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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Surin beach clubs to be demolished in January
PHUKET: After much controversy and delay, Surin beach clubs are finally expected to be torn down in January*, confirmed Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada to the Phuket Gazette yesterday. “I’m back in Phuket to implement both former and new plans. The beach clubs on Surin Beach are one of them,” said Governor Chamroen. The governor took a strong but cautious stance…
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Phuket Vice Governor’s virgin beach dream
PHUKET: Although the fate of Phuket’s beach management system remains undecided (story here), Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat has revealed that he wants the plan to include ‘virgin beaches’. “There will be some beaches that will not have a 10 per cent zone, which means there will be nothing there – no umbrellas, no businesses, nothing. All 100 per cent natural,”…
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Phuket beach management plans delayed again
PHUKET: Local officials are still wrangling over how to manage Phuket’s beaches, forcing Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat to postpone revealing details of the new plan beyond his self-imposed November 1 deadline. V/Gov Chokdee admitted to the Phuket Gazette yesterday that the release of a concrete plan regarding the future of the island’s beaches would be delayed for at least another…
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Phuket City serial thief caught
PHUKET: A serial thief was arrested in Srisoonthorn last night after police were able to track down the motorbike he used during the crime spree. Jessadakorn Sukkrajang, 18, was apprehended at his home at about 9pm, confirmed Lt Col Somsak Thongkliang of the Phuket City Police. Within just one month, Phuket City officers received five different reports of broken car…
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Mentally unstable man attacks Phuket ATM
PHUKET: Police arrested an allegedly mentally ill man who attacked an ATM machine in Phuket Town with a metal bar yesterday morning. The man, who police declined to name due to his condition, fled the scene without attempting to take any money from the Krungsri Bank ATM. “A police car on patrol in the area quickly responded to the incident,”…
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Snake sparks electrical fire in Phuket
PHUKET: A Phuket mayor blamed a small snake for a fire near the Shooting Range in Chalong today. “Locals saw the snake slide into the transformer next to the shack right before it exploded and started the fire,” said Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos. “Luckily, no one was injured.” The owner of the shop, which sold decorative household items, was not…
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Phuket man killed in single-vehicle crash
PHUKET: One man died and another was injured after their pickup truck crashed into a utility pole in Thalang early this morning. The impact caused the out-of-control truck to split in two as it careened into a nearby wall. “The 33-year-old passenger, Surin Rotloisap, was thrown from the vehicle and killed after hitting another pole and then a wall,” explained…
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Truck driver slams into parked 18-wheeler and dies
PHUKET: The driver of a pickup truck died early this morning after slamming full throttle into the back of a parked 18-wheeled truck on Thepkrasattri Road. Annurak Chompoo, the 40-year-old driver of the 18-wheeler, told police that he had parked on the side of the road with his hazard lights turned on as he prepared to make a delivery to…
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AMCHAM: Discover how well Phuket hotels actually perform
PHUKET: American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Greater Phuket Chapter is breaking down how the island’s hotels are really performing in the current, challenging market conditions at the ‘By The Numbers’ event tomorrow night. The event will be led by STR Global’s Area Director Asia Pacific Jesper Palmqvist at Outrigger Laguna Phuket. STR Global’s mission is to democratize data intelligence and…
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Laguna Phuket Golf Club scores big
PHUKET: After a comprehensive 18-month upgrade, Laguna Phuket Golf Club bagged three prestigious awards at the Asian Golf Awards 2015 ceremony held at Orchid Country Club in Singapore. The Asian Golf Awards are devoted to recognizing and honoring the best facilities in the Asia Pacific Golf industry. Besides being named the Best Renovated Course of the Year, Laguna Phuket Golf…
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New top cop to focus on crime prevention
PHUKET: Phuket’s new top cop has vowed to focus his attention on crime prevention instead of crime suppression. Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Teeraphol Thipjaroen will be taking the reins as the island’s top policeman on Friday when Provincial Police Commander Patchara Boonyasit is transferred to Ratchaburi. The transfer is part of a nationwide reshuffle of top provincial-level officers that…
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Sea turtle caught with mouthful
KRABI: A local fisherman caught quite a surprise yesterday when he found a sea turtle with a half swallowed fish. Madyah Thamsuan, 63, was fishing near his home in Khlong Thom District when he noticed a turtle with a fish tail hanging out of its mouth. “The turtle appeared to be very weak and was unable to either swallow or…
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Police hunt slayer of beloved gaur
KRABI: Officers are hunting the killer of a much-beloved gaur that was found shot dead in a Krabi palm plantation yesterday. “Locals explained to us that the gaur, which is a protected species in Thailand, had migrated down from Khao Sok National Park. They said that the bull was very calm and peaceful,” said Meechai Aiyasoon, head of the Khlong…
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Phuket Riot: 66 arrest warrants issued
PHUKET: A total of 66 arrest warrants have been issued for those involved in the Thalang Police Station riot, Deputy National Police Chief Chalermkiat Srivorakan confirmed today. “Investigators are still working on the case. However, 66 warrants have been issued for either illegal gathering in public, arson, damaging property or creating a blockade,” Gen Chalermkiat explained. More than 20 police…
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Phuket policeman killed in big bike crash
PHUKET: A Karon Police officer was killed after he lost control of his Honda big bike in Rawai early this morning. Police believe that Lance Corporal Nattachai Huahin was unfamiliar with the area and hit a curb at high speed just after midnight. “At the scene, we found the body of LCpl Nattachai with a broken neck and severe head…
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Good samaritan chases Phuket gold thief
PHUKET: A Phuket local pursued a snatch thief attempting to flee the scene of the crime for three kilometers before the thief crashed his motorbike today. Supachai Mattanang, 20, witnessed the the man rip a gold necklace, worth about 20,000 baht, off the neck of a Myanmar national near the Down Town Market before fleeing the scene on his motorbike.…
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Kitten season begins at Soi Dog
PHUKET: Hotter days signify the beginning of cat breeding season, where thousands of kittens will be born. Many of these kittens will unfortunately end up in shelters or on the streets. Every year Soi Dog receives a surplus of kittens waiting to be given to loving homes. All kittens are sterilized and vaccinated at no charge to the adopter. However,…
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Minivan camera catches epic Phuket truck crash [video]
PHUKET: A tourist heading to Phuket International Airport and his van driver narrowly escaped death after an out-of-control truck piled with construction materials flipped on Kata Hill and skidded to a stop within a meter of them yesterday afternoon. The two people in the crashed truck were minorly injured and taken to Patong Hospital. “The 51-year-old driver, Apichart Toreewong, told…
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Fifth suspect in Phuket Vegetarian Festival killing surrenders
PHUKET: A fifth man wanted for the gang slaying of a 15-year-old during the closing procession of the Vegetarian Festival surrendered to police yesterday (story here). One more suspect remains at large. A-non Wandee, 27, also known as ‘Non Kolai’, preseneted himself to police, but insisted that he was innocent. Mr A-non was charged with gang murder and attempted murder,…
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Video Report: Patong’s Carnival kicks off this Sunday
PHUKET: Patong’s annual carnival is set to hit the beach town’s sands on November 1 with the theme: ‘Patong Seafood Festival 2015’. The event has been marking the beginning of Phuket’s high season for 30 years now, and will take place from November 1-3. Tourists and locals are all invited to join the concerts, historical exhibits and the renowned parade,…
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Tourists spot school of whale sharks off Phuket
PHUKET: Tourists and officers were delighted when they spotted a school of whale sharks off of Phuket’s coast this weekend. After receiving reports of an injured whale shark, Than Bok Khorani National Park officers took a boat out to see what assistance, if any, could be rendered. “We found a school of five swimming between Koh Hong and Koh Yao…
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Phuket governor attends funeral of police chase victims
PHUKET: Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada attended the funeral of the two suspected drug dealers who were killed in a police chase that sparked the Phuket riot earlier this month (story here). Numerous government officials and police officers joined Governor Chamroen at the ceremony for Patomwat Panarak, 22, and Teerapong Srisamut, 17. “I am deeply sorry for this loss of life. We…
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Phuket booze ban confusion comes with officers’ discretion
PHUKET: As is routine upon introduction of poorly formulated new rules and regulations in Thailand, confusion reigned again yesterday when a new law dictating an alcohol ban around educational institutions came into effect. “My initial understanding was that the law would name only universities and technical colleges as ‘educational institutions’. This would be better, as many big businesses, such as…
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Phuket air pollution leaps to unhealthy levels
PHUKET: Air pollution in Phuket jumped to unhealthy levels today, following two days of rain watering down the haze that has settled over the island. “The 24-hour average by 5am this morning was 121 micrograms [PM10] per cubic meter, which is above safe levels,” explained Pornsri Suthanarak, director of the Regional Environmental Office. Dr Pornsri suggested that people avoid outdoor…
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Alleged drug dealers cuffed in Phuket raids
PHUKET: Phuket Provincial Police arrested three suspected drug dealers in separate raids this week. Nattawut Tankongkoi, 29, was arrested with 115.86 grams of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine), a scale and drug paraphernalia in Srisoonthorn on Monday. “Mr Nattawut has already served time in prison for drug related crimes in Phuket; apparently he went back to his old ways,” said Maj…
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Phuket joins nation in honoring King Chulalongkorn the Great
PHUKET: The life and achievements of HM King Chulalongkorn were commemorated in a ceremony at Phuket Provincial Hall this morning. Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada led an assembly of officials in a ceremony for Chulalongkorn Day, known in Thai as Wan Piya Maharat. After paying respect to the statue of King Chulalongkorn the Great at Phuket Provincial Hall, Governor Chamroen, on…
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Special Report: Andaman trash takes toll on local marine life
PHUKET: Enormous amounts of trash and discarded fishing nets continue to wreak havoc on the regions marine life with 2 dolphins and 1 turtle being rescued this month alone, despite raised awareness on the issue, said Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong, head of the endangered species unit at the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC). “Compared to last year, the number of reported animals…
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‘The Race of Legends’ on horizon
PHUKET: The 22nd Laguna Phuket Triathlon will be taking place on Sunday, November 22, marking the beginning of Laguna Phuket’s week long Tri-Fest. The event consists of a 1.8 kilometer swim, 55km bike ride and a 12km run. This year’s triathlon will celebrate its 22nd year, while simultaneously welcoming the return of the Challenge Laguna Phuket on Sunday, November 29.…
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Rains water down Phuket air pollution
PHUKET: Morning showers helped to lower air pollution levels in Phuket, despite the 24-hour average spiking to 109 micrograms [PM10] per cubic meter by 12 noon today. “The 24-hour average by 3pm was down to 102. However, the hourly level was at just 34,” explained Pornsri Suthanarak, director of the Regional Environmental Office. “The average remains high due to increased…
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Brit expat found dead in Rawai
PHUKET: British expat David Cummins, 54, was found dead in his Rawai home late last night. Mr Cummins’ body was found by 45-year-old Duangduan Ngamprim, who had been living with him in Soi Saiyuan for about a year, said Lt Wuttiwat Liang-Boonjinda of Chalong Police. “I came home at about 11:30pm and found David sitting on the floor with his…
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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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