News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, lifestyle, and tourism—stay updated with breaking news and in-depth analysis from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond.
-
Sponsored Why health insurance costs more each year and how expats in Thailand can save more money
Each year, many expats living in Thailand see their health insurance premiums go up and often without a clear reason. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to plan your budget. But by understanding why prices rise and learning...
-
National News: Five police killed in Yala; Flood warnings; Thais get out of Syria
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Pickup bomb kills five policemen in yala Phuket Gazette / The Nation PHUKET: Five police officers were killed yesterday and another wounded by a car bomb attack in Yala’s Raman district. The six man squad from Tha Thong Police Station, which was assigned to escort teachers…
-
Phuket hotel investments surge in 2012
PHUKET: Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels is predicting that Phuket will be one of Asia Pacific’s hotel investment hot spots in 2012, following record sales in the first half of the year. Investment in the hotel property sector in Phuket is expected to exceed 10 billion baht (US$315m) for the full year for first time ever in 2012. Mike Batchelor, Managing…
-
Phuket AMCHAM puts “Best Green Tourism Practices’ on the agenda
PHUKET: The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Greater Phuket Chapter is co-ordinating with local environmental welfare group SEEK to hold a seminar focusing on Best Green Tourism Practices in Phuket. The seminar, to be held at the Holiday Inn Patong on August 24, will highlight how sustainable green programs, ranging from recycling, energy and water savings and more, can help…
-
British tourist, 47, drowns at Patong Beach
PHUKET: An English tourist who ignored warnings not to swim in dangerous surf at Patong Beach yesterday became the latest monsoon-season drowning victim in Phuket. Patong Police received a report of the incident at 8:15am. Among the officers who rushed to the scene were Patong Police Superintendent Jirapat Phochanaphan and his deputy Kittipong Klaikaew. Pol Sub Lt Thawatchai Srimai told…
-
Project to reverse Patong traffic flow hits a speed bump
PHUKET: A long-awaited plan to reverse the direction of one-way traffic flow in Patong was expected to take effect in June, but has been delayed as work to complete a new roundabout at the north end of the beach road has fallen behind schedule. The 4.2-million-baht Laem Petch Circle project was delayed due to the need to remove utility poles…
-
Phuket Gazette: Ronnie Barker’s son arrested on child porn charges
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Ronnie Barker’s son arrested on child porn charges after 8 years on the run Phuket Gazette / News Wires PHUKET: Adam Barker, son of British comedian Ronnie Barker, appeared in a London court yesterday after being on the run for more than eight years, police said.…
-
Truck driver charged after Phuket woman crushed in rush hour
PHUKET: The driver of a six-wheeled truck with a dual-axle trailer in tow has been charged with reckless driving causing death after his trailer clipped a 58-year-old woman riding a motorbike to work this morning.The woman, Prapha Charoensiri, fell on to the road and died instantly after she was crushed under the wheels of the juggernaut.Maj Kittiphum Tinthalang of Phuket…
-
Thailand News: Weather warning issued as Vicente moves on
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community PHUKET: The national weather bureau is warning of heavy rain and possible flooding, as well as forest run-off, this week due to the effects of Typhoon Vicente. The Meteorological Department today issued a warning for those living in the northeast, north as well as the eastern…
-
Aussie tourist who cried ‘rape’ in Phuket deported today
PHUKET: Stevie Rochelle Bamford, the 21-year-old woman convicted of falsely reporting that she was raped in Patong, was deported to her native Australia today. Patong Police escorted Ms Bamford to Phuket Immigration Headquarters at midday in preparation for her return flight. The officer escorting her said Ms Bamford was scheduled to board a flight home with her boyfriend this afternoon.…
-
Outrigger to buy Phuket’s Laguna Beach Resort
PHUKET: Outrigger Hotels and Resorts announced today in a press release that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the 254-room Laguna Beach Resort, located on Bang Tao Bay on the northwest coast of Phuket. The transaction is scheduled to close in the first quarter of 2013. The press release did not stipulate how much the resort was being…
-
Phuket Gazette: Hong Kong lashed
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Typhoon Vicente lashes Hong Kong, injuring 118 Phuket Gazette / News Wires PHUKET: A severe typhoon lashed Hong Kong early this morning, injuring more than 110 people and causing flooding in several parts of the city, local authorities said. It is the worst typhoon to hit…
-
Phuket Investor: The alternative gold rush
PHUKET: With all the economic strife the world has seen over the past 12 months, I feel as if I’ve turned into a portrayer of doom. So, I’m taking the doom gloves off and jumping on the feel good train, which seems to have hit the European markets this last couple of weeks. I’m not saying that the problems have…
-
Phang Nga man crushed in Phuket crane accident
PHUKET: The operator of a pile-driving crane was crushed to death when the machine fell off its trailer in Phuket this morning. Thalang Police were notified of the accident in front of the Thalang National Museum in Srisoonthorn at 9:25am today. Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers raced to the scene to find a man’s body pinned under the retractable boom of…
-
Patong, Phuket set for election alcohol bans
PHUKET: The sale of alcohol will be banned across Phuket on August 26 and again in Patong on September 2 as voters go to the polls for local elections. The August 26 island-wide alcohol ban will come into effect as residents vote in the upcoming Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) council election. The ban, in accordance with the Election Act,…
-
Phuket Hospital cuts red tape for free treatment of officials
PHUKET: Local government officers can now receive medical treatment at the Phuket Provincial Hospital in Phuket Town without going through the “pay first, be reimbursed later” process. The deal was inked by Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) President Paiboon Upatising yesterday, when he signed an agreement to provide a medical care advance credit arrangement at the hospital for public-sector workers.…
-
Thailand Open commences August 9
PHUKET: The Thailand Open commences August 9-12 at Suwan Golf & Country Club. Players from Europe and Asia will be competing for US$1 million in prize money at the OneAsia event. Veteran golfer, Prayad Marksaeng, hopes to put behind him the disappointment of coming a close second last year to Australia’s Andre Stolz. The Australian beat Prayad scoring 22-under compared…
-
Phuket World News: Syria says no to chemicals; Death messages in Oz; Sally’s last ride
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– World news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Syria says it will not use chemical or biological weapons to crush uprising Phuket Gazette / News WiresPHUKET: The Syrian government said yesterday it will not use chemical or biological weapons to crush a 16-month-old uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, the first time it has acknowledged possession…
-
Aussie expat found hanged in Phuket
PHUKET: An Australian expat took his life by hanging in a luxury home under construction in Phuket, it was discovered this morning. Thalang Police were notified of the apparent suicide at 10:30am by the wife of the victim, 38-year-old Australian Daniel Cruwys. When police and Kusoldharm Foundation workers arrived at the scene, an upscale home in Pa Khlok, they found…
-
Patong residents voice support for “Special Admin Zone’
PHUKET: The push to designate Phuket’s top tourism town of Patong as a “Special Administrative Zone” received much positive support at a public meeting on Friday. The meeting, held to gather feedback from local residents, was headed by Pridi Chotechuang, Deputy Secretary General of the Political Development Council and fellow PDC member Jinda Boonjun. The PDC is an independent “think…
-
Phuket FC draw with Songkhla, 0-0
PHUKET: Despite some good scoring chances and strong crowd support, Phuket FC were only able to take a single point away from last night’s encounter with Songklha FC, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Going into the match mired in the five-team relegation zone, Phuket FC went on the attack early with some good scoring chances. Former FC Phuket goalkeeper…
-
Ukraine dance troupe wows Phuket
PHUKET: Fans of traditional eastern European dance will have a chance to catch the world-renowned Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble at the Simon Star Cabaret in Phuket this afternoon. The 50-strong troupe is on the island courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, who helped organize the event in order to raise funds for the Thai Red Cross Society, Phuket Chapter.…
-
Exciting sailing caps finale to Phuket Raceweek
PHUKET: The best was saved for last as the final day of the 2012 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek saw 10-12 knots of breeze gusting to 15, and some spectacular competition around the southern islands of Phuket, which brought to an end an exciting and successful week. Two races – a windward/leeward and an islands course – for all except…
-
News headlines for Thailand Today
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH– Thailand news compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community EV71 case ‘no cause for panic’ Phuket Gazette / The NationPHUKET: Department of Disease Control chief Dr Pornthep Siriwanarangsan yesterday advised the public not to panic over the discovery that a toddler had died at a Bangkok hospital from an Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection.Pornthep said the Nopparat…
-
Phuket Opinion: A caveat for Toh Seh Hill, and a hint for politicians
PHUKET: A project by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) to develop Toh Seh Hill as a recreational site is well-intentioned, and the Gazette hopes that the current OrBorJor – as well as the administrations that follow it – are prepared to commit sufficient resources to ensure that the hill’s natural charm is not despoiled by garbage, traffic snarls, gang…
-
Early winners and tight racing on Day 3 of Raceweek
PHUKET: Blue skies and a steady eight knots of wind greeted sailors yesterday on Day 3 of the 2012 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek. PRO Simon James announced a scenic island course for all classes – Course 39 for all except the Classics who were set Course 23. After two days of windward/leewards for many classes, this was a chance…
-
Phuket Gazette: Gunman kills 12 at Batman premiere
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Gunman kills 12, injures 58 at Colorado movie theater Phuket Gazette / News Wires PHUKET: A gunman outfitted in complete ballistic gear entered a movie theater in Colorado yesterday and opened fire during the premiere showing of the new Batman movie, killing 12 people and injuring…
-
Ex-cop found dead in Phuket Town hotel
PHUKET: A former police officer from Ranong was found dead in his Phuket Town hotel room on July 18. Police say there were no signs of a struggle and believe the officer died of natural causes while on holiday.The late Lt Col Chokchai Charucharee had recently retired from service at Suk Samran Police Station in Ranong, where he was a…
-
Phuket Surfing: Stoked on a bit of star power
PHUKET: The monsoon season is back and you know what that means – the Quiksilver Thailand Surf Competition will soon return to Phuket. This year features an all new, star-studded lineup.More than 300 surfers from all over the world are expected to participate in the event, which will be held from September 12-15 at Patong Beach. The competition is organized…
-
Big changes as Phuket FC prep for Songkhla
PHUKET: Star Brazilian goalkeeper Alonso Da Silva will leave Phuket FC in a surprise transfer move marking the height of a mid-season team overhaul. Though Da Silva was not available for questioning at the time of this report, a reliable source has confirmed to the Gazette that rumors about the transfer circulating on the team’s Facebook fan page on Thursday…
-
Thai boats to the fore on Day 2 of Phuket Raceweek
PHUKET: Six knots, then eight knots. Grey skies, then blue. That was the weather prediction for day 2 of the 2012 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek and as the boats left the anchorage, the winds were light but building. Two windward/leewards for IRC Racing, Firefly and Racing Multihull classes, and longer island courses for IRC Cruising and Classic classes was…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.