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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Ko Mai Thon speedboat accident: Captain found drug positive
A speedboat collision off Mai Thon Island near Phuket on New Year’s Eve claimed the life of a five year old Russian girl, with others facing life-threatening injuries. The tragedy took a bizarre turn as reports surfaced, revealing that the 41 year old captain, currently on life support, tested positive for an amphetamine-related substance. Phuket authorities are now under scrutiny,…
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New Year’s Day in Phuket sees six in hospital after road accidents
Phuket’s New Year’s Day celebrations were marred by the news of road accidents that resulted in the injury of six individuals, as confirmed by the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM-Phuket). The report, released on this morning, provided details of the unfortunate incidents. The injured, constituting four men and two women, were victims of the six acknowledged accidents…
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Phuket boat crew tested for drugs after tragic speedboat accident
The tranquil morning at Chalong Pier in Phuket was disrupted yesterday as a swarm of officials descended on the scene. Their mission is to conduct drug tests on a group of 23 boat operators and crew members. This action was triggered by a tragic speedboat accident that occurred at Koh Maithon the previous day, resulting in the death of a…
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Phuket welcomes 2024 with soaring tourist numbers and an 8 billion baht boost
Thailand’s famed island paradise of Phuket has just witnessed an impressive upswing in tourist numbers over the new year break. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office has confirmed that the island has welcomed a remarkable 265,000 visitors, contributing more than 8 billion baht to the local economy. The head of the TAT Phuket office, Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, provided these…
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Russian tourist child dies in tragic Phuket speedboat accident
Tragedy struck on the last day of 2023 when a speedboat carrying seven Russian tourists, including a five year old girl, crashed into rocks at Koh Maithon while returning to Phuket from Phi Phi Island. The young girl, Liza Pak, sadly lost her life in the incident. The speedboat, named Apirak 89, was believed to be leaving Koh Maithon and…
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Fatal New Year’s shooting in Phuket hotel: police apprehend 32 year old suspect
A 32 year old man was fatally shot in front of a hotel in Phuket during New Year’s celebrations. The assailant, who fled the scene on a motorcycle, was later apprehended by police. The incident occurred at 4.14am today (January 1) Police Lieutenant Colonel Eakasak Khwanhuan, an investigator at the Karon Police Station in Phuket, was notified of the shooting…
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Woman assaulted in attempted robbery at Patong currency exchange
A shocking incident unfolded in the early hours of today when a woman was assaulted during an attempted robbery at a currency exchange on Phra Barami Road, Patong. The Patong police are now on a manhunt for the assailant. The incident occurred near Dolphin Circle at the west end of Phra Barami Road. Police were alerted to the situation around…
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Russian teen arrested in Phuket for brutal attack on mother
A chilling event unfolded in Phuket, Thailand, as an 18 year old Russian national was arrested for attacking his mother in a brutal incident on December 29. Nikolaev has since been transferred from Thalang Police Station to Phuket Provincial Court for further proceedings. The victim, Elena Nikolaeva, survived the harrowing assault, in which her son, Aleksandr Nikolaev, reportedly slashed her…
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Unidentified male body found floating off Koh Maithon
In a startling discovery, a male body was found floating in the waters off Koh Maithon, a small island located just over 8 kilometres southeast of Cape Panwa, late on November 29. The body was spotted by the crew of a local tour boat. The tour boat’s staff waited for about an hour and a half. However, as daylight began…
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Biggest turtle of the season nests in Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang park
A thrilling discovery was made at the Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park in Phang Nga, located to the north of Phuket, when park officials stumbled upon a turtle’s nest filled with eggs. This wasn’t just any turtle, however. The creature that had laid these eggs was believed to be the largest to have come ashore for nesting during the…
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Phuket: Russian tourist’s water slide nightmare sparks urgent safety probe
A 42 year old Russian tourist found himself at the centre of a harrowing ordeal at a renowned water park in Phuket. His quest for aquatic thrills turned into a nightmare, resulting in severe injuries and a subsequent complaint filed with the Consumer Protection Committee. On November 10, Fedor Kondrakov’s day of fun took a perilous turn as he encountered…
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Fatal stabbing casts shadow over Patong’s vibrant nightlife
As the first light of dawn broke over Patong, a grim discovery was made on the streets of this bustling tourist hotspot. A staffer from a local karaoke venue, named Itthinan Khola, was found lifeless on the footpath outside a similar establishment on Phra Metta Rd. The 24 year old victim, originally from Nong Bua Lamphu, had suffered a fatal…
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Phuket greets third Vice Governor, Norasak Suksomboon
The tropical island of Phuket welcomed its third Vice Governor, Norasak Suksomboon, who has recently taken up the mantle of his duties. Norasak is part of a three-member team assigned to assist Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat in managing the island’s affairs. Norasak, whose primary area of responsibility is Social Affairs at the Phuket Provincial Office, isn’t a stranger to administrative…
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Phuket to pioneer blockchain mass adoption in Thailand with B2GC: Blockchain to Government Conference
Phuket is set to host the groundbreaking, invitation-only Blockchain to Government Conference (B2GC) from January 17th to 19th, 2024. This government-led initiative, co-organized by Thailand’s key government agencies in the development of its digital economy and society (DEPA, ETDA and DGA) alongside Finstable Group, a leading blockchain company, will convene at the brand new, iconic Blockchain Technology Center (BTC). The…
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Mystery blaze engulfs fishing boats on Phuket’s eastern coast
A trio of dilapidated fishing vessels fell victim to an early morning inferno on the eastern coast of Phuket Town yesterday. The flaming spectacle quickly drew the attention of local authorities, who were alerted to the incident around 5am. Arriving at the fiery scene of the fishing vessels, the police and firefighters found the boats engulfed in flames near the…
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Wanted Russian man arrested at airport for shooting in Phuket
Immigration police arrested a wanted Russian man at Phuket International Airport on December 25 for hiring a Kazakh man to shoot another Russian man in Phuket in June this year. A Russian victim, 44 year old Dmitry Aleynikov, was shot outside a coffee shop called Cafe Waya in the Thalang district of Phuket on June 7. Fortunately, the bullet did not…
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Phuket officials to target ‘bad foreigners’ to enhance tourism
The island of Phuket, a popular tourist hotspot, was the stage for a significant meeting yesterday. The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Ittisanronnachai, made a request to Phuket officials to assemble a task force to zero in on bad foreigners, thereby offering the Immigration Bureau the aid they require to tackle the situation.…
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23 year old arrested in Phuket for causing ex-girlfriend’s blindness
A 23 year old man was arrested by police for causing blindness to his former girlfriend after she shared her seven-year torment online. The woman, who was forced to wear a prosthetic eye after losing one in the assault, had posted a video on TikTok detailing her ordeal. In her post, she shared that her former boyfriend had physically abused…
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Phuket simplifies visa extensions with new online system
Phuket, the vibrant tourist hub of Thailand, has taken a significant step forward in its immigration policy. The Immigration Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai, announced on yesterday that foreigners residing in Phuket under any of 12 different types of visas can now apply for visa extension through an online portal. This announcement was part of Lt Gen Itthiphon’s…
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How Java Yachting’s training programmes align with the Duke of Edinburgh Award
Have you ever dreamt of sailing the high seas and achieving something spectacular, like the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE)? If yes, then Java Yachting, a specialist marine company, can help you reach your goals. Located in Phuket and Krabi, they’re not just your average specialist marine company; they’re offering an opportunity to undertake challenging sailing expeditions and achieve globally…
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Thai man finds pickup vandalised causing 50000 baht damage
A local woke up to an unpleasant surprise when an unidentified individual had vandalised his parked pickup with paint stripper, causing damage estimated around 50,000 baht. The incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday, December 21, outside the Thai man’s rented residence in Wichit district, Phuket. After the Phuket emergency centre 191 alerted the police, Theppitak Phuangmani, the Deputy…
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Phuket taxi drivers protest against rise of illegal taxi apps
A sea of yellow and green licence plates flooded the grounds of Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, December 21, as taxi drivers from all over the province assembled in protest. They demanded a crackdown on illegal taxi app drivers, who they contend are infringing on their once unchallenged dominion over tourist transportation. At the forefront of the protest was Tinnakorn Chommuang,…
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Unexpected algae bloom hits Patong beach due to premature seaweed growth
Yesterday, employees from the Public Health and Environment Division of Patong Municipality were hard at work on Patong Beach, clearing off algae that washed ashore. This unexpected event came as a result of an algae bloom and has yet to be formally addressed by Patong Municipality. The purpose of this timely response was primarily to retain the aesthetic appeal of Patong…
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Where to celebrate Christmas in Phuket 2023
The jingle bells start to ring and the fairy lights begin to twinkle, Christmas is almost here! If you’re spending Christmas in Phuket, you’ll be happy to know that the island is teeming with restaurants ready to serve a yuletide feast for you and your kin. From expansive buffets to elegant set menus, here are the best Christmas brunches and dinners in…
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Endangered leatherback turtle nest discovered on Phuket beach
Phuket woke up to a delightful surprise on December 18 when a nest of a leatherback turtle was discovered at Tha Sai Beach in the Na Toei area of Thai Mueang District, Phang Nga, situated north of Phuket. The find, reported by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), marks another significant milestone in the conservation efforts for this…
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Illegal labour crackdown in Phuket ensnares 30 Chinese men
Yesterday in Tambon Thepkrasattri, an enclave in Phuket, Thailand, police apprehended 30 Chinese men on charges of illegal labour. The detained, aged between 24 and 59 years old, were caught in the act, with 12 of them arrested at a construction site in Baan Pa Khlok Cheep, and the remaining 18 along Wong Chalerm Village Road. Now, further investigations are…
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Phuket to host luxury boat show: Multi-billion baht yachts and jets
In a dazzling display set to elevate Phuket‘s status on the global luxury stage, the Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event is gearing up to showcase a spectacular line-up of yachts, private jets, and more. This high-profile event is poised to inject a staggering 500 million baht into Phuket’s economy, drawing in a crowd of High Net Worth…
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Man disrupts tranquillity on Soi Ta-iad, Phuket with knife
Late in the afternoon yesterday, an unusual spectacle unfolded on Soi Ta-iad in Chalong, Phuket. A visibly agitated, physically imposing man was seen storming down the street, brandishing a nine-inch knife. The sight served as a jarring interruption to the tranquillity typically enjoyed by the fitness enthusiasts and athletes training in Muay Thai and MMA on this street. The local…
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Phuket’s phenomenal rise: From tropical paradise to global hub
In the wake of a robust global economic resurgence, Phuket has emerged as a magnet for inbound migration, shaping a vibrant and eclectic international community in the heart of Asia, reveals C9 Hotelworks’ latest expansive investment dossier on Phuket’s economic landscape. Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks Bill Barnett stated… “With a tourism and property market in full throttle, we’re witnessing…
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Swift Thai police action recovers tourist’s stolen iPhone on Phuket beach
A European tourist’s holiday in Phuket almost took a dreadful turn when her iPhone was stolen at Ao Yon Beach. However, the quick response of local police in Thailand ensured the stolen item was promptly recovered. On December 14, the tourist is 25 year old Vanessa Aust who reported to Wichit Police that her iPhone 13 Pro had vanished from…
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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