Legacy Phuket Gazette

Legacy Phuket Gazette

Archiving articles from the Phuket Gazette circa 1998 - 2017. View the Phuket Gazette online archive and Digital Gazette PDF Prints.
  • OpinionVideo Report: Thai Tourism and Sports Minister names Phuket as the next sports tourism hot spot

    Video Report: Thai Tourism and Sports Minister names Phuket as the next sports tourism hot spot

    Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, 54, is the Tourism and Sports Minister of Thailand. She was appointed by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in August. She studied in the United States, graduating from Rhode Island School of Design. Before becoming minister, Ms Kobkarn was a chairperson at Toshiba Thailand. Here, she expresses excitement for the upcoming 4th Asian Beach Games and hopes that the…

  • Phuket NewsVideo Report: Chang ITF Pro Circuit women’s tournament

    Video Report: Chang ITF Pro Circuit women’s tournament

    PHUKET: The International Tennis Federation (ITF) brought some serious tennis to Phuket recently, as young hopefuls gathered at Thanyapura looking to drive up their rankings, in the hopes of one day qualifying to compete against the big boys and girls at Wimbledon and elsewhere on the pro circuit. The second Chang ITF Pro Circuit women’s tournament ended at Thanyapura on…

  • Phuket NewsSAT expects Thais to take first at Asian Beach Games

    SAT expects Thais to take first at Asian Beach Games

    PHUKET: The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has revealed that it expects Thai athletes to claim 44 of 51 gold medals at the 4th Asian Beach Games, which begin in Phuket on Novmeber 14. The Sports Reporters-Photographers Association of Thailand recently held a “Meet the Press” conference to review Thai athletes’ preparation and assess their chances at bringing home gold…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Immigration chief dodges long queue queries

    Phuket Immigration chief dodges long queue queries

    PHUKET: The Phuket Immigration chief has avoided answering questions regarding complaints from foreigners about slow service and long queues spilling out of the office in Phuket Town, with some foreigners having to return over several days in order for their applications to be processed. One foreigner reported to the Phuket Gazette that he arrived at the office in Phuket Town…

  • Phuket NewsYouth dinghy sailors head for King’s Cup showdown

    Youth dinghy sailors head for King’s Cup showdown

    PHUKET: A fleet of 25 Optimist and seven Laser dinghies set sail off Cape Panwa last weekend as the Phuket Dinghy Series 2014 got underway, ahead of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta to be held in December. Racing began in front of the Sailing Club of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command Base at 11am, with breezes of eight…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket looks to “Beach Police’ to serve and protect tourists

    Phuket looks to “Beach Police’ to serve and protect tourists

    PHUKET: The island’s top-ranking police officer is forming a new division of “Beach Police” officers to patrol Phuket’s popular shores. “We are now working on setting up Beach Police squads for every beach in Phuket,” Provincial Police Commander Patchara Boonyasit told the Phuket Gazette. “The officers will have their own uniforms – shorts with short-sleeved shirts – so beach-goers can…

  • PropertyThe Mall Group forges ahead with B20bn baht Phuket project [video] | Thaiger

    The Mall Group forges ahead with B20bn baht Phuket project [video]

    Phuket Today talks with the Mall Group’s Vice-Chairwoman Supaluck Umpujh. PHUKET: Not concerned about the current economic slowdown and full of hope about the changes that Phuket is undergoing, the Mall Group will drive forward with its plan to invest as much as 20 billion baht in a new, multi-purpose retail and entertainment center in Phuket. Speaking during a recent…

  • Business NewsDon’t buy shares of Alibaba… yet

    Don’t buy shares of Alibaba… yet

    PHUKET: Over the past several weeks, my phone has been ringing off the hook from clients wanting to get in on the Alibaba IPO. I told each of them the same thing: “wait”. There was a lot of hype leading up to the IPO, and it’s the same situation as when Facebook went public. Being patient and waiting are two…

  • OpinionPhuket public venues attracting the wrong visitors

    Phuket public venues attracting the wrong visitors

    PHUKET: As a Phuket local who was born and raised here, and who has seen many things change over the years, I’ve started to wonder about the reasoning behind a few new places that have popped up – and why so much money was spent on them. I am particularly curious about two recent developments: 72nd Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park…

  • OpinionTaxing changes in Phuket will see payoffs

    Taxing changes in Phuket will see payoffs

    Peerawut “Chris” Kunchorn has been part of the team at the Vijitt Resort in Rawai since 2009, and is currently manager of the resort. He attended Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in Bangkok, and also studied at the Hotel and Tourism Training Institute. Here, he shares his views on what needs to be done to advance Phuket’s tourism sector, as well…

  • Business NewsPhuket’s marine tourism on AMCHAM agenda [video] | Thaiger

    Phuket’s marine tourism on AMCHAM agenda [video]

    PHUKET: The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) in Thailand has organized a special forum event focusing on the future of Phuket’s marine tourism industry to be held on November 21. Phuket risks great harm to its reputation as an international tourist destination if a dolphin park is allowed to open here, explained dolphin-rights activist Ric O’Barry in an exclusive interview…

  • Thailand NewsPolice coy over new probe into Koh Tao murders

    Police coy over new probe into Koh Tao murders

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Police coy over new probe into Koh Tao murders The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Local police in Surat Thani province have refused to comment on reports that the Myanmar Embassy and the Justice Ministry are pushing for a fresh investigation into the murders of two…

  • Cannabis NewsPre-emptive strike: Phuket Police net drugs, guns ahead of Loy Krathong

    Pre-emptive strike: Phuket Police net drugs, guns ahead of Loy Krathong

    PHUKET: A recent crackdown on drugs and guns in Phuket has resulted in mounting concern over muggings during the Loy Krathong Festival this week. “There will be a great number of tourists and locals participating in the festivities, and we know that criminals look to take advantage of people during events like this,” Arayaphan Pukbuakao, a deputy commander of Phuket…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok officials check controversial Phuket dolphinarium [video] | Thaiger

    Bangkok officials check controversial Phuket dolphinarium [video]

    PHUKET: Department of Fisheries officials from Bangkok examined the hotly contested Nemo Dolphinarium today. “Five officers came to inspect the facility and question the owners,” Suchart Youngsup, acting chief of the Phuket Fisheries Office told the Phuket Gazette. “Everything is being taken care of by Bangkok officials. We are just supporting them as necessary.” With renowned dolphin-rights activist Ric O’Barry…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Governor calls for AIS devices on speedboats, fishing vessels

    Phuket Governor calls for AIS devices on speedboats, fishing vessels

    PHUKET: Governor Nisit Jansomwong called on the Phuket Marine Office yesterday to require all vessels, including speedboats and fishing trawlers, to be equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver. The use of an AIS receiver is standard safety policy in many places around the world, as they inform skippers of small craft of the location, direction and speed of…

  • Phuket NewsMosque gate crashers: Phuket Police chase down armed drug runners

    Mosque gate crashers: Phuket Police chase down armed drug runners

    PHUKET: Police arrested four armed men after the suspects crashed into the front gates of a mosque in central Phuket while attempting to dodge a police checkpoint this morning. Police began their pursuit of the Isuzu pickup truck, bearing Trang license plates, after witnessing it turning around in order to avoid a checkpoint in Thalang at about 9am. “While we…

  • Phuket NewsTime running out for Phuket Immigration to explain extortion allegations

    Time running out for Phuket Immigration to explain extortion allegations

    PHUKET: Phuket Immigration has two days left to clarify why a foreigner filed a formal complaint alleging extortion by officers at the Patong branch. The complaint claimed that immigration officers were charging foreigners fees for services that are supposed to be free. Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong promptly gave the Patong Immigration chief 15 days to explain the details of the…

  • Thai LifeDiving: Phuket’s Loy Krathong from below the surface

    Diving: Phuket’s Loy Krathong from below the surface

    PHUKET: HIGH season officially got underway for divers two weeks ago with parties at AquaMaster and Dive Supply, but the real party this week is more of a cultural thing – Loy Krathong. Having always been a strong supporter of night dives, which I fully understand are most instructors’ nemesis, it appears that Loy Krathong could offer a truly unique…

  • OpinionSatire: Schizoid about English teachers

    Satire: Schizoid about English teachers

    PHUKET: Some time ago, a website called EnglishClub.com ran an article announcing that foreigners wishing to teach English in Southeast Asia may soon be subjected to draconian screening procedures. According to the article, Asean education officials were proposing a whole battery of tests for foreign English teachers, beginning with police background checks and tests for drugs and personal hygiene. There…

  • Thailand NewsInheritance tax draft includes property tax rates to be presented to Cabinet | Thaiger

    Inheritance tax draft includes property tax rates to be presented to Cabinet

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Inheritance tax draft includes property tax rates to be presented to Cabinet The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: The draft inheritance-tax bill will be proposed to the Cabinet meeting next Tuesday with an expected fixed rate of no more than 10 per cent to be imposed…

  • Thailand NewsTwo arrested for attacking French tourist

    Two arrested for attacking French tourist

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Two arrested for attacking French tourist The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Police announced yesterday that they had arrested two men for allegedly attacking and attempting to rape a French female tourist in Soi Samsen 3 in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district early on Monday. After the…

  • Thailand NewsHis Majesty treated for diverticulitis | Thaiger

    His Majesty treated for diverticulitis

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community His Majesty treated for diverticulitis The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej is receiving treatment for diverticulitis and is being administered relevant antibiotics, the Royal Household Bureau announced on Tuesday. In the eighth announcement after His Majesty’s admittance to Siriraj Hospital, the bureau…

  • Thailand NewsKhon Kaen Airport closed after Thai Airways aircraft skids off runway

    Khon Kaen Airport closed after Thai Airways aircraft skids off runway

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Khon Kaen Airport closed after accident The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: All flights to and from Khon Kaen Airport have been cancelled in the wake of an accident involving a Thai Airways International aircraft, which skidded off the runway on Monday night. With operations to…

  • Thailand NewsTourists warned of storm dangers as Similans closed

    Tourists warned of storm dangers as Similans closed

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Tourists warned of storm dangers as Similans closed The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Phang Nga’s Similan Islands National Park ordered the Similan and Tachai islands to be closed until Friday as a precaution for tourists’ safety from storms and high waves. Park chief Nat Kongkesorn…

  • Phuket NewsBreaking News: Phuket teacher arrested for rape of 12-year-old student

    Breaking News: Phuket teacher arrested for rape of 12-year-old student

    PHUKET: Police arrested a 29-year-old teacher at Baan Kalim School today for the rape of one of his 12-year-old students. The teacher, Jirasit Samakkarn, has denied the charges. The family of the girl, given the pseudonym “A” by police, filed the complaint on August 6. “After that, we kept a close watch on him until we had enough evidence to…

  • Thailand NewsThe Pirate Bay co-founder arrested in Nong Khai | Thaiger

    The Pirate Bay co-founder arrested in Nong Khai

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community The Pirate Bay co-founder arrested in Nong Khai The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Immigration police have arrested a co-founder of The Pirate Bay, a torrent index site and tracker, while he was trying to cross the border from Laos into Nong Khai. Hans Fredrik Lennart…

  • Phuket NewsGun-toting Phuket Town gang, druggies busted

    Gun-toting Phuket Town gang, druggies busted

    PHUKET: Police swept up a Phuket Town gang yesterday after arresting three men and three minors in possession of illegal firearms and ya ice (crystal methamphetamine). “Col Sermphan Sirikong and his team seized a Norinco 9mm Glock, another 9mm handgun, three 9mm magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and 200 grams of ya ice,” Lt Col Somsak Thongkliang told the…

  • Phuket NewsTourist speedboat struck by lightning, rescued north of Phuket

    Tourist speedboat struck by lightning, rescued north of Phuket

    PHUKET: A speedboat, struck by lightning while returning from a day trip to the Similan Islands last night, has been recovered safely with all 32 tourists and five crew on board alive and well. Officials lost contact with the boat Je T’Aime, operated by the Love Andaman tour company, at about 8:30pm. “They were returning from Koh Tachai to Baan…

  • Thai LifePhuket gears up for Loy Krathong festival

    Phuket gears up for Loy Krathong festival

    PHUKET: Tourists and island residents don’t have far to go to explore the wonders of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage as one of the country’s most romantic, tranquil and beautiful holidays is just around the corner. Loy Krathong, the “Festival of Light”, takes place on the full moon of the 12th lunar month of the year, falling this year on November…

  • Thailand NewsPM vows to allocate land to the poor | Thaiger

    PM vows to allocate land to the poor

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community PM vows to allocate land to the poor The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has promised to deliver “happiness” as New Year gifts to low-income people. “Through projects to be launched by various ministries, people will get free stuff and access to…