Phuket News
Phuket news, politics, business, tourism, and nightlife—stay updated with breaking stories, events, and expat updates from Thailand’s top island destination. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Phuket news source.
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Sponsored 5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)
Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...
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Blackchin tilapia threat leads to fish destruction in Phuket
Concerns over the potential invasion of blackchin tilapia in Phuket have led to the destruction of 20 kilogrammes of the fish sold at local markets. The environmental group Monsoon Garbage Thailand sparked the action, highlighting the ecological threat posed by the species if it were to establish itself in the island’s waters. The blackchin tilapia, a cichlid species native to…
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Officer monkeying around: Phuket cop saves Russian’s bag
A police officer in Phuket has been commended for his resourcefulness in retrieving a Russian woman’s bag from a mischievous monkey at Khao Toh Sae in Phuket Town. The incident, highlighted on the Phuket News Hawk page, involved Police Sergeant Supachai Arunchot and Pol. Sgt. Phuthip Chotiwatanakorn of the Phuket Provincial Police. Pol. Sgt. Supachai recounted how the monkey, a…
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Baby Hawksbill turtle rescued from marine debris at Rawai Beach
A baby Hawksbill turtle was rescued from a heap of marine debris washed ashore at Rawai Beach. The young turtle was discovered yesterday, July 28, by staff from Rawai Municipality, who promptly notified the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Centre, under the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Weighing 1.8 kilogrammes and with a shell measuring 27.5 centimetres wide…
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Busted: ‘Smoke and mirrors’ shop nabbed for untaxed cigs, vapes
Two women have been apprehended for selling untaxed cigarettes and illegal vaping paraphernalia at a shop in Soi Pha-niang, Moo 5, Ratsada. The illicit operation netted them more than half a million baht over the past three months. The 23 year old Sarinya Phonkaew, from Satun, and the 25 year old Chonlada Chuewong, registered as living in Chalong, were detained…
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Power outage to hit Baan Manik in Srisoonthorn tomorrow
A scheduled power outage will impact Baan Manik in Srisoonthorn tomorrow, as announced by the Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang). The outage will occur from 9am to 4.30pm to allow workers to safely conduct repairs and maintenance on the high-voltage system in the area. The specific areas affected extend from the entrance of Wat Thepwanaram (Wat…
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Efforts intensify to protect rare marine species in Andaman Sea
Efforts to protect rare marine species along the Andaman Sea have intensified, with new aerial surveys revealing the presence of dugongs, sea turtles, and dolphins, highlighting a thriving marine ecosystem. The initiative, spearheaded by senior officials, aims to conserve these precious resources. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Pachara Wongsoonsawat has shown significant concern for the…
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2 Pakistani men arrested in Phuket after scamming Thai vendors
Police have arrested two Pakistani men at a residence in Phuket after they repeatedly defrauded several Thai vendors. The men claimed that their criminal actions were unintentional and resulted from being under the influence of alcohol. The owner of a drugstore in the Kamala sub-district of Phuket filed a scam complaint with Kamala Police Station after a foreign customer, later…
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Indian tourist drowns at Surin Beach despite red flag warning
A 27 year old Indian tourist drowned at Surin Beach after getting entangled in a rip current during an early morning swim with friends yesterday, July 24. A red flag, indicating dangerous water conditions, was posted on Surin Beach. Despite this warning, the Indian tourist, Kapoor Manav and his friends ventured into the sea. Thalang Police Station received notification at…
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Mooring buoys installed off Koh Hei to protect coral reefs
Rawai Municipality and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Region Third Area Command at Cape Panwa spearheaded an initiative yesterday to install more mooring buoys off Koh Hei (Coral Island). The event, held to honour His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday this Sunday, July 28, was led by Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos and Rear Admiral Suchat Thammapitakwet, Commander of the RTN…
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Phuket canal blackened by boat engine soot, not oil spill
Black water in Klong Tha Jeen, located on the east side of Phuket Town, was traced back to soot from a boat engine, according to the Phuket Marine Office. The incident occurred yesterday when soot from the engine of a boat named Jovana caused black water to appear on the canal’s surface. A tip-off was received around 11am, yesterday, July…
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Shellfish showdown: Tempers boil over pricey shrimp dish in Phuket
A heated debate has erupted over the pricing of a shrimp dish at a well-known restaurant in Chalong, Phuket. The controversy began when the popular Facebook page Page E So Khia Khao 3 shared a post about the stir-fried lotus lai with shrimp served by Suan Indy Seafood in Soi Kruwattana (Soi Palai 2). The post highlighted the dish’s price…
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Motorbike rider dies in car collision on Thepkrasattri Road, Phuket
A motorbike rider died following a collision with a car on Thepkrasattri Road in Koh Kaew, Phuket, on Sunday night. A Phuket City Police Station spokesperson confirmed the death yesterday, July 22, after the rider succumbed to his injuries at Mission Hospital Phuket. The rider, Khajon Patiphatpitak, was pronounced dead at the hospital, having been involved in the accident around…
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Patong tuk tuk driver fined after aggressive road confrontation
Patong tuk tuk drivers are again under scrutiny after an alarming confrontation between a driver and a resident in traffic. The incident, captured in a 51-second video, ignited a wave of criticism and concern among Phuket residents. A resident, who has been living in Phuket for eight years, documented the encounter and posted the video on the Facebook page Driving…
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Debate ignites over van-car collision in Patong Hill, Phuket (video)
A collision between a van and a car at the intersection of a hotel driveway in Patong Hill, Phuket, sparked a heated debate over road rules and responsibilities. Video footage of the incident, shared by the NewshawkPhuket Facebook page, shows a white car exiting a hotel on Phra Baramee Road in Kathu district and being hit by an oncoming van.…
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Phuket enforces 48-hour alcohol ban for Buddhist holidays
Patong police announced a 48-hour ban on alcohol sales in bars and restaurants as Thailand observes the Buddhist holidays Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa this weekend. Violating the alcohol sales ban could result in up to six months in jail or a fine of up to 10,000 baht, according to the notice issued by Patong Police. Officers informed bar…
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Wichit conducts major tsunami evacuation drill in Phuket
Phuket’s Wichit Municipality conducted a comprehensive tsunami evacuation drill and rescue exercise yesterday, July 18, aimed at bolstering disaster preparedness in Phuket. Wichit Mayor Kreetha Chotiwichpipat and Mueang Phuket District Chief Worasit Putjeeb led the drill, which involved multiple agencies in a Table Top Exercise (TTX). The simulation was designed to test the municipality’s ability to respond to a tsunami…
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Irish footballer fights for his life after bike crash in Thailand
An Irish footballer from Cork, in the Republic of Ireland, is battling for his life after a catastrophic cycling accident in Thailand. The horrific crash on Saturday, July 13, left the Tramore Athletic Football Club goalkeeper with severe injuries, prompting an outpouring of support that has raised over 46,000 euros (around 1 million baht) in just hours. Rushed to Phuket…
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Foreign man caught on viral video urinating on Phuket road (video)
A viral video shared on a news Facebook page showed a foreign man urinating in the middle of the Patong Beach Road in Phuket during a traffic jam, despite many motorists staring at him. The Facebook page, 1วันพันกว่าเรื่อง ภูเก็ต (meaning over 1,000 things happen in a day), shared a video of the foreign man, whose identity was not disclosed, yesterday,…
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Phuket police seize 188 Yaba pills in drug bust
Police in Phuket apprehended two individuals in Baan Phru Somphan, Moo 8, Thepkasattri, following local community complaints about drug-related activities. The Provincial Defence Office reported that the arrests took place at approximately 6.35pm on July 16. The names of the suspects were not disclosed. The first suspect, referred to as Accused No.1, was found in possession of 175 methamphetamine pills,…
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Transport Ministry execs visit Phuket to boost economic development
Senior executives from the Ministry of Transport gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, engaging in a two-day study tour aimed at boosting economic development in the region through transportation initiatives. This initiative, part of a broader training programme organised by the Ministry of Transport, targets government officials and employees from state enterprises. Running from May 27 to August 16, the…
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Tourist mugged near Big Buddha Viewpoint in Phuket
A tourist was mugged near the Big Buddha Viewpoint in Phuket, prompting Karon Police to launch a manhunt for the assailant. The incident took place yesterday, July 16, at approximately 6.22pm near the Nak-Kerd Seaview Cafe, according to police reports. A Thai man, identified only as Wirat, witnessed the mugging while driving towards Chalong. He immediately alerted the police by…
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Fire ravages Karon Night Plaza, damages exceed 43 million baht
A devastating fire at Karon Night Plaza over the weekend ravaged 20 shops, causing damage exceeding 43 million baht, Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee confirmed. The blaze erupted early morning on July 13, primarily affecting seafood and clothing stalls. Firefighters were alerted to the scene at approximately 11.40pm on July 12 night and continued battling the flames into the early hours…
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Phuket cleanup in full swing after storm wreaks havoc
Teams of workers are diligently clearing debris across Phuket after a severe storm struck the island overnight. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported that the storm brought intense rain and winds reaching up to 68 kilometres per hour, causing significant disruption. The municipalities of Wichit and Thepkrasattri confirmed that several trees were uprooted, minor flooding occurred, and there was damage…
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Overloaded truck blocks Patong Hill, causing long delays (video)
A truck overloaded with hay bales blocked traffic over Patong Hill last night, causing extensive delays. The incident occurred when the truck struggled to climb the steep hill, before ultimately coming to a halt near its base. The video, shared on Facebook by Newshawk Phuket, recorded the truck at 11.25pm, yesterday, July 15, as it struggled and eventually stopped. The…
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Tourist brutally attacked by taxi drivers in Phuket (video)
Motorbike taxi drivers brutally assaulted a tourist, rendering him unconscious outside a prominent shopping mall in Patong Beach. A video clip shared on Facebook by Phuket Info Centre revealed the attack, sparking outrage and criticism from netizens. The incident took place today, July 15, at approximately 3am, when a group of motorbike taxi drivers attacked a tourist outside the Central…
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2 men & 1 women wanted by cops for sex on Patong beach (video)
Police are searching for two men and a woman, whose nationalities remain undisclosed, after they engaged in sexual activities on Patong Beach in Phuket yesterday, July 14. The Facebook news page, โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต (meaning Phuket is so brutal), shared a picture of three people having sex on the beach yesterday. The picture was reported to be a screenshot from two…
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NZ brothers return home after 4 months in Thai custody for assault
Two New Zealand brothers, who were detained in Thailand for nearly four months following an assault on a police officer in Phuket, have returned home. Hamish and Mattson Day had faced multiple charges after a disagreement over a speeding violation on March 16 escalated into violence. A passerby captured footage of the incident, showing 38 year old Mattson Day attacking…
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Motorbike taxi speeds along Patong Beach, alarming tourists (video)
A motorbike taxi was seen speeding along Patong Beach in Phuket, causing confusion among the many tourists relaxing on the shore. Lifeguards attempted to intervene but were unable to catch the rider. A video showing a motorbike taxi riding on Patong Beach in Kathu district, Phuket, was shared by Monsoongarbage Thailand and Newshawk Phuket, causing a stir on social media.…
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Viral Phuket motorcycle breast groper arrested
Chalong Police in Phuket apprehended a drive-by breast groper after his attack and the chase of a woman in Rawai earlier this month garnered significant public attention. Chalong Police Chief, Police Colonel Ekarat Plaiduang, announced the arrest today, July 12, confirming that officers detained a 23 year old Myanmar national Aung Ko Phyo yesterday. The arrest followed a thorough investigation.…
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Power outage to hit Kathu, Phuket for maintenance tomorrow
Phuket will experience a significant power outage affecting a large section of Kathu tomorrow to allow for essential maintenance work on the high-voltage network. The Provincial Electricity Authority for Phuket (PEA Phuket) announced that the outage would occur from 9am to 4.30pm. A map provided by PEA Phuket highlights the affected area, stretching from in front of Sam Burger shop…
Phuket is a province in the south of Thailand. Phuket's beaches face the Andaman Sea allowing the west coast beaches fantastic sunsets right throughout the year. If you're looking for news in Phuket, go to thethaiger.com/phuket Or follow our instant news in our Facebook pages.
The good news is that Phuket is famous for its foodie scene with an enormously diverse range of local and international foods - Phuket and southern favorites, street food along with international choices catering for the 12 million visitors to the island each year. Thaiger follows Phuket news and information 24 hours a day with regular updates.
Phuket is only 'just' an island with a 300 metre bridge linking it to Thailand's mainland. We're always reporting in the news that the channel beneath is frequently dredged to maintain Phuket's status as an island. On the other side of Sarasin Bridge is the Province of Phang Nga.
Getting to Phuket is easy as the island has land, air and sea connections. Phuket is also used as a take-off point for local island trips as Thailand's largest island is surrounded by over 30 pristine islands. Koh Phi Phi and the famous Maya Bay are always in the news and would be the best known of the island's just off Phuket's shores.
Phuket is an island and a province. It's the largest island in Thailand – 48 km north to south, 21 km east to west.
It's about 20% smaller, in area, than Singapore but much less densely populated. Whilst the island nation of Singapore boasts a population of nearly 6 million, Phuket has a permanent population of around 400-450,000 (but varies a lot with the influx of tourists and a workforce that is always changing). Most of Phuket remains jungle and tropical rainforest despite an acceleration of development over the past 20 years.
Unlike some of Thailand's other popular islands (that are in the Gulf of Thailand), the news is that Phuket is located in the Andaman Sea.
Phuket is 878 km north of the equator.
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