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.
-
Russian tourist’s tragic fall from Phuket condo under investigation
A 20 year old Russian tourist tragically fell to his death from a seventh-floor condominium in Phuket. Police are investigating the incident and have contacted the Russian embassy to inform the family and repatriate the body for religious rites. Officers from Chalong Police Station in Phuket received a report about a male tourist who had fallen from a height. The incident…
-
Phuket hotel and police accused of covering up fatal electrocution
The family of a Thai woman electrocuted to death in a Phuket hotel is seeking justice after they accused the hotel and police of attempting to cover up the cause of her death to avoid taking responsibility. The 26 year old woman, Kanokwan “Nam” Intachak, worked as an assistant chef at a well-known hotel in Phuket and died while working…
-
Foreign man in Phuket protests after Thais take over his home
A foreign man in Phuket submitted a complaint to the Ministry of the Interior after a bunch of Thai people took over his home. The Phuket Times shared a picture of the foreign man, whose identity was not revealed, protesting on Cherngtalay Road on Wednesday, August 7. The foreigner was sitting outside Krungthai Bank with a sign written in four…
-
Phuket Vegetarian Festival to sprout excitement and turnip the fun
The annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival is set to “sprout” with residents ready to “turnip” the excitement from October 3 to October 11, confirmed by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. In a meeting jam-packed with officials and local figures at Phuket Provincial Hall, Governor Sophon, Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon, and Phuket Culture Office chief Pichaiyut Singhasami finalised the festival dates. The focus…
-
Asian woman found dead on Phuket’s Kata Beach
An Asian woman was found dead on Kata Beach in Phuket early this morning. The grim find was made by a lifeguard, according to Karon police. The victim, who was clad in a black two-piece swimsuit, was approximately 160 centimetres tall, around 30 years old, with long black hair. Her body was discovered lying face down on the sand, directly…
-
Phuket Airport grounded: Power cut leaves flights in the dark
Phuket International Airport faced a brief power outage last night because of a power failure in the Provincial Electricity Authority’s (PEA) 115kV electricity distribution system. The outage, which started at 6.25pm, yesterday, August 6, impacted the Thalang district area, including the airport, according to an announcement from the Airports of Thailand Phuket branch (AoT Phuket). The disruption was attributed to…
-
Man caught in Phuket after two-year hunt for selling modified guns
A 29 year old man has been apprehended in Phuket following a two-year manhunt for his involvement in modifying blank guns and selling them via live broadcasts on Facebook. The suspect, known only as Kittiphon or Tom, managed to evade capture by fleeing from Phang Nga to Phuket. Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Crime Suppression Division…
-
Justice minister visits Phuket prison, focuses on rehabilitation
Justice Minister Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, accompanied by the Inspector-General of the Department of Corrections, Narong Nukong, visited Phuket Provincial Prison yesterday to inspect prisoner conditions and encourage inmate rehabilitation. Joining them were Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon, MP Chalermpong Saengdee, Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), and Arkom Phusri, Director of the Phuket Provincial Prison.…
-
Reel trouble in Phuket: Man hooked for fishing in temple pond
A Thai man in Phuket sparked controversy by fishing in front of people releasing fish at a temple pond, and ignoring their reactions. The incident, which took place at Wat Chaiyathararam in Chalong, was captured in a 29-second video shared by the Facebook page Newshawk Phuket. The video shows a man in a black shirt calmly fishing, despite onlookers releasing…
-
Phuket motorists disrupted by Heroines Underpass pole relocation
Motorists in Phuket should prepare for further disruptions at the Heroines Monument as Thalang Traffic Police continue the relocation of power poles along Thepkrasattri Road. This work is part of the preparations for constructing the Heroines Underpass. The initial phase of this relocation project, which started last Wednesday, July 31, has been completed. Yesterday, August 4, Thalang Traffic Police announced…
-
Pygmy killer whales rescued in Phuket mangrove forest (video)
A group of pygmy killer whales stranded in Phuket’s mangrove forest prompted urgent action from marine officials. Five whales were rescued, while one tragically died. Pacharawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, shared that reports from Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, came in early yesterday, August 3, about six…
-
Phuket immigration volunteers trained to boost efficiency
A training session aimed at enhancing the efficiency of Phuket Immigration volunteers was conducted yesterday at the Royal Phuket City Hotel. The event took place in the Bon Mai Thon Meeting Room and was overseen by the Commander of Immigration Bureau 6. Police Major General Songprot Sirisukha. The Superintendent of Phuket Immigration, Police Colonel Kriangkrai Ariyaying, along with various Phuket…
-
Phuket Peeping Tom escapes lynching, abandons panties (video)
A Thai man involved in a Peeping Tom incident in Phuket narrowly avoided being lynched. He fled the scene, leaving behind his motorcycle and several items, including women’s underwear, condoms, a cucumber, and drug paraphernalia. Another Thai man shared the incident on social media, which occurred at approximately 10.45pm on Wednesday, July 31, to warn locals in the Pa Klock…
-
Top nightclubs in Phuket
Thailand is a country where it is clearly defined what is allowed in terms of entertainment and what is not. For example, even though the country’s neighbours have more or less relaxed gambling policies, this type of entertainment is almost completely banned in Thailand. Neither visitors nor locals have a chance to enter a casino. The policy also applies to…
-
Two tourists drown in Phuket beach tragedies
Two tragic incidents unfolded on Phuket’s beaches yesterday resulting in the drowning deaths of a Hong Kong father at Patong Beach and a Kazakh tourist at Karon Beach. At Patong Beach, yesterday, July 31, Che Ka Fai aka Andy, a 52 year old Chinese national from Hong Kong, was pulled from the water unconscious and unresponsive. Police Lieutenant Colonel Phongpipat…
-
Officials tee up hunt for wayward crocodile at Phuket golf course
Officials in Phuket are stepping up efforts to capture a crocodile spotted at Mission Hills Golf Course. The sighting on July 31 prompted an urgent response from local authorities and specialist crocodile capture teams. It seems the croc is making a real ‘swing’ at disrupting the course, and officials are keen to ‘par’ the situation before it escalates. Nikhom Suksawat,…
-
Phuket police seize nearly 3 kilogrammes of crystal meth in Rawai
Phuket police apprehended two men in possession of nearly 3 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine at a residence on Saiyuan Road in Rawai. The arrests, executed by the Crime Suppression Division of the Phuket Provincial Police, were led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Phichit Thongto yesterday. A 47 year old man, Tribut Samaktalay, aka Tor, who is registered as living in Moo 4,…
-
AirAsia launches direct flights from Phuket to India
AirAsia Thailand unveiled new direct flight routes from Phuket to Chennai and Kolkata, promising seamless travel to paradise from two of India’s major cities. Starting from October 27, these flights will offer travellers a convenient gateway to Phuket’s pristine beaches, vibrant cultural scenes, and delectable seafood. The Chennai-Phuket route will operate thrice weekly, while the Kolkata-Phuket connection will take off…
-
Motorbike taxi driver assaults UAE tourists in Patong
Patong Police are still yet to confirm any action taken against a motorbike taxi driver who assaulted two tourists from the United Arab Emirates in Soi Saen Sabai on July 29. The incident took place in front of the Hallo Massage shop, leaving the two tourists injured. The police were alerted to the situation around 10pm. The victims, identified as…
-
Man dies after fainting and falling off bicycle in Phuket
A 60 year old man tragically died early today, falling off his bicycle after fainting en route to Thalang Hospital in Phuket for his regular medication. Police Captain Kraisorn Boonprasop of Thalang Police was alerted to the incident at approximately 6.50am and promptly arrived at the scene with Pol. Lt. Sin Saijit and an EMS Advance Unit from Thalang Hospital.…
-
Officer monkeying around: Phuket cop saves Russian’s bag
A police officer in Phuket has been commended for his resourcefulness in retrieving a Russian woman’s bag from a mischievous monkey at Khao Toh Sae in Phuket Town. The incident, highlighted on the Phuket News Hawk page, involved Police Sergeant Supachai Arunchot and Pol. Sgt. Phuthip Chotiwatanakorn of the Phuket Provincial Police. Pol. Sgt. Supachai recounted how the monkey, a…
-
Baby Hawksbill turtle rescued from marine debris at Rawai Beach
A baby Hawksbill turtle was rescued from a heap of marine debris washed ashore at Rawai Beach. The young turtle was discovered yesterday, July 28, by staff from Rawai Municipality, who promptly notified the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Centre, under the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). Weighing 1.8 kilogrammes and with a shell measuring 27.5 centimetres wide…
-
Busted: ‘Smoke and mirrors’ shop nabbed for untaxed cigs, vapes
Two women have been apprehended for selling untaxed cigarettes and illegal vaping paraphernalia at a shop in Soi Pha-niang, Moo 5, Ratsada. The illicit operation netted them more than half a million baht over the past three months. The 23 year old Sarinya Phonkaew, from Satun, and the 25 year old Chonlada Chuewong, registered as living in Chalong, were detained…
-
Human skeletal remains found washed ashore in Phuket
Human skeletal remains, including a pelvis and upper leg bones, were discovered washed ashore in Phuket, prompting an investigation. The remains, likely those of a male, are estimated to have been deceased for over eight weeks. Local officials also found documents in a pair of trousers nearby. Police Lieutenant Natthee Pichitchai Nithimeth, Deputy Inspector of Wichit Police Station in Phuket,…
-
Efforts intensify to protect rare marine species in Andaman Sea
Efforts to protect rare marine species along the Andaman Sea have intensified, with new aerial surveys revealing the presence of dugongs, sea turtles, and dolphins, highlighting a thriving marine ecosystem. The initiative, spearheaded by senior officials, aims to conserve these precious resources. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Pachara Wongsoonsawat has shown significant concern for the…
-
2 Pakistani men arrested in Phuket after scamming Thai vendors
Police have arrested two Pakistani men at a residence in Phuket after they repeatedly defrauded several Thai vendors. The men claimed that their criminal actions were unintentional and resulted from being under the influence of alcohol. The owner of a drugstore in the Kamala sub-district of Phuket filed a scam complaint with Kamala Police Station after a foreign customer, later…
-
Indian tourist drowns at Surin Beach despite red flag warning
A 27 year old Indian tourist drowned at Surin Beach after getting entangled in a rip current during an early morning swim with friends yesterday, July 24. A red flag, indicating dangerous water conditions, was posted on Surin Beach. Despite this warning, the Indian tourist, Kapoor Manav and his friends ventured into the sea. Thalang Police Station received notification at…
-
Phuket leads in dengue crisis: Kids worst hit in southern Thailand
Phuket has emerged as the hotspot for dengue fever in upper southern Thailand, with the highest infection rates among seven provinces, according to the Department of Disease Control’s regional office. Dr Darinda Rosa, acting Director of Health Region 11’s Disease Control Office, highlighted a significant surge in dengue cases from January 1 to yesterday, totalling 5,853. Children aged 10-14 are…
-
Phuket canal blackened by boat engine soot, not oil spill
Black water in Klong Tha Jeen, located on the east side of Phuket Town, was traced back to soot from a boat engine, according to the Phuket Marine Office. The incident occurred yesterday when soot from the engine of a boat named Jovana caused black water to appear on the canal’s surface. A tip-off was received around 11am, yesterday, July…
-
Shellfish showdown: Tempers boil over pricey shrimp dish in Phuket
A heated debate has erupted over the pricing of a shrimp dish at a well-known restaurant in Chalong, Phuket. The controversy began when the popular Facebook page Page E So Khia Khao 3 shared a post about the stir-fried lotus lai with shrimp served by Suan Indy Seafood in Soi Kruwattana (Soi Palai 2). The post highlighted the dish’s price…
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.
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.