News
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Sponsored Is tap water in Thailand safe to consume?
Wondering if you can drink the tap water in Thailand? From brushing your teeth to filling up a bottle, it’s helpful to understand a few basics. Tap water safety in Thailand varies by location, and while some people use it...
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Boat crew members nabbed for suspected drug use
PHUKET: Phuket Marine Police apprehended four tour boat crew members for suspected drug use yesterday. “We randomly tested about 30 tour boat crew members at Chalong Pier as part of our Songkran safety campaign,” said Phuket Marine Police Chief Lt Col Panya Chaichana. “Four crew members tested positive for drug use. They were transferred to Chalong Police Station for legal…
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New diversions in place at Samkong intersection
PHUKET: Motorists heading for Kathu and Patong from the bypass road can now turn right at the Samkong intersection, following the preliminary opening of the new underpass on Sunday (story here). However, motorists heading north from Central Festival and wishing to make the turn to Kathu cannot turn left at the intersection, as access is blocked while construction on the…
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Phuket Immigration offices closed for Songkran break
PHUKET: Phuket Immigration offices, as well as other government offices on the island, are closing for the Songkran break from Wednesday April 13 to Sunday April 17. The Phuket Immigration office in Saphan Hin opens again on April 18, confirmed Phuket Immigration Chief Sunchai Chokkajaykij. The Patong Immigration Office on the beach road (Taweewong Road) is also closing for the…
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Propeller kills Phuket fisherman taking a leak
PHUKET: A Myanmar fisherman urinating off the back of a boat was killed after getting caught in the propeller on Saturday. The 30-year-old fisherman, named by police only as Mr Nai, reportedly fell off the edge of the fishing boat, Eakmomgkolchai 111, and into the spinning blades below. “Nitikorn Sangklapo, 43, the captain of the boat, reported that the incident…
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‘Red jellyfish’ prompt Phi Phi warning
PHUKET: Blooms of ‘pink jellyfish’ spotted off the coast of Krabi have prompted officials to issue a warning to tourists about swimming at Phi Phi National Park. “We are not certain exactly what species of jellyfish within the Pelagiidae family they are,” said Charatsee Aungtonya, a marine expert from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). “However, based on…
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Traffic finally flows through Samkong Underpass
PHUKET: The northbound lane of the long-awaited Samkong Underpass was finally opened for traffic yesterday, after being marred with a deluge of problems. “The lane opened up at about 4pm,” said Chalermpol Wongkiattikun, the project engineer from the Department of Highways. “So far, traffic has been moving through it very smoothly.” Construction on the project is now expected to end…
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Brussels bombers had planned new attack in France
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Brussels bombers had planned new attack in France Phuket Gazette / Reuters BRUSSELS: The militant cell behind bombings in Brussels had been plotting to hit France again after carrying out the Paris attacks in November, but was forced to strike closer to home as police closed…
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Philippine troops clash with Muslim rebels; 23 killed, 73 hurt
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Philippine troops clash with Muslim rebels; 23 killed, 73 hurt Phuket Gazette / Reuters MANILA: Philippine soldiers battled a group of about 120 Muslim rebels linked to Islamic State in a ten-hour assault on a southern island that killed 23 people, an army spokesman said on…
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Opinion: Road safety during the holidays
Phuket Provincial Police Commander Teeraphol Thipjaroen, 56, took up his position on the island last year. He is a graduate of the Royal Police Cadet Academy and has been working in Phuket since 1983, except for brief postings to Krabi and Surat Thani. Here he talks about the roles and responsibilities of the police and citizens during Songkran to help…
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A Decade Ago: Parliamentary elections and cable thieves
PHUKET: In A rare move, the Phuket Gazette dove into politics in the April 8-14, 2006 edition as the Democrat Party announced a boycott of the parliamentary election polls, despite Thaksin Shinawatra announcing that he would step down from the Premiership. “What the PM did last night was for his own benefit; ordinary people who do not understand politics in…
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Tough new laws to help clear Phuket beaches of animal touts
PHUKET: The stakes will be raised for those engaged in the illegal, exotic-animal trade once the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment signs a new law draft, which is expected to take place after the Songkran break. “For more than 20 years we have witnessed the illegal killing and exploitation of endangered and protected wild animals for tourism. Every day,…
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Phuket security force boosted by 200 for Songkran
PHUKET: An additional 200 officers will be added to security forces in Phuket for the Songkran holiday, confirmed Phuket Provincial Police Commander Teeraphol Thipjaroen yesterday. “Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year celebration, many people travel during this period of time, which increases the likelihood of criminal activity and road accidents,” Lt Gen Tesa said. “The extra help on the…
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Paris attacks suspect Abrini arrested
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Paris attacks suspect Abrini arrested Phuket Gazette / Reuters BRUSSELS: Mohamed Abrini, wanted over November’s Islamic State attacks in Paris, has been arrested in Brussels, Belgian public broadcaster VRT said on Friday, adding that he was probably involved in last month’s Brussels bombings. Public prosecutors confirmed…
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Alcohol-free Songkran celebration at Limelight Avenue
PHUKET: Limelight Avenue will be hosting a clean fun Songkran party on April 13 to encourage people to partake in the wet holiday in a responsible manner. Under the slogan ‘Songkran No Alcohol and Discovery Thainess’, the party will run from 4:45pm to 9pm, with musical performances by Absolution, Black Sheep and Zeal. The following will be banned in the…
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Immigration denies claim of ‘Intelligence report’ citing Uyghur terrorists in Phuket
PHUKET: A recently leaked ‘intelligence report’ that has created a stir on social media was knocked back yesterday when Immigration Commissioner Nathathorn Prousoontorn told local media in Phuket that there were no records of the the report’s alleged terrorist suspects entering Thailand. The report had indicated that four terrorists had entered Phuket and Samui to destabilize the popular holiday destinations.…
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Promising prospects for Phuket marine industry
PHUKET: With clear signals from the government that it is serious about transforming Phuket into an Asean marine leisure and yachting hub, key figures in the province’s public and private business sectors are forging alliances to help bring that vision to fruition. Marine business representatives, members of the Phuket Tourist Association, the Chamber of Commerce and local councilors met at…
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Krabi locals pay respect to metal cow pat
KRABI: Locals are paying their respects to a large chunk of metal that was found in a steaming pile of cow feces yesterday. “I went to collect the cow poo for fertilizer, and noticed that it was heavier than normal,” said Boonjan Duangjan, 53. “I’ve raised about 15 cows in my palm plantation for more than 20 years, and have…
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Surin Beach businesses beg Bangkok to stop demolition
PHUKET: About 20 evicted Surin beachfront shop owners appealed to the Justice Minstry in Bangkok yesterday in hopes of stopping or delaying the demolition of their restaurants, shops and clubs. Ma-ann Samran, president of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organization (OrBorTor), told the Phuket Gazette today that he is aware of the complaint, but was not worried about it. “We…
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A pint or a prayer? Monks in Japan put Buddhism on the menu
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community A pint or a prayer? Monks in Japan put Buddhism on the menu Phuket Gazette / Reuters TOKYO: The hum of conversation and the clinking of spoons and coffee cups fills the wood-panelled cafe in a fashionable Tokyo neighborhood as more than a dozen customers sip…
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Fidel Castro, 89, makes rare public appearance
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Fidel Castro, 89, makes rare public appearance Phuket Gazette / Reuters HAVANA: Former Cuban President Fidel Castro, 89, made a rare appearance outside his home on Thursday, visiting a school to mark the birthday of a late revolutionary heroine days after penning a scornful critique of…
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Anti-Trump forces gain momentum after Cruz’s win in Wisconsin
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Anti-Trump forces gain momentum after Cruz’s win in Wisconsin Phuket Gazette / Reuters PHUKET: Donald Trump’s Republican rivals were invigorated on Wednesday by the front-runner’s loss in the Wisconsin primary and moved quickly to bolster efforts to block the New York billionaire from capturing the party’s…
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Row2Rio more than halfway through epic adventure
PHUKET: Battered by waves, flying fish and brutal heat, the adventurers of Row2Rio left the African coastline, pulling themselves through the middle of the Atlantic in their pioneer voyage from Portugal to Brazil (story here). “30 days doing two hours on, two hours off – it sounds ridiculous when I say it,” wrote Luke Richmond, Aussie expat and head coach…
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No proof of guns in Naka encroachment case
PHUKET: Officials this morning found no evidence to back allegations of gunmen preparing to clear a piece of island forest in a land encroachment case on Naka Noi Island. “A group of men with guns, claiming to be hired by the land owner, were about to clear the forest, which is home to our precious hornbills. The land itself [sic]…
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Fruit truck flips, spills load, makes squash on Kamala Hill
PHUKET: A six-wheel truck laden with fruit flipped on Kamala Hill, spilling its load across the road yesterday afternoon. The single-vehicle accident caused tailbacks for several hours while a clean-up team righted the truck and cleared the road of produce. “A crane was brought in to pull the truck out of a ditch. The driver, Somparn Talunai, 42, escaped with…
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Island View: The spirit of Songkran
PHUKET: Songkran is one of the happiest festivals celebrated by Thais. When I was young and lived in Phuket, I always found the Songkran celebrations in other provinces such as Chiang Mai to be very unique and beautiful. Over the years Phuket has grown into a hub filled with Thais from all corners of the country living and working here,…
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Finance: Understanding Counter Trend Rallies
PHUKET: In early March, US and global markets began a short-term counter trend rally that has seen these markets regain about 50 per cent of their prior decline. However, there are reasons you need to remain cautious by staying largely in cash. The stock market began to rally in 2009, hitting an all-time high last summer. Since then, the market…
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Ministry of Farang Affairs: Overenthusiasm at Songkran
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.…
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Opinion: The conundrum of Phuket International Airport prices
PHUKET: Although it took years to act, the Ministry of Commerce is to be commended for finally ordering an end to blatant overpricing on the most basic of consumer goods at Phuket International Airport: food and bottled water. As so artfully pointed out by the airport’s chief financial officer, high prices for consumer goods at airports is hardly a phenomenon…
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Phuket commemorates Chakri Day
PHUKET: Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada led local officials and community members in a ceremony this morning at Phuket Rajabhat University to commemorate Chakri Day. The public holiday marks the founding of the royal Chakri Dynasty in 1782, of which the present Thai monarch, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is the ninth king (Rama IX). “Today we paid our respects to the…
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Ultraman completes epic swim around Phuket
PHUKET: Swedish Ultraman World Champion Jonas Colting became the first-ever man to swim around Phuket as he stepped onto Mai Khao Beach this morning. “We are proud that someone has made history by becoming the first man to swim around the beautiful island of Phuket. This is a great activity to showcase Phuket as a sports and tourism hub of…
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