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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The holiday season is here, bringing warmth, joy, and a chance to reflect on the year gone by. As an expat in Thailand, this Christmas is a great time to invest in something that truly matters: health. Whether for you...
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Bon voyage – Phuket prepares to move monkeys to islands
Phuket’s Governor Noraphat Plodthong says “Long-tailed macaque and Southern pig-tailed macaque are disturbing local residents and tourists. We are planning to move monkeys to islands that have been provided as a long-term solution. A public hearing will be held this month to discuss all the options.” “Officials have surveyed and found that there are seven main areas that have monkey…
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12 year old motorcycle rider killed in Wichit after head crushed by tour bus
Wichit Police have been notified about an accident at 4:40pm yesterday (May 15) on Chao Fa–Suanluang Road, opposite a furniture mall near Naka Jor Su Kong Shrine in Wichit. Police, along with medical staff and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find a Honda motorbike in the middle of the road. Nearby was the body of 12 year old…
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1.5 tonne whale shark caught up in a fishing net in Krabi
A whale shark was found caught up in a fishing net at Ao Nang between Koh Phi Phi and Koh Khaew (Green Island) by ‘Kietwarin 3’ fishing boat over the weekend. The whale shark was 5 metres and weighed around 1.5 tons. The owner of the fishing boat, 48 year old Udon Boonsuk, who is also a boat captain says…
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Bangkok Airways to kick off direct flights between Yangon and Phuket
Bangkok Airways is looking to kick off direct flights between Yangon and Phuket this November. This according to Bangkok Airways’ regional airline vice president, Varong Israsena. Myanmar National Airlines started operating a direct flight between Yangon and Phuket last month and are looking to increase frequency of the flights from Myanmar’s largest city to Phuket. “I see great potential in Myanmar.…
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Vanranyu cruises to victory at Singha Laguna Phuket Open
Thailand’s Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij savoured his first professional victory in front of his family after closing with an even-par 70 to win by six shots in the final round of the Singha Laguna Phuket Open yesterday (Sunday). The 21 year old Thai displayed great form all week as he traded two birdies against as many bogeys on Sunday to secure his…
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Drug dealer arrested in sting operation
Border Patrol Police this week arrested Saksuriya ‘Ta’ Kajornduang at the parking area of the Yeeteng Market on Chao Fa Road in Phuket Town. Police seized 11.93 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice) and a licensed handgun with 15 bullets. He was taken to the Phuket Police Station to face charges of possession with a Category 1 drug with intent to sell,…
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Man killed, murderer arrested in Rassada
The Phuket City Police have been notified of an incident in front of a house in Soi Malipan, Rassada on Saturday (May 12). Police and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find the body of a man who was identified as 30 year old Peerasit Saelim surrounded by a pool of blood on the ground. A kitchen knife was…
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Female drug dealer arrested in Phuket Town
Border Patrol Police this week arrested 24 year old Saranya ‘Palm’ Arjmongkon at a condominium in Phuket Town. Police seized 29.51 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice) and 355 methamphetamine pills (ya bah). She was charged with possession with Category 1 drug with intent to sell. The arrest follows police receiving a tip-off that Saranya was selling drugs on the street. On…
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Barbed wire fence erected around the offices of the Emerald Development Group
A barbed wire fence has been erected around the main offices for the Emerald Development Group and two signs erected in the front of the property. “This is a personal land plot which does not belong to the Emerald Development Group Co.,Ltd. Outsiders are not permitted or else legal action will be taken. Tel: 085 886 7456” The erection of…
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Thai young gun Varanyu leads by eight shots at Singha Laguna Phuket Open
Thailand’s Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij extended his lead by eight shots after shooting a one-under-par 69 in the third round of the Singha Laguna Phuket Open on Saturday. The 21-year-old Thai, who has led since round one, put himself in prime position for his first professional win. He leads on 18-under-par 192 at the award-winning Laguna Phuket course. New Asian Development Tour…
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Taxi catches fire outside Cassia Laguna Hotel – No injuries
Officials at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) stationed in Cherng Talay were notified of an incident in front of Cassia Hotel in Laguna, Cherng Talay at 9:05pm last night (May 11). Fire fighters with two water trucks arrived at the scene along with the Cherng Talay Police. At the scene they found a burnt white Toyota taxi…
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Varanyu holds commanding lead at Singha Laguna Phuket Open
Thailand’s Varanyu Rattanaphaibulkij maintained his position at the top with his second round of nine-under-par 61 at the Singha Laguna Phuket Open on Friday. The 21-year-old Thai carded a flawless round with seven birdies and one eagle to lead the field by seven strokes on a 17-under-par 123 total at the 2 million baht (approx. USD64,000) event co-sanctioned by the…
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Chinese delegation visit Patong lifeguards and had some suggestions too
A meeting was held yesterday (May 10) at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phuket Office (DDPM-Phuket) with the Consul-General for Thailand Zhou Guangxi, Counsellor Li Chunlin, Chinese Consulate-General in Phuket Ma Cui Hong and Phuket Vice Governor Prakob Wongmaneerung in attendance. Vice Governor Prakob says, “We are paying a lot of attention to tourist’s safety these days. The Phuket Provincial…
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Phuket Gateway officially launched
The opening ceremony for the Phuket Gateway was held this morning (May 11) in Mai Khao, just north of the Thachachai Checkpoint. The ceremony was hosted by Phuket’s Governor Norraphat and Thalang District Chief Adul Choothong. Governor Norraphat says “The government has been paying attention to locals in the area saying they want to generate more local income for tourists…
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Motorbike driver died after running into garbage truck in Thalang
Thalang Police were notified about an accident in front of the Thalang Police Station on Thepkrasattri Rd southbound at 7:20pm last night (May 10). Police, together with rescue workers, arrived at the scene to find an orange garbage truck was parked beside the road. The truck driver 51 year old Somboon Tonglueng was waiting for police at the scene. A…
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Phuket Property Awards for Export 2018
PHOTO: The Regent Bang Tao “We have received some good ideas from the Phuket Governor to make a good image for condominium investors in Phuket and to improve confidence and credibility for both Thai and Foreign customers. Many condominium project complaints have been filed at the Damrongdhama Centre.“ This from the President of the Phuket Real Estate Association (P-REA), Boon…
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Bangkok Airways Phuket Half-Marathon announced
A press conference was held at Limelight Avenue hosted by the Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen, Phuket Vice Governor Prakob Wongmaneerung and Deputy Director of the Phuket Office of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Montri Manator. The media gathering was called to announce the Phuket Half-Marathon to be held on August 5. The marathon is part of Bangkok Airways…
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KLM jet continues flight after precautionary landing in Phuket
At 12:20pm Wednesday staff members at the Air Traffic Control department of the Phuket International Airport were notified that a KLM Boeing 777-200, Flight KL 809 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, had to make a precautionary landing in Phuket, after smoke started filling the cabin when a passenger’s mobile phone ‘overheated’. Read more HERE General Manager Petch Chancharoen said, “There were…
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The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge, Thailand
The WCGC Thailand roared back into action in 2018 with a new Title Sponsor ‘Blue Horizon’ at the helm of the event, and a new scoring system. With a title sponsor on board it enabled the entry fees to be lowered significantly from last year helping the event double participation on last year event with over 150 teams taking part…
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Volunteer training to get ready for school-term traffic snarls
“There are many schools and educational institutions in Phuket. This will definitely affect the island’s traffic, especially in Phuket Town, when they’re arriving and departing.” Yesterday (May 9) at the Phuket City Police Station, the Phuket City Police Chief Col Sompong Tiparpakun and the Phuket City Traffic Police Deputy Chief Lt Col Pongpop Prasoppichai lunched the training for volunteers to…
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Officials raze illegal plantations in Krabi
Yesterday (May 9) the Chief of the Hat Nopparat – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Worapoj Lomlim raided a plantation in Krabi to demolish rubber, durian and stink bean trees which are aged around seven to ten years. Nearly 100 officials attended the raid to assist in the razing of the illegal crops. The Chief claims that more than 2,000 trees were encroaching on…
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Motorbike taxi driver arrested after robbing Australian tourist
A reenactment was held at Rawai Palm Beach Resort, opposite the Rawai Municipality yesterday (May 9) led by Chalong Police Chief Col Pakayot Tanongsak together with Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos. The suspect in the re-enacment was 48 year old Tanapon Sukjam, a motorbike taxi driver from Surat Thani who’s stationed at Rawai Beach. On May 8, around 3:30am, Tanapon robbed…
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Paklok community release new marine life to counter over-fishing in the region
The Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong attended activities yesterday (May 8) at the Baan Para Pier in Paklok at 4pm. Joining him were the Chief of the Phuket office of the Department of Fisheries, Kowit Kaoean and others. Mr Kowit says, “Our marine resources are being degenerated and decreased as illegal fisheries equipment continue to be used and there are many fisheries…
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JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa appoints new GM Matthias Y. Sutter
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is delighted to announce the appointment of Matthias Y. Sutter as the General Manager who brings with him a wealth of knowledge and 18 years of luxury hospitality expertise. In this role, he will be primarily responsible for managing the hotel operations and maintaining the exceptional services of the 265-room keys luxury Phuket resort…
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Chalong Hospital ‘phase one’ expected to be ready this November
The first section of the Chalong Hospital is expected to be fully operational in time for this year’s high-season. Chalong Mayor Samran Jindaphol says, “There are many tourists visiting Chalong along with the expats living there. It is very important to have a fully operational hospital in this area. Nearly one hour is needed for the transportation from the Chalong…
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Police crackdown on Kathu and Patong pharmacies selling unlisted drugs
Officials from Kathu District Office led by Kathu District Chief Somprach Prabsongkram along with a pharmacist from the Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO), randomly checked pharmacies in the Kathu District this week. Three pharmacies in Patong have been checked and found to be legal. Police were checking for sales of cough syrups that could be used to mix with Kratom…
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Swedish man dies after allegedly jumping from 8th floor of a Phuket hotel
A Swedish man has died after allegedly jumping from the balcony of a Patong hotel. Patong Police were notified of the incident at 3:35pm yesterday (May 8). Together with rescue workers and Patong medical staff, they arrived at the hotel on Rat Uthit 200 Pi Road in Patong. At a parking area near the building they found the body of a…
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Changes to visa applications at the Thai Consulate-General in Penang
The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang has announced changes to its acceptance and delivery of visas. Penang, Malaysia, has been a popular destination for expats and tourists to head to, particularly from Phuket. There is an entire visa-run industry heading out of the island each day heading for Penang with hotels, restaurants and taxis all ready for the daily hordes…
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One death in Krabi from Dengue Fever
“From Jan 1 to May 5 there are 266 of Dengue Fever patients which are 57.08 per 100,000 of populations. The numbers of patients are always similar at around this time of the year.” This from the Deputy Director of Krabi Public Heath Office Doctor Chalermpol Osotpromma. “One patient has died from Dengue Fever in Krabi this year. Most patients who are…
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Kata Sea Breeze Resort has been awarded Thailand MICE Venue certification
PHOTO: Kata Sea Breeze Resort represented by Ms.Rutchaneegorn Chalayondeja, Group Director of Business development of AKSARA Collection received the award from Mr.Weerasak Kowsurat Kata Sea Breeze Resort is now a certified Thailand MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) Venue as certified by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau for its Sea Sky Conference Room having met the required standards. This opens up…
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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