Phuket News
Discover the latest news and updates from Thailand’s most famous and beautiful island, The Thaiger’s hometown, having previously operated as the Phuket Gazette.
Our team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Phuket, covering everything from local politics and business to lifestyle and tourism. Learn about the island’s stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and thriving expat community, as well as keeping updated on events, and attractions.
The Thaiger is your ultimate guide to staying connected with Phuket’s ever-evolving landscape. To keep up with the most reliable news source on the island, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.
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Phuket enhances travel with US$190.7 million investment in secondary roads
Phuket officials are making strides in reducing traffic congestion by developing secondary roads across the island. The initiative aims to ease transportation challenges and enhance access to key tourist destinations. Jakkrapong Thamuntree, head of the Phuket Department of Rural Roads, outlined the progress of these projects at a press conference at Phuket Provincial Hall, with the meeting presided over by…
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Phuket mayors face charges in major corruption scandal
Three mayors in Phuket—Aroon Solos of Rawai, Panya Samphaorat of Pa Khlok, and Juta Dumlak from Kamala Tambon Administrative Organisation—are embroiled in legal battles over corruption charges. Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri confirmed these proceedings, emphasising a broader push against corruption in the province. Panya Samphaorat faces charges from the Phuket branch of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for neglecting…
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Thailand eyes Phuket for bitcoin sandbox experiment
Thailand is edging closer to cryptocurrency adoption, with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira dropping hints about extending the bitcoin sandbox experiment in Phuket. This bold move could position Thailand as a regional leader in digital currency innovation. “We are not suggesting replacing existing currencies with bitcoin.” Pichai emphasised the controlled nature of the trial. Under the sandbox model, bitcoin would be…
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Phuket welcomes tourists on first Bucharest flight
Phuket rolled out the red carpet for the first-ever direct charter flight from Bucharest, Romania, marking a new milestone in Thai tourism. Operated by Romania’s HiSky airline in collaboration with top tour operators Dertour and Karpaten, the inaugural flight, H4 7467, landed at Phuket International Airport on Thursday, December 19. Passengers were greeted with a warm ceremony hosted by the…
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Plane and simple: Phuket Airport gears up for holiday rush
Phuket International Airport is bracing for a surge of holiday travellers, with up to 60,000 passengers expected daily during the festive season. Officials promise streamlined services and enhanced security to handle the crowds. The Royal Thai Police (RTP)’s Immigration Bureau, led by acting commissioner Police Lieutenant General Panumas Bunyalak, joined forces with airport director Monchai Tanode to ensure the airport…
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Extra road safety: Phuket’s ‘7 Dangerous Days’ extended to 10
In a bid to curb road carnage this new year, Phuket officials are going all out. The long-standing “7 Dangerous Days” campaign will stretch to a full 10 days this year, running from December 27 to January 5, marking the most extended safety crackdown yet. The decision was confirmed during a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Wednesday, December 18,…
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Austrian man denies killing Russian man in Phuket jet ski accident
An Austrian man today denied involvement in a fatal jet ski collision with a Russian man in Phuket, which resulted in the latter’s death during the arrest. A local fisherman in the Karon area of Phuket discovered the body of 58 year old Russian man Kirill Kolovachev against a group of rocks near A Blanket & A Pillow restaurant on…
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Phuket ramps up efforts to prevent norovirus amid regional outbreaks
Phuket officials are intensifying efforts to prevent a norovirus outbreak, particularly after a significant rise in cases in China and a recent outbreak in Rayong with over 1,400 infections. In response to these threats, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), along with the Department of Disease Control and the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, conducted a workshop titled Phuket is…
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Lorry with missing wheel sparks safety fears on Phuket road (video)
A video clip sparking safety concerns has taken social media by storm, showing a lorry missing a wheel and with a bulging tyre, driving along Thep Kasattri Road, in Thalang, Phuket. Shared by a popular local social media page, the 27-second video amassed significant attention and stirred a variety of reactions online. The incident occurred on the outbound lane of…
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Phuket police profile trans workers to boost nightlife safety
Police in Phuket are actively compiling profiles of transgender people working in a bustling nightlife area of the city to bolster public safety measures. This initiative, undertaken by local police and administrative officials, is happening along Bangla Road, a popular spot near Patong Beach frequented by tourists. Head of Patong Police Station Chalermchai Hernsawat explained that this effort is primarily aimed…
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Phuket plans major disaster drill for flood preparedness
Phuket is set to enhance its disaster preparedness with an integrated exercise aimed at tackling potential floods and mudslides. Scheduled for January 16, 2025, the event is designed to boost the island’s readiness and response capabilities in the face of such emergencies. A significant planning session took place recently at the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket).…
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2 foreigners caught pulling police-seized motorcycle in Phuket (video)
A viral video surfaced yesterday showing two foreigners ignoring a Thai police wheel clamp and legal consequences, as they pulled a police-seized motorcycle along a road in Phuket. The video, shared on Facebook by a Thai man named Somsak Lerchai, quickly gained attention. In his caption, Somsak sarcastically remarked, “Wheel lock doesn’t work with Grade A tourists. #OneDayButThousandsSituations.” In the…
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Five injured in Kamala pickup vs tuk tuk smash
A dawn disaster struck the steep, winding road between Kamala and Patong when a pickup truck with faulty brakes collided with a tuk tuk, leaving five people injured, including a Russian tourist. The crash happened at 4.45am yesterday, December 17 just south of the notorious Khuan Yak Curve. When police and rescue teams from Kamala Rescue and the Kusoldharm Foundation…
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Phuket takes a bite out of food waste with food banks project
Phuket is stepping up to combat food waste and hunger with a groundbreaking new initiative. The Food Conservation Project: Developing Food Banks was officially launched yesterday, December 17, in the Laem Tukkae Community, Ratsada, spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) in partnership with the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS Thailand). Deputy Permanent Secretary Chatuphon Rojanaphanich…
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10 year old dies in football goal accident in Phuket school
A 10 year old Thai boy tragically died after an old rusty football goal crossbar fatally struck him on the head at his school in the Wichit sub-district of Phuket . Facebook page Phuket Info Center reported the schoolboy’s death, identified as Thanakrit, yesterday, December 17. The page shared pictures of the broken goal at the school in Phuket, accompanied by…
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Phuket police pursue Uzbek man over fake US dollars exchange
Phuket police are on the hunt for an Uzbek national accused of attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollars at a currency exchange shop in Cherng Talay. The incident took place at the Ai-Tem Money Exchange kiosk near the entrance to the Laguna complex on December 14, with the report filed later that day. Shop employee Dechawanit Sama-kas recounted that three…
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Copy-paste tourism: Phuket Airport owns up to Singapore snap
Phuket International Airport today announced that the use of images of buildings from Singapore’s old town to market its own tourism were intentional and not a mistake. Phuket Airport yesterday, December 16, found itself in the eye of a social media storm after they used some pictures of Singapore to promote the popular holiday resort. Netizens took to social media…
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Phuket’s expressway project moves forward: EXAT
Phuket’s ambitious infrastructure plans took a significant step forward after Governor Sophon Suwannarat held a crucial meeting with representatives from the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) at the Phuket Provincial Hall. The discussions centred on the progress of the highly anticipated Phuket Expressway Project, commonly referred to by locals as the Patong Tunnel and Mueang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu Expressway projects. In…
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Singapore-sling blunder leaves Phuket Airport officials red-faced
Phuket International Airport is facing a social media storm after using a photo of Singapore’s iconic Peranakan Houses to promote the island, leaving locals scratching their heads and critics raising eyebrows. Facebook user Ejijum Phuket didn’t hold back, spotlighting the public relations gaffe on his page, today, December 16. He shared a post about a friend’s perplexed inquiry after spotting…
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Thai nurses save two foreign passengers on Phuket-Bangkok flight
Thai netizens praised the efforts of two Thai nurses who provided first aid to two unconscious passengers during a flight from Phuket to Bangkok on Friday, December 13. The events aboard Bangkok Airways flight PG278 came to public attention after the local news Facebook page Phuket Info Centre shared the story. The two medical professionals commended for their actions were…
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Chinese murder suspect caught at Phuket Airport
A Chinese national, wanted in his home country for murder, was apprehended at Phuket Airport. The suspect, identified as Qian Guofeng, arrived on a flight from Shanghai to the popular Thai resort island. On the night of December 13, immigration police revealed that they received orders to intercept Qian, who became a suspect following a fatal altercation in China. Chinese…
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Motorcyclist dragged 800 metres in Phuket hit-and-run
A white saloon car collided with a motorcycle in Thalang district, Phuket, early this morning, dragging the rider’s lifeless body for 800 metres before fleeing the scene. Police have identified the vehicle’s owner and are preparing to launch an investigation. A white saloon car, with an unregistered number plate, was reported to have left Bang Jo Alley and turned right…
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Beach wars: Kata’s shores overrun by chair chaos
Kata and Kata Noi beaches, once postcard-perfect stretches of Phuket paradise, are now under siege—by a sea of sunbeds and umbrellas. Locals are outraged as beach chair operators sprawl unchecked, with one resident calling Kata Beach “the world’s ugliest beach” and lamenting over 10,000 umbrellas crammed from the road to the waterline. The infamous “10% rule,” meant to cap commercial…
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Busted: Police nab drug queenpin in Phuket
Kamala Police scored a major victory in their war on drugs, arresting a 35 year old woman described as a central figure in a sprawling drug distribution network. Marina Prabphet, also known as Ja Lek or Teua Lek, was apprehended at her residence in Village 8, Ban Phru Samphan, Thepkrasattri subdistrict, on Wednesday, December 11. The dramatic bust, part of…
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Phuket celebrates Disabled People’s Day with empowering event
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat led the 29th Disabled People’s Day celebration on Wednesday, December 11 at Phuket Rajabhat University, with the theme, Promoting Disabled Leaders for a Sustainable Future. The event spotlighted the incredible potential of people with disabilities and underscored the province’s commitment to equality and opportunity. In his opening remarks, Governor Sophon declared, “This event reflects our dedication…
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Man shoots mother-in-law in Phuket bar after verbal abuse
A tragic incident unfolded in Koh Kaew, Phuket, when a 27 year old man shot his mother-in-law in a well-known bar and restaurant. The event occurred last night, with the suspect later surrendering to the police. The altercation, which led to the shooting, was reportedly the result of long-standing verbal abuse. Police and emergency services responded to the scene around…
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Illegal jet ski crackdown in Phuket sees 17 more rentals shut down
Phuket’s relentless battle against illegal jet skis has made another big splash. A daring raid led by marine officials uncovered 17 unlicensed jet skis being used for illegal tourist rentals in the popular tourist spot of Laem Nga, Ratsada. The operation also extended to the picturesque islands of Koh Mali and Koh Pae, off Phuket’s east coast. Senior officials including…
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Tragedy on Phuket bridge: Motorcyclist killed in late-night crash
A tragic late-night collision on Phuket’s notorious Kojan Bridge claimed the life of a motorcyclist just before midnight yesterday, December 11. The crash occurred on Rattanakosin 200 Pi Road in Phuket Town, prompting police to rush to the scene at 11.54pm. Arriving officers found a white Toyota Hilux Vigo, registered locally, stopped in the middle of the road. The driver,…
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Bangla Road brawl: Taxi driver and tourist clash in viral showdown (video)
A shocking street brawl between a tourist and a Patong taxi driver has sent social media into overdrive, leaving Bangla Road’s infamous nightlife under scrutiny once again. The 18-second video, shared by the Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต captures a chaotic scene of men punching and grappling at the bustling end of Bangla Road. Titled Fighting hard #BanglaRoad, Patong, the clip…
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Krabi man caught with over 6,000 meth pills at Phuket checkpoint
A significant drug bust unfolded as a 41 year old Krabi resident was arrested at a primary checkpoint leading to Phuket. The arrest occurred early yesterday morning, December 11, when police discovered a substantial stash of methamphetamine (meth) pills concealed in the man’s vehicle. The suspect, Wutthachai Klapkhong, was detained at a Phuket Chatchai Checkpoint following a search of his…
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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