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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Singaporean tourist dies allegedly due to oil massage in Phuket
A 52 year old Singaporean man died at a massage shop in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket after an oil massage. The cause of his death remains undetermined. Officers from Patong Police Station were called to Patong Hospital on Saturday, December 7, to investigate the death of the Singaporean man, identified as Lee Mun Tuck. Upon their arrival, they found…
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Phuket tourist criticised for reckless behaviour near Patong Beach (video)
Tourists in Phuket are drawing criticism after a video surfaced showing a foreign male tourist standing beside a moving car while drinking beer and smoking a cigarette in Patong Beach, Kathu district. Social media users have been quick to condemn the behaviour, questioning whether the driver was aware of the actions taking place. The incident, reported yesterday, has sparked a…
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Patong Festival traffic warning: Road closures from 4pm to 8pm
Patong Municipality is urging motorists to steer clear of Prachanukroh Road and Patong Beach Road, also known as Thaweewong Road, from the Patong Hill Intersection to Soi Bangla this afternoon. These routes will be closed from 4pm to 8pm to accommodate the grand parade that heralds the start of the annual Patong Festival, a key event in Phuket’s calendar. The…
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Phuket residents oppose Nebu Resort over traffic and privacy concerns
Residents of the Pasak Soi 6 area in Cherng Talay, Phuket, have intensified their opposition to the proposed construction of the Nebu Resort Bangtao, a seven-storey hotel. The development has been met with significant criticism from locals who fear the influx of tourist traffic on roads too narrow for such high volumes, potentially disrupting their tranquil neighbourhood. Protests erupted at…
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Phuket hospital gets cancer care cash to kickstart cure (video)
Phuket’s medical scene is on the brink of a major transformation, thanks to two hefty contributions that have been earmarked for the region’s first government-run cancer treatment facility at Vachira Phuket Hospital. The Vachira Phuket Hospital is set to welcome a brand-new Radiation Therapy Building, funded by donations ringing in at a staggering 1.5 million baht. In a formal affair…
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Phuket tragedy: US man electrocuted near restaurant
A tragic incident unfolded in Phuket as a long-separated couple, having reunited after years apart, faced an unimaginable misfortune. A man, who had travelled from the United States to meet his partner, tragically lost his life after being electrocuted. The tragic event occurred yesterday, December 5, at approximately 9.30pm near a grilled fish restaurant on Don Jomthao Road, Thepkasattri subdistrict,…
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Terror threat won’t deter Israeli tourists from Phuket, says PTA
Israel’s recent warning of a terrorist threat in Southeast Asia, following the murder of an Israeli rabbi in the United Arab Emirates, is not expected to impact Phuket, according to the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA). Despite the alert, Phuket remains a popular destination for Israeli tourists, with enhanced safety measures in place to ensure visitor security. The National Council of…
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Phuket and the Netherlands strengthen ties over tourism and traffic
H.E. Remco van Wijngaarden, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Thailand, met with Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai at Phuket Provincial Hall, alongside Sven Smolders, Honorary Consul for the Netherlands in southern Thailand. The gathering highlighted a shared commitment to bolstering ties through tourism, infrastructure development, and citizen welfare. With 500 Dutch nationals residing in Phuket and over 250,000 Dutch tourists…
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Cobra causes hiss-teria at Kata Beach in Phuket (video)
Tourists at Kata Beach in Phuket were startled when a cobra was spotted swimming near the shore, leading to a chaotic yet successful capture. The incident, which occurred yesterday, December 3, was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, causing quite a stir. The video shows tourists at Kata Beach, located on the western side of Phuket Island,…
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Phuket cabaret boosts economy with 200 million baht annually
Phuket’s vibrant cabaret scene is being hailed as a significant contributor to the province’s economy, with the potential to generate over 200 million baht annually. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwanrat highlighted the substantial impact of the Simon Cabaret Phuket Show during its reopening in the Kathu district yesterday. This year has marked a resurgence for tourism in Phuket, and the numbers…
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Phuket rolls out electric buses in bold push for greener island
Phuket has just taken a major leap towards modernising its public transport with the launch of electric buses, marking the beginning of a cleaner, more sustainable future for the island. The historic moment occurred yesterday, December 2 at the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), where a ceremony was held to unveil the first trial buses. Governor Sophon Suwannarat and PPAO…
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Brief encounter: Phuket woman calls out underwear pervert (video)
A Thai woman in Phuket is pleading with a pervert to stop his degenerate behaviour after he repeatedly stole her underwear for masturbation purposes before later returning them. The victim, whose name was not disclosed, shared her story with the Phuket Times, today, December 3, in the hope that the man would be shamed into stopping his actions. The page subsequently…
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3D-printed corals spark underwater hope at Koh Racha Yai
In a cutting-edge bid to revive the coral reefs around Koh Racha Yai, south of Phuket, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) is making waves with its annual reef restoration campaign. The initiative unveiled its latest eco-marvel: 3D-printed coral larvae islands on Saturday, November 30, designed to breathe life back into the battered seabeds. The high-profile launch event…
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Teenage kicks: Phuket teen nabbed in firearms face-off
In a dramatic turn of events on Saturday night, police in Wichit swooped in to arrest a teenager following a tense showdown involving unregistered firearms among a group of youths in Saphan Hin, Phuket. The night-time drama led to two firearms and ammunition being seized. The chaos erupted around 10.20pm, November 30, when police received urgent reports of teenagers causing…
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Man found dead in Phuket truck at worker’s dormitory
In a harrowing incident in Kamala, Phuket, a 32 year old man was discovered lifeless in his pickup truck parked at a worker’s dormitory. The tragic discovery unfolded yesterday, December 1, when the man’s wife stumbled upon the heartbreaking scene. Local police from Kamala were alerted to the situation at around 11.30am and swiftly made their way to the location.…
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Poker-faced fraudster nabbed in million-baht investment scam
In a dramatic turn of events, a key figure in a jaw-dropping multi-million baht investment scam has been collared by the law in Phuket. Nattapol, the slippery suspect, was rounded up by officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) working in tandem with the Highway Police, after slipping through the net on four separate arrest warrants for his alleged role…
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Phuket parade: Carnival rolls out beach carpet for tourists (video)
Phuket is gearing up to roll out the red carpet for tourists worldwide with the eagerly anticipated Phuket Carnival at Patong 2024. This annual spectacle, a hallmark of the island’s high tourist season, promises to be bigger and better than ever with its theme, Phuket Memories of a Lifetime. Taking place from December 8 to 10 at the bustling Bang…
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Phuket governor proposes monorail to fix island’s traffic
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat has proposed constructing a monorail system as a strategic solution to combat the increasingly challenging traffic conditions across the island. During an official press conference held yesterday, November 29, at Provincial Hall, which focused on promoting tourism and associated policies, Gov. Sophon discussed the potential monorail project with several private sector organisations. The proposal comes as…
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Phuket launches initiative to cut food waste by 15 tonnes daily
Phuket has embarked on an ambitious journey to tackle its mounting waste problem by launching a food waste management initiative. This project aims to reduce waste by 15 tonnes daily, positioning the island as a low-carbon destination. Janthima Duangsai, the director of the Environmental and Pollution Control Office at the Pollution Control Department, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting…
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Australian ambassador visits Phuket to discuss tourist safety
Australian Ambassador to Thailand Angela McDonald visited Phuket on Thursday, November 28, to engage in discussions with Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri. The meeting focused on strengthening economic, political, and safety ties between Australia and Phuket, underscoring the importance of maintaining robust bilateral relations. During the meeting, held at the Phuket Provincial Governor’s Reception Room, McDonald, along with key officials, explored…
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Saphan Hin: Woman’s body washes ashore, sparking investigation
Early morning fitness enthusiasts at Phuket’s Saphan Hin Public Park were met with a grim sight today as the body of a woman was discovered washed ashore at the tip of Saphan Hin Cape. Police were called to the scene at 6.30am, today, November 29, where they found a small crowd gathered around the deceased. The woman, believed to be…
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Illegal jet ski blitz: Phuket clamps down on rogue operators
Police in Phuket have made waves by seizing six unlicenced jet skis during a dramatic raid at Cape Yamu, Pa Khlok, Thalang. The operation, yesterday, November 28, led by Phuket Marine Police and Marine Department officers, was launched under orders from Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and Phuket Marine Chief Natchapong Pranit. The raid, conducted at Yamu Pier, aligns with a provincial policy…
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Jetstar flight to Phuket returns to Sydney after wheel damage
A Jetstar flight bound for the sunny shores of Phuket took an unexpected detour back to Sydney after a mechanical mishap forced pilots to prioritise safety. The JQ27 flight landed safely at Sydney Airport on Wednesday afternoon, November 27, following reports of a damaged wheel during take-off. Jetstar’s spokesperson assured passengers the situation was handled expertly. “Our flight from Sydney…
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Phuket’s tourism extravaganza: Andaman festival set to dazzle
Phuket is gearing up for a tourism extravaganza like no other. Governor Sophon Suwannarat has thrown open the doors to the Andaman Tourism Networking 2024, a dazzling showcase of six Andaman provinces under the banner, Happening Andaman. Mark your calendars for December 6 to 8 at Saphan Hin, because this three-day event promises to be unforgettable. Speaking at a press conference…
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Phuket police arrest ‘Red Hat Robber’ chef in phone shop heist
Police in Phuket have apprehended a suspect, known as the “Red Hat Robber,” involved in a robbery at a mobile phone shop. The suspect, a 29 year old chef named Ranjatharit Ngamtharanakit, allegedly committed the crime to repay his car loan. The incident took place at a mobile phone shop in Ban Ao Makham, near the oil depot in Wichit…
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Thai transwomen fight over foreign client on Phuket’s Bangla Road
Another physical fight broke out between Thai transwomen on Soi Bangla in Phuket last night, reportedly over a dispute to win the heart, and wallet, of a foreign client. Local news outlet Phuket Times reported on the incident, which occurred on the yesterday, November 26. “Ladyboys! Violent altercation! Bangla Road, Patong. Fighting over a foreign client. Ignoring repeated warnings. Locals…
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Senate chiefs praise Phuket’s visionary anti-corruption strategy
Phuket took centre stage yesterday as the Senate Committee on Independent Organisations visited the island to evaluate its anti-corruption drive and roadmap for sustainable growth. The high-profile meeting yesterday, November 26, at Phuket Provincial Hall, led by Police Major General Chatchawan Saengphet, highlighted the province’s ambitious efforts to clean up its act and secure a greener future. Phuket Vice Governor…
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Fire breaks out at Patong hotel sauna, no injuries reported
A fire erupted in the sauna room of the Patong Yorkshire Hotel & Spa, situated on Soi Taipan in Patong yesterday morning. Quick action by emergency services ensured that the blaze was contained without causing injuries or widespread damage. The Patong Police received notification about the fire at 11.39am yesterday, November 26. Responding promptly, police officers and firefighters from the…
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Phuket motorists warned of road closure for power pole relocation
Motorists in Phuket have been advised to steer clear of Soi Cherng Talay 16 today, November 27, due to a planned closure for essential infrastructure work. The Cherng Talay Police issued a warning to avoid the area as power poles are scheduled to be relocated, impacting traffic flow throughout the day. The Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA…
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Two arrested after brandishing shotgun in Patong traffic bust-up
A terrifying road rage incident shook Patong yesterday when two men allegedly brandished a shotgun at a fellow driver after a heated traffic dispute. The shocking confrontation unfolded around 11.50am, yesterday, November 25, on Phra Metta Road, leaving locals and tourists alarmed. The victim, 23 year old Paphangkon Chithong, reported to police that the clash began when he was abruptly…
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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