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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Phuket: UPDATE. What we know.
What we currently know at 11am, Friday morning, Thai time… • 7 dead bodies have been recovered near Koh Maiton • Up to 50 remain missing (figure is continually being revised) • One body of a Chinese tourist was recovered last last night • Navy SEAL divers are searching the sunken ‘Phoenix’ boat for bodies • Two boats sank in…
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56 still missing as search continues off Phuket
Latest update as of 9am Thailand Time, from the Phuket PR Office, states that one Chinese tourist has been found dead and 56 are still missing in two major marine incidents yesterday afternoon (July 5). Chinese tourists are still missing following the capsize off Phuket. Divers are currently scouring the sunken vessel, the Phoenix, for missing people. The tour boat…
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4-5 metres waves hit my boat, says Captain
The Captain of the dive boat ‘Phoenix’ claims that four to five metres waves hit the boat causing it to sink. Smoking Boontham, captain of the dive boat ‘Phoenix’, was carrying 105 passenger – 93 tourists, 12 boat crew and tour guides – says, “Yesterday (July 5) we left Chalong Pier at 9am heading to Koh Racha. After that we…
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Phuket boats banned from leaving port
Some Phuket boats have been banned to leaving port today (July 6). Tourist Police have warned tour operators not to leave from Phuket’s piers. The Phuket Marine Office Chief, Surat Sirisaiyat, says, “The Phuket Marine Office has been informed from the Meteorological Department that heavy rains and strong winds will hit the southern part of Thailand on the Andaman Sea. Waves are…
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Many still missing, one dead. Search resumes this morning off Phuket.
Chinese tourists are still missing following a capsize off Phuket late yesterday afternoon (Thursday). Divers are currently scouring the sunken vessel, the Phoenix, for missing people. The tour boat was one of two reported to have capsized yesterday late afternoon. Phuket’s Governor Plodthong is keeping the media up to date with regular briefings. A sudden wind equal hit the Andaman…
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Carnage off the coast of Phuket
Thursday, July 5, 8.30pm. Two tour boats sank off Phuket late this afternoon, forcing about 130 tourists into the sea until fishermen and marine police came to their rescue. There are currently no reports of casualties but a relief operation centre has been set up at Chalong Bay for the victims. A local fishing boat retrieved passengers from a liferaft…
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10 million baht to develop Phuket OTOP villages
Phuket is developing its OTOP Villages with a 10 million baht budget to support local tourism. OTOP stands for ‘One Tambon (meaning sub-district) One Product’. It is a local entrepreneurship stimulus program which aims to support the unique locally made and marketed products of each Thai tambon all over Thailand. OTOP drew its inspiration from Japan’s successful One Village One…
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Phuket Brand trade fair to be held at Jungceylon
A Phuket Brand fair will be held on July 6 -10 at Jungceylon Phuket with more than 50 stalls. Phuket Vice Governor Prakob Wongmaneerung and Chief of Phuket Trading Office, Decha Petchwong, announced the details at a media conference yesterday. Khun Decha says, “We are paying attention to both unique as well as standard brands to build confidence in tourists…
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Phuket hosts Miss Grand Thailand Carnival
A ‘carnival-themed’ fashion show, featuring 77 contestants of the Miss Grand Thailand 2018 beauty contest, in beautiful and exotic costumes, was held at Phuket’s Patong Beach this evening. The fashion show was held to promote the Phuket’s tourism and was a part of the contest’s ‘beauty camp’ activities being held in Phuket until July 8. The contest for provincial traditional…
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Two arrested with drugs and ammunition in Kathu
Yesterday (July 3) two Thai man were arrested with methamphetamine pills, crystal methamphetamine and bullets at Soi Bang Thong in Kathu. A team from the Kathu Police arrested Nipon Chuduang. Police seized 1,427 methamphetamine pills and 102 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Police also seized two bullets. Nopparut has been charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to…
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The ‘Sano-Tik’ collection – Phuket’s unique batik
Phuket has introduced a new, unique style of ‘Batik’ cloth called ‘Sano-Tik’ collection, inspired by the mineral, tin, an important resource in Phuket’s early days. The project’s opening ceremony was hosted by the Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong and Chief of Community Development Office Kittipon Wetchakun. The ceremony was held at Merlin Hotel. Governor Norrapahat says, “We have introduced a unique…
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Four arrested with 200,000 methamphetamine pills in Phang Nga
Four people have been arrested with more than 200,000 methamphetamine tablets. Two suspects are 46 year old Praiwan Jantarod and a man name only as ‘Dam’, aged 18 year old. Both are from Phang Nga. Police seized 39 methamphetamine pills. The Phang Nga Provincial Police Commander Col Eakkawut Sanaepohn says, “after we arrested those two suspects we continued the investigation.…
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Phuket Yacht Club getting kids started in sailing
Twenty three junior sailors aged between seven and fourteen descended on the Phuket Yacht Club last Saturday for a day of fun and excitement in the first O’pen BIC sailing challenge in Thailand. “We were certainly overwhelmed by the response” said the club’s Commodore, Scott Duncanson. “As this was the first time we have held a junior sailing regatta we…
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Lions Club of Phuket Pearl raises money for Phuket Sunshine Village
The Lions Club of Phuket Pearl Association hosted their Gala Dinner at La Butcheries Restaurant. Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong was their special guest at the dinner. The dinner was under the theme ‘Open Your Heart Day’ to raise money to buy computer notebooks for children at the Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation. Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong says, “We are very glad…
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Pakistani and Indian bag snatchers arrested
Police have arrested an Indian man and Pakistani woman who snatched two female Chinese tourists’ bags on the weekend at Kata Beach. Karon Police were notified of the incident that two suspects had snatched the Chinese ladies’ bags on Kata Beach at 9.50pm on Sunday night (July 1). Two female Chinese tourists were later identified as 16 year old Li…
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Soi Dog’s beach cleaning day at Mai Khao
On Friday, June 29, Soi Dog Foundation gathered its staff, volunteers and visitors at Mai Khao Beach to collect trash along one of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches. As members of the Mai Khao community, Soi Dog wants to keep it pure and safe for tourists and residents to enjoy. The crew succeeded in collecting over 2.5 tonnes of rubbish. Understanding…
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Koh Payu monkeys get a seafood feast
The Deputy Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) headed out to Koh Payu where 80 monkeys have been recently released to their new home. The visit was to check on their welfare and give them some seafood treats. On June 21, 80 monkeys, which had already been sterilised, were released onto Koh Payu,…
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Miss Grand Thailand 2018 team heads to Phuket stray dog shelter for make-over
77 beauty contestants from the Miss Grand Thailand 2018 headed to the Phuket stray dog shelter for a clean up day in Thalang yesterday (July 1). Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong welcomed the Miss Grand Thailand 2018 contingent to the shelter in the Suan Pa Bang Kanun, Thalang. Phuket’s Governor says, “Miss Grand Thailand 2018 represents individuals from 77 provinces around the…
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Motorcyclist killed in Patong Hill accident
A female motorbike driver has died after she lost control of her vehicle and collided with two cars on Patong Hill early Sunday (July 1). Kathu Police were notified of the accident on a curve on Phra Baramee Road at 4am. Police and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find a Honda motorbike, whose driver was later identified as…
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Pregnant wife shoots Phang Nga police husband to death
A nine month pregnant wife has surrendered after fatally shooting her husband following an arguement in a Phang Nga house on Saturday (June 30). The Takua Pa Police were notified of the incident at the house in Takua Pa. The Region 8 Police, The Takua Pa Police and The Talad Yai Police arrived at the house to find the body…
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Furniture warehouse fire damage bill estimated at 20 million baht
Fire fighters took more than 4 hours fighting the fierce blaze with over 20 fire trucks and assistance from local Navy personnel to control the furniture warehouse fire. Damage has been estimated at a value of around 20 million baht. Authorities are currently considering revoking the license of the factory. No injuries have been reported as the fire engulfed the…
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Phuket Surf Series kicks off in Patong today
Surfing Thailand and the Phuket Surfing Club, is association with the Tourism Authority of Thailand is organising the “Phuket Surf Series 2018+ Khao Lak” that runs from today (June 30) to October 2018. This falls during the annual ‘Green’ or monsoon season in Thailand’s Southern Region, when swells out of the Bay of Bengal are most consistent for both beach…
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Navy officers assist putting out the Phuket furniture warehouse fire
No injuries have been reported as a fire engulfed a furniture warehouse today (June 30) while officers from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command were also called in to help to put out the fire. The Wichit Police were notified of the fire at 11.30am. About 10 fire trucks and crews have been fighting the blaze at the furniture warehouse…
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Fire guts furniture warehouse in Wichit
Fire fighters, along with about 10 fire trucks, have been fighting a fire at a furniture warehouse in Wichit today (June 30). Officers from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) stationed at Wichit Municipality were notified of the fire in a Soi at the back of a SuperCheap Store, near Kajonkiet Pattana School on Chao Fah West Road,…
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The first Leopard 50 arrives in Phuket in July
By Joe Lim/luxuo.com The first Leopard 50 has arrived in Asia, and a special partnership event between Yacht Style Magazine and Lux Inc Media will be held at Ao Po Grand Marina from July 7-8. Since the launch of the Leopard 50 at the Miami International Boat Show, she has proven to be one of the most successful products launched by…
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Shisha/Vaping shop raided in Kathu
A team of officers from Phuket Provincial Defense Office and the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command raided ‘@ Moom Mor’ restaurant in Kathu on Wednesday night (June 27). Officers arrived at the shop where 14 tables of customers were using baraku (shisha). Officers arrested a 20 year old Thai man, Feeraskan Akbas, from Narathiwat. Officers seized 960 grams of baraku…
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Plans for Phuket pork factory changed to ‘refrigeration and storage facility’
The plans to construct a pork processing factory in Mai Khao have been changed to a refrigeration and storage facility after a three hour discussion yesterday (June 28). Locals in Mai Khao are protesting against the company who was planning to construct a pork processing factory in the north section of Phuket island. Locals at Baan Dan Yid and Baan Dan…
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Chinese tourist drowns at Karon beach
A Chinese tourist who ignored the red flags and warnings from lifeguards earlier, has drowned at Karon Beach today (June 28). Karon lifeguards were notified by a beach vendor that a Chinese male had been hit by a big wave in front of the Karon football field, and disappeared in the surf. Karon lifeguards rushed to the scene where red…
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Man caught by Karon lifeguard stealing from tourist
A Thai man has been caught red-handed by lifeguards for stealing a foreigner’s bag containing cash, a mobile phone and wallet at Karon Beach yesterday (June 27) . The victim of the theft has only identified as a female foreign tourist who was enjoying her day on Karon beach opposite the Tourist Assistance Centre yesterday afternoon. According to the Karon…
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Pakistan ambassador shares concerns over safety of Phuket tourists
Phuket Governor Norrapahat Plodthong welcomed the Pakistan Ambassador Designate in Thailand H.E. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad and his delegation to the Phuket City Hall yesterday (June 27). Topics up for discussion included increasing Pakistani tourism to the island and some of the challenges facing them. The ambassador said he was concerned about Pakistani tourist safety and facilities assisting their comfort and…
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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