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.
  • Phuket NewsPACC Dives in on extortion charges

    PACC Dives in on extortion charges

    PHUKET: Charges of extortion lodged by 41 members of the Phuket dive industry will be investigated by national-level anti-corruption officers who arrived on the island today. Public-sector Anti Corruption Commission (PACC) Secretary Prayong Preeyachitt promised a thorough investigation that would conclude with legal action against any officer found guilty of extortion. The charges stem from a round-up of dive instructors…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Poll: Better driver training best way to stop Patong Hill carnage

    Phuket Poll: Better driver training best way to stop Patong Hill carnage

    PHUKET: More than half of the respondents to a Phuket Gazette poll said that better training for tour bus drivers was the best way to stop the carnage on Patong Hill. Two people crushed to death by a runaway bus in December (story here) sent officials scrambling for ideas on how to prevent more needless deaths on the notorious slope…

  • Entertainment‘Music is My Life’ party kicks off tomorrow night at Diamond Beach Club [Video] | Thaiger

    ‘Music is My Life’ party kicks off tomorrow night at Diamond Beach Club [Video]

    The ‘Music is My Life’ party kicks off tomorrow night at Diamond Beach Club in Surin. Well known local club DJs Taz (Phuket House Mafia), Nemo (resident of Catch), James Dougall (Evil Twins) and an international DJ (former music director at Bed Supperclub in Bangkok) are set to perform some killer sets in tribute to DJ Josh Ezelle, a former…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket lounge chair touts battle boot campers for beach space

    Phuket lounge chair touts battle boot campers for beach space

    PHUKET: A Phuket exercise and beach-cleanup group saw an abrupt end to their activities on March 15 when lounge chair touts battled them for space on Nai Harn Beach. “Clean the Beach Boot Camp” is a free event held every two weeks aimed at bringing together local expats and giving back to the community, explains Krix Luther, the health and…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket protesters to stage mass rally on Saturday

    Phuket protesters to stage mass rally on Saturday

    PHUKET: Anti-government protesters will stage a mass rally in the heart of Phuket Town this Saturday in support of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protests in Bangkok. “Our rally will start in front of Provincial Hall [map here] at 8:30am, and from 9am we will parade through Phuket Town to show our strength to the government,” protest co-ordinator Amnuay…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Vatican deposes German ‘bishop of bling’

    Phuket Gazette World News: Vatican deposes German ‘bishop of bling’

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Vatican deposes German ‘bishop of bling’ Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: The Vatican removed a German bishop on Wednesday because he spent 31 million euros ($43 million) of Church funds on an extravagant residence when Pope Francis was preaching austerity. It said the atmosphere in the…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Officials say 90 people still missing in Washington mudslide

    Phuket Gazette World News: Officials say 90 people still missing in Washington mudslide

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Officials say 90 people still missing in Washington mudslide Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: The number of people missing after a landslide sent a wall of mud crashing into dozens of rural Washington state homes dropped to 90 on Wednesday, as officials reported finding more bodies…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket Gazette Thailand News: Court drops Lese Majeste; Police deny beating Lak Si shooter; Bt3bn Australia-bound heroin bust in Ranong; Activists slam Thai seafood slavery

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Court drops Lese Majeste; Police deny beating Lak Si shooter; Bt3bn Australia-bound heroin bust in Ranong; Activists slam Thai seafood slavery

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Court drops Lese Majeste case over lack of strong proof The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: The Court of Appeal gave an alleged lese majeste offender the benefit of the doubt yesterday and acquitted him after the man’s computer notebook – confiscated by police – was…

  • Phuket NewsHydrogen sulfide kills four, injures four in Phuket sewer | Thaiger

    Hydrogen sulfide kills four, injures four in Phuket sewer

    PHUKET: Four workers were killed by hydrogen sulfide fumes in a Phuket Town sewer this morning, and four others remain hospitalized after attempting to rescue them with inadequate equipment. The four who died had been tasked with maintenance of a sewer access point about 100 meters from Tesco Express on Srisena Road, and they succumbed to the fumes one by…

  • Phuket NewsChalong Police called to answer diver extortion allegations

    Chalong Police called to answer diver extortion allegations

    PHUKET: The Chalong Police have been ordered to explain in writing to Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut what transpired on March 10, when more than 20 foreign dive instructors were taken into custody at Chalong Pier. The foreigners were transported to Chalong Police Station in a police pick-up truck – and allegedly threatened with legal action if they did not pay…

  • Phuket NewsMum’s nightmare a prelude to daughter’s disappearance becoming murder investigation

    Mum’s nightmare a prelude to daughter’s disappearance becoming murder investigation

    PHUKET: More than three months after 7-year-old Natthapa “Nong Dear” Papkaew disappeared, her mother had a nightmare that her beloved daughter had been raped by a tall man with a knife. Jaroon Papkaew, Nong Dear’s mother, woke from the horrific vision only to discover a graver nightmare: DNA tests confirming that the human remains found in a Chalong pine field…

  • Phuket NewsOfficials inspect overflowing Phuket landfill, prepare for possible fires

    Officials inspect overflowing Phuket landfill, prepare for possible fires

    PHUKET: Island officials yesterday visited Phuket’s overloaded waste management facility and took steps to ensure that any fire there could be quickly contained. The inspection followed the news of a blaze that erupted in a garbage disposal site in Samut Prakan province on March 16 (story here) and adversely affected many locals in the area. “I have asked Prachum Suriya,…

  • Thai LifeWhale shark and manta ray sightings abound in waters north of Phuket

    Whale shark and manta ray sightings abound in waters north of Phuket

    PHUKET: Whale sharks and manta rays are the climax for divers’ wet dreams – though admittedly most divers’ dreams are wet. Unfortunately, the probability of sharing ocean space with both of these majestic marine creatures on a single trip is absurdly low, yet just north of Phuket at the Similan Islands, that’s exactly what’s happening. While many of us are…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Sweden demands EU shares out asylum seekers burden

    Phuket Gazette World News: Sweden demands EU shares out asylum seekers burden

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Sweden demands EU shares out asylum seekers burden Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: With numbers of asylum seekers in Europe reaching a two-decade high, Sweden’s immigration minister said many member states were sitting on the sidelines and warned the EU needed to share out the burden…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Chinese families clash with police, slam Malaysia over lost plane

    Phuket Gazette World News: Chinese families clash with police, slam Malaysia over lost plane

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Chinese families clash with police, slam Malaysia over lost plane Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Dozens of angry relatives of passengers on a lost Malaysian jetliner clashed with police in Beijing on Tuesday, accusing the Southeast Asian country of “delays and deception” a day after it…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket Gazette Thailand News: Bus ravine plunge leaves dozens dead; Grenades rock Bangkok; NSC chief gets his job back

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Bus ravine plunge leaves dozens dead; Grenades rock Bangkok; NSC chief gets his job back

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Bus plunges into ravine in Tak, killing 29, injuring 23 The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: A double-decker bus plunged into a ravine in Tak province on Monday night, killing 29 passengers* and injuring 23 others. Most of them were elderly people. As of press time,…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket kidnapping suspect wanted by Russian Police

    Phuket kidnapping suspect wanted by Russian Police

    PHUKET: Police heading the investigation into the alleged kidnapping of Iana Strizheus and Alexey Slabinskiy have confirmed that one of the two main suspects is a Russian fugitive. “We are aware that Ukrainian Oleksandr Boychuk, 44, is wanted by the Russian Police,” Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Arun Kaewvatee told the Phuket Gazette. “We know only that he was wanted…

  • Phuket NewsFrench resort manager, Ukrainian tour guide nabbed in work permit raids

    French resort manager, Ukrainian tour guide nabbed in work permit raids

    PHUKET: Phuket Immigration last night arrested the manager of The Blue Garden Resort & Spa in Cherng Talay, where Russian woman Iana Strizheus was found bruised and battered after her alleged kidnapping ordeal (story here). Officers moved in and arrested French national Eric Raymond Seigneurin, 55, at about 9pm after plainclothes police posing as tourists observed him serving tourists at…

  • Phuket NewsChalong Police chief denies Phuket dive industry shakedowns

    Chalong Police chief denies Phuket dive industry shakedowns

    PHUKET: Chalong Police Superintendent Krittapas Dazintharasorn has publicly denied that any of his officers are – or have been – involved in arresting and extorting money from foreign dive instructors in Phuket. Col Krittapas’ denial of corruption among his officers follows more than 20 dive instructors being rounded up at Chalong Pier (map here) and taken to Chalong Police Station…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Gov warns against showing ‘too much’ skin during Songkran

    Phuket Gov warns against showing ‘too much’ skin during Songkran

    PHUKET: Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut issued a warning yesterday about showing too much skin during the Thai New Year Songkran Festival next month. “Tourists need to be aware of how they dress and of their surroundings when participating in the Songkran Festival. Please do not just wear a bikini, as it might make you a target for sexual harassment,” said…

  • Phuket NewsSister of Russian missing in Phuket offers B500,000 reward

    Sister of Russian missing in Phuket offers B500,000 reward

    PHUKET: The sister of missing Russian Alexey Slabinskiy has offered half a million baht for information leading to the arrest of the two men believed to be involved in his disappearance. An additional 100,000 baht is offered to whoever finds her brother. WANTED: Olexsande Boychuk. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong Mr Slabinskiy disappeared with his girlfriend, Iana Strizheus, on March 7 (story…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket FC versus Sriracha City FC tomorrow night | Thaiger

    Phuket FC versus Sriracha City FC tomorrow night

    PHUKET: Come out to support your local Yamaha League One 11th place Phuket FC Ronins as they take to the pitch against 17th place Sriracha City FC. The game starts at 6:30pm tomorrow night, March 26, at Surakul Stadium in Phuket Town – get there early to get a good seat!

  • Phuket NewsA moving meditation

    A moving meditation

    PHUKET: Making a guest appearance at the Aikido of Phuket dojo across from Bangkok Hospital, Aikido Grand Master Nobuo Maekawa exceeded my per-conceived expectations of the quintessential Japanese martial artist. Small in stature but huge in confidence, aging but incredibly able and agile, lighthearted yet deeply philosophical and reflective. “It is a moving meditation. Blend, like cafe au lait. If…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Obama seeks allied, China support as Ukraine exits Crimea

    Phuket Gazette World News: Obama seeks allied, China support as Ukraine exits Crimea

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Obama seeks allied, China support as Ukraine exits Crimea Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: U.S. President Barack Obama sought support from European allies and China on Monday to isolate Russia over its seizure of Crimea, and Ukraine told its remaining troops to leave the region after…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket Gazette Thailand News: Suthep rallies as DSI mulls next move; Abhisit faces 2010 charges; Trawler crew eyed for murder

    Phuket Gazette Thailand News: Suthep rallies as DSI mulls next move; Abhisit faces 2010 charges; Trawler crew eyed for murder

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community DSI mulls more action against PDRC The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will combine its investigation into People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) moves to stop voters from casting their ballot on February 2 with allegations of insurrection, for which PDRC…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Death toll from Washington state mudslide climbs to 14, scores missing

    Phuket Gazette World News: Death toll from Washington state mudslide climbs to 14, scores missing

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Death toll from Washington state mudslide climbs to 14, scores missing Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: The confirmed death toll from a devastating weekend mudslide in Washington state climbed to 14 people on Monday as six more bodies were found, while scores of others remained listed…

  • World NewsPhuket Gazette World News: Malaysia says jet crashed in sea; bad weather halts search

    Phuket Gazette World News: Malaysia says jet crashed in sea; bad weather halts search

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Malaysia says jet crashed in sea; bad weather halts search Reuters / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Bad weather and rough seas on Tuesday forced the suspension of the search for any wreckage of a missing Malaysian jetliner that officials are now sure crashed in the remote Indian…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket black water problem to be taken on by Bangkok officials

    Phuket black water problem to be taken on by Bangkok officials

    PHUKET: In an effort to combat the black water debacle in Karon, officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to temporarily relinquish control of wastewater management in the area to the Wastewater Management Authority of Thailand (WMA). “Municipality officers signed the MoU on March 13. It allows the WMA to take charge,” Director of Regional Environmental Office 15 Pornsri Suthanaruk…

  • Phuket NewsMyanmar Embassy Official visits Phuket over allegations of workers’ rights violations

    Myanmar Embassy Official visits Phuket over allegations of workers’ rights violations

    PHUKET: The Labour Attache to the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok landed in Phuket on Friday to dig into allegations by Myanmar construction workers of labor law violations. “I came down to Phuket to follow up on a complaint on March 5 against Nantawan Co, Ltd, which employs about 200 workers from Myanmar,” said Kyaw Kyaw Lwin, Mr Lwin had just…

  • Phuket NewsEngland cricket captain Broad fined for outburst

    England cricket captain Broad fined for outburst

    PHUKET: England captain Stuart Broad has been fined 15 percent of his match fee for criticizing the officials after his side’s rain-affected World Twenty20 defeat to New Zealand, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Sunday. Broad, who admitted a Level 1 charge of publicly criticizing the match officials, said following Saturday’s nine-run defeat that the decision to keep the…