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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Phuket police turn up the heat on Peach Hill Resort fire probe
Phuket City Police have launched a probe into a fierce fire that ignited at the Peach Hill Resort on Laem Sai Road in Karon on the evening February 7. The flames spurred a dramatic emergency response, with local police and fire teams racing to the scene shortly after being alerted at around 6pm. The alarm bells first rang for Police…
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Phuket Airport staff under scrutiny for corruption but no formal probe yet
The National Anti-Corruption Commission‘s Phuket office clarified that no formal investigation has started regarding four Airports of Thailand management staff at Phuket International Airport, despite acknowledgements of corrupt conduct by the organisation. The NACC is still in the evidence-collection phase, with the staff in question retaining their positions. In late November last year, central NACC officials from Bangkok visited the…
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Furious Phuket residents demand action as gridlock worsens
Phuket’s once-idyllic Cherng Talay is now a gridlocked nightmare, with frustrated residents demanding urgent action as worsening traffic congestion grinds daily life to a halt. Residents and local officials, including Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) Chief Manoch Panchalad, are calling for immediate solutions to ease the never-ending traffic tailbacks plaguing the area. “Every day, I see private cars clogging…
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Baby turtles hatch on Phuket beach, but not all survive
A magical moment unfolded on Kata Noi Beach as around 70 baby sea turtles hatched and made their way into the Andaman Sea yesterday, February 6. However, not all survived the journey, with officials discovering several lifeless hatchlings and one struggling to survive. The Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center was first alerted to the hatching by a…
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Scouting trouble: Russian woman nabbed after uniform theft in Phuket
Police arrested a Russian woman in Phuket after breaking into a local’s house and stealing a scout uniform before leaving. The homeowner took to social media to share details of the unusual theft with his followers. He posted a picture of a leopard-print shirt along with a caption that read… “Beware of a Russian woman walking around in a scout…
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Trafficking crackdown: Officials inspect Phuket fishing boats
Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri led a thorough inspection of several commercial fishing boats in Phuket yesterday, February 6, aiming to prevent human trafficking and ensure adherence to labour laws. The inspections took place at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Institute Pier at Cape Panwa and involved officials from over 14 agencies. The primary focus…
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Waste no time: Phuket fast-tracks trash tech near city centre
A ticking time bomb lurks in the heart of Phuket’s beautiful landscape but not one you would expect. Phuket City Municipality is racing against the clock to establish a state-of-the-art solid waste sorting facility at the waste disposal centre in Saphan Hin, a stone’s throw from bustling Phuket City centre. Deputy Mayor Suphachok La-ongphet revealed that by the end of…
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Phuket ranks among top winter sun destinations – But is it worth it?
Phuket has been named the third-best winter sun destination in the world, according to travel and luggage experts Bounce. The ranking was based on temperature, rainfall, sea conditions, and sunshine hours, making the Thai island a top pick for sun-seekers escaping the winter chill. With a winter sun score of 6.24 out of 10, Phuket secured the third spot, trailing…
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Clean hotels with ‘3C’ initiative launches in Phuket
To ensure a safer travel experience, the Department of Medical Sciences is rolling out its ambitious Clean Hotels with 3C initiative across Thailand’s prime tourist spots. Deputy Director General Dr Ballang Uppong launched a crucial training session at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, aiding hotel operators in Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga. With over 250 participants, including public health officials,…
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Public debate erupts after over foreign foot masseur in Phuket
Thai netizens demanded action from relevant government departments after a viral video showed a foreign man working as a foot masseur in Phuket. The video showing the foreign man providing a foot massage service to two customers was shared by the Phuket Times yesterday, February 5. In the video, the foreigner was seen cleaning the feet of male and female…
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Tunisian tourist tries to outrun Karon cops, chase ends in arrest
A reckless Tunisian tourist led Karon Police on a dramatic chase after blowing through a checkpoint along Karon Beach Road last night. At 8.08pm yesterday, February 4, officers stationed on Patak Road, near the southern end of Karon Beach, signalled for a red Honda Scoopy motorcycle to stop. However, the rider, identified as 23 year old Samir Brki, ignored their…
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Uzbek tourist robbed at Patong Beach, thieves arrested
A gang of thieves who stole an Uzbek tourist’s bag at Patong Beach in the early hours of this morning didn’t get far, as police tracked them down and arrested them within just over an hour. The victim, 21 year old Xhayrdonion Zafarugu Khanotion, reported the theft to Patong Police at 3am today, February 5, stating that his waist bag,…
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Russian man attacks Thai couple for honking at him in Phuket
The foreign man who attacked a Thai motorcyclist and his girlfriend for honking at him as he crossed a road in Phuket was identified as a Russian national. The foreigner reportedly crossed the road when the pedestrian signal turned red. The Thai woman, Pimpapan, shared the details of the attack by the foreign man with the news Facebook page Phuket Times…
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Drunk French tourist crashes into Patong cop, arrested on the spot
A drunk French tourist crashed his motorcycle into a traffic police officer in Patong early this morning, leaving both men injured and prompting an immediate arrest. The incident occurred at 7.14am, today, February 4, on Phra Metta Road, in front of the Bangkok Bank branch. Patong police were alerted and rushed to the scene, where they found two damaged motorcycles…
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China’s high-tech research ship docks in Phuket
In a grand display of diplomatic and scientific collaboration, Phuket welcomed China’s cutting-edge marine research vessel, R.V. Xiang Yang Hong 01, in a ceremony marking 50 years of Thailand-China relations. The reception, held at the Phuket Deep Sea Port yesterday, February 3, was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by senior officials from both nations. Among…
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Foreign man attacks Phuket woman for honking while crossing road
A Thai woman is seeking justice after a foreign man attacked her for honking her horn at him while he was crossing a road in Phuket. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared details of the assault with the Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ today, February 4. The incident occurred at 9.10pm on Saturday, February 1. The page reported… “This foreigner in…
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Turkish man caught packing more than just bags at Phuket Airport
A Turkish man was detained at Phuket International Airport after airport security uncovered ammunition hidden in his luggage. The man, Isa Ates, found himself at the centre of a dramatic scene, insisting he had no idea how the bullets ended up in his suitcase. The incident unfolded yesterday, February 3, when eagle-eyed airport officials, conducting a routine security check, spotted…
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3 foreign men attack Phuket tuk tuk driver over parking dispute
Three foreign men attacked a Thai tuk tuk driver in a gang assault on Sunday, February 2, following a parking dispute on a road in Phuket, leaving the victim with serious injuries. The injured tuk tuk driver, Narin, filed a complaint against the three foreign attackers at Patong Police Station and shared details of the incident with the Facebook news…
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Back in the driver’s seat: Rewat plans to steer Phuket forward
Fresh off his re-election victory, Rewat Areerob is revving up to tackle the challenges facing Phuket as the newly-affirmed president of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO). Triumphing with a commanding 86,616 votes, Rewat of the Phuket Yat Dai Party left his nearest rival, Lersak Leenanitikul of the Prachachon Party, trailing in the dust with 44,602 votes. Not content with…
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Smoke out: Phuket cracks down on polluters as air crisis worsens
Phuket is turning up the heat on environmental offenders with a major new campaign aimed at tackling the island’s escalating air pollution crisis. In a bold bid to curb forest fires, haze, and PM2.5 dust pollution, the island’s officials have launched a public awareness drive, kicking off with a grand ceremony at the Phuket Provincial Hall, today, February 3, presided…
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Foreign motorcyclist flees Thailand after hit-and-run in Phuket (video)
A foreign motorcyclist remains on the run after fleeing Thailand following a collision with a Thai pedestrian on a road in Phuket, leaving the victim in a serious condition. The Phuket Times shared footage of the accident on Saturday, February 1, with a caption that read, “Foreign motorcyclist hits a pedestrian in the middle of a Phuket road and tries to escape…
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Thai Cabinet allocates 3.14 billion baht for new Phuket hospital
The Thai Cabinet has sanctioned a budget of 3.14 billion baht for the establishment of Songklanagarind Hospital Phuket, a significant healthcare endeavour under Prince of Songkla University (PSU). This project, scheduled for execution between 2026 and 2029, is designed to bolster healthcare services across Phuket and the Andaman region. The allocated funds are set to be distributed over four fiscal…
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Tourist bus plunges into ravine in Phuket, injuring nine
In Phuket, officials are investigating a tourist bus accident in Kata that resulted in the vehicle falling into a 15-metre-deep ravine, injuring nine people. The incident took place yesterday, February 1, around 1.15pm near the Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort, located south of Patong. Emergency rescue teams from the Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation and Karon Municipality, along with local police, arrived…
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Fire devastates home in Phuket, leaves resident in shock
A fire erupted at a two-storey residence in Samkong Park Village, located north of Phuket Town, early yesterday, January 31. The incident left a 53 year old local in shock and resulted in extensive property damage. Phuket City Police received notification of the fire on Pracha Samakkee Road in Ratsada at 12.20am. Firefighters were promptly dispatched and worked for about…
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Thai airline flight makes emergency landing in Phuket
Passengers on a Thai airline flight endured terrifying, life-threatening moments yesterday when their aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Phuket International Airport due to engine failure. The flight, carrying 150 passengers and crew, was approaching Phuket yesterday, January 30, when one of its engines malfunctioned, prompting immediate action from the flight crew. Despite the alarming situation, all onboard…
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Phuket booze ban begins as election showdown heats up
Thailand’s nationwide alcohol ban kicks in at 6pm today, leaving Phuket tourists dry for 24 hours as the country gears up for the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) elections tomorrow, February 1. Under Thai election law, the sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited during voting periods. Those caught flouting the rule face harsh penalties, including fines of up to 10,000 baht,…
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Uzbek man nabbed at Phuket Airport for overstaying visa
A 21 year old Uzbek national found himself in hot water after being arrested at Phuket International Airport for overstaying his visa by six days. The arrest took place on Wednesday morning, January 29 at around 10.30am, as immigration officers and local police swooped in on the suspect at the international passenger terminal. The operation was led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Akkaraphon Kaewkiattiyot of the Suppression…
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5 Frenchmen arrested for running police checkpoint in Phuket
Police arrested five Frenchmen for running a police checkpoint while riding their motorcycles on the Kamala-Patong Road in Phuket at 1.15am on Sunday, January 26. A Thai motorist, Yuttaphon Naluck, shared dashcam footage of the incident on his Facebook account on January 27, showing the foreign motorcyclists ignoring the checkpoint and speeding away in front of Thai police. He captioned…
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Body of Thai crewman found floating near Phuket
Police yesterday launched an investigation after the body of a 31 year old Thai crewman was discovered floating near Ao Por, Pa Khlok. The man, identified as Thanyawit Thahanthai, was last seen the night before, staying overnight on the tour boat where he worked—but by morning, he had vanished. Locals spotted the body offshore around midday, yesterday, January 29, and quickly…
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Phuket schoolgirls honoured for heroic life-saving rescue
Two high school students from Cherng Talay Wittayakhom School have been hailed local heroines after their quick-thinking actions saved a man’s life earlier this month. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat personally recognised Benchawan Kanphai aka Rinda and Siriporn Ditsawan, both Grade 12 students, in a special ceremony at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, January 29, awarding them certificates of appreciation for their courage…
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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