meter fall

    Phuket hotel manager, truck take 50-meter fall

    PHUKET: A hotel manager lost control of his truck at the Khao Khad Viewpoint (map here), plummeting 50 meters down the treacherous hillside yesterday afternoon. Police received a report of the incident at about 4:50pm and rushed to the scene with Kusuldham Rescue workers to find Korean national Don Yeol Seo alive, but trapped in the overturned vehicle. “Mr Yeol…

  • Phuket NewsTeam Phuket Today to take on LPIM

    Team Phuket Today to take on LPIM

    PHUKET: Avid viewers of the Phuket Today show will no doubt be aware that, for the past several weeks, the TV show’s presenters have been training for this year’s Laguna Phuket International Marathon (LPIM). Isaac Stone Simonelli, who also has the challenging job of running the editorial news department of the Phuket Gazette you are currently reading; Tara Sudlow, lifestyle…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Sports: Monaco, Montreal, modifications – F1

    Phuket Sports: Monaco, Montreal, modifications – F1

    PHUKET: A crash laden Monaco was good for Mercedes; Nico Rosberg, now probably their number one driver, led from start to finish. This is not a harbinger of things to come in 2013; Monaco is a special race. Monaco, Spa and Suzuka are often quoted as the three tracks where driver skill can overcome technical differences between their cars. But…