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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Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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3D-printed coral islands to rejuvenate Phuket’s degraded reefs
The coastal waters of Racha Yai Island, south of Phuket, are about to witness a groundbreaking ecological restoration project. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) initiated a project to install 88 sets of 3D-printed coral larvae islands at Siam Bay, to restore the severely degraded coral reef in the area. At the helm of this inaugural installation was…
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Phuket police issue prohibitions for upcoming Loy Krathong Festival
Phuket’s Provincial Police force issued a stern reminder of the prohibitions in place for the upcoming Loy Krathong Festival celebrations. These regulations, originally announced by Region 8 Police on Monday, November 20, were communicated by Region 8 Police Commander Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomjit. Situated at the top end of Phuket, Region 8 Police headquarters oversees law enforcement activities across seven…
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Phuket: Scheduled power outage by PEA Thalang in Mai Khao area
The Provincial Electricity Authority‘s Thalang branch (PEA Thalang) in Phuket made public its plans for a scheduled power outage in the expansive Mai Khao area tomorrow (Thursday, November 23). The interruption to the power supply, which is set to last from 9am to 5pm, is a necessary measure to allow maintenance workers to conduct repair works on high-voltage cables within…
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Thai man arrested at Phuket Airport over computer crime charges
A 33 year old Thai man, accused of computer-related crime, was apprehended while attempting to depart from Thailand through Phuket International Airport. The arrest took place around 10.30pm on November 20, in the international departures hall, according to immigration officers stationed at the airport. The individual was sought after under arrest warrant No. 197/2566, issued by the Sisaket Provincial Court…
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Phuket police launches anti-crime campaign ahead of Loy Krathong Festival
Phuket City Police Station was a buzz of activity as it marked the initiation of an intensive seven-day anti-crime campaign, aimed at ensuring safety during the upcoming Loy Krathong Festival. The campaign, spearheaded by Region 8 Police Deputy Commander Police Major General Nipon Rattanasirisaengchot, kicked off yesterday, November 20 and is set to run until November 26. The Loy Krathong…
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Southern Thailand: Illegal waste dumping threatens Ratsada’s mangrove forests
Garbage dumping within the mangrove forests near the Soi King Kaew community in southern Thailand is causing concerns and disrupting the harmony of the ecosystem. Local authorities have started investigations led by Ratsada’s Mayor, Nakarin Yosaengrat who has pointed out a potential culprit and initiated legal action. Mayor Nakarin, along with an entourage of officials from the Ratsada Municipality executive…
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Inferno consumes Chevrolet Aveo in Phuket, arson not ruled out
A Chevrolet Aveo sedan was consumed by an inferno late last night in Soi Thanuthep, Chalong, Phuket. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation, with local authorities yet to confirm whether it was an accident or a deliberate act of arson. The police were notified about the incident around 10.30pm. Lieutenant Charat Lemphan of the Chalong Police Department…
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Swedish embassy appoints Honorary Consul in Phuket to boost Thai-Swedish relations
An Honorary Consul has been appointed in Phuket by the Swedish embassy in Thailand, aiming to amplify Thai-Swedish relations on the popular tourist island. To date this year, there have been 110,000 Swedish tourists in Thailand. Anna Hammargren, the Swedish Ambassador to Thailand, was warmly received by Deputy Governor of Phuket, Amnuay Pinsuwan at the City Hall, during her official…
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Phuket man caught using fake red license plates to avoid loan payments
Phuket Highway Police apprehended a man using counterfeit red license plates on his vehicle, following his admission that he was unable to keep up with his car loan payments. The black Toyota Vios, sporting the dubious license plates, was first spotted by officers at a Highway Police rest stop. The car was parked near a restroom, its licence plates bearing…
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Gunshots shatter the rhythm on Phuket’s Bangla Road boulevard
The heart of Phuket’s nightlife on Bangla Road was jolted awake early this morning with the sharp echo of gunshots ringing through the air. In the aftermath, the President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA), Weerawit Krueasombat, swiftly took to social media to clarify the incident and dismiss the circulating rumours. In a detailed Facebook update, Weerawit lambasted the reports…
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Phi Phi islands: Tourist boat sinking prompts safety concerns
A startling incident unfolded on the serene waters surrounding Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands when a longtail boat, tasked with ferrying six tourists to Bamboo Island, sank. The boat sinking mishap has triggered an urgent call from the chief of the Phi Phi Islands National Park, Yutthaphong Damsrisuk, for all boat operators to step up their safety measures. The alarm bells…
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Thai-MECC rescues Phang Nga student from perilous waters
A dramatic rescue operation unfolded yesterday in the swift waters between Phuket and mainland Thailand. A student from Phang Nga, who was seen jumping off the Sarasin Bridge, was rescued by a local fishing boat and the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (THAI-MECC). The THAI-MECC, stationed at the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command in Cape Panwa, received word of…
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Forest faux pas: Illegal loggers caught in the act as DSI turns the spotlight on hidden tree mischief in Thailand
An unsanctioned logging operation, hidden deep within Thailand’s Bang Khanun protected forest, was inadvertently exposed during a routine inspection by officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Conducted in conjunction with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and forest protection officials, the group stumbled upon the illegal exploitation yesterday. Vice Admiral Suchart Thammapitakwet, the commander of the RTN’s Third Area…
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Phuket’s Patong beachfront to host air-sea rescue exercise
The beachfront of Patong in Phuket is set to become a stage for an elaborate display of emergency preparedness. The impending air-sea rescue exercise, initially slated to take place later this month, is part of a series of events aimed at showcasing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of tourists, announced Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat yesterday. The mock disaster scenario…
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Patong Hill road set for major safety makeover in Phuket
The notorious Patong Hill road in Phuket is set to undergo a significant makeover aimed at enhancing safety and reducing the frequency of accidents, particularly on its steep slopes. This development comes as a response to mounting concerns and complaints from local inhabitants about the hazardous condition of the frequently used road. The plan was unveiled after Phuket Governor Sophon…
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Phuket police apprehend duo for vandalising Russian tour buses
The tranquil island of Phuket was shaken as two men were seized by police for allegedly vandalising Russian tour buses. The duo was said to be receiving a bounty of 1,000 baht for each vehicle they damaged using a slingshot and ball bearings. They managed to wreak havoc on ten buses before their arrest. The arrests were made following a…
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Burglary busters: Thalang police nab duo, bringing relief to southern Thailand’s crime-weary community
In a series of successful home burglary crackdowns, Thalang police apprehended two suspects in Thepkrasattri, in southern Thailand. This recent breakthrough in the investigation came as a relief to the local community, which had been plagued by a spate of break-ins and robberies. The two men, 41 year old Anon “Nont” Somphet, a resident of Moo 4, Thepkrasattri, and 44…
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Down under dilemma: Australian arrested at Phuket Airport with cocaine stash hidden in passport
A 26 year old Australian national found himself in hot water upon his arrival at Phuket International Airport. The arrest came about after a small quantity of cocaine was discovered hidden within his passport by vigilant immigration officers. The young man, whose name was conspicuously absent from the first reports released by the Phuket Immigration Checkpoint officers, was apprehended in…
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Phuket locals back proposal for extended nightlife venue operating hours
A bustling crowd of over 800 individuals gathered at Kathu Wittaya School in Phuket yesterday, participating in a public forum aimed at gauging sentiment regarding the extension of nightlife venue operating hours to 4am in designated zones. The proposal received unanimous approval from those in attendance, reflecting a collective inclination towards longer nightlife hours. The forum, presided over by Kathu…
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Phuket remembers road accident victims and addresses safety concerns
Phuket residents and officials yesterday took part in a poignant event to honour the memory of those lost in road accidents on the island. This gathering was orchestrated by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and forms part of the local activities acknowledging the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, although the official global recognition is slated for this coming Sunday,…
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Power to the pavement: Phuket’s bold move buries cables, sparks a brighter future
A significant initiative has been launched in Phuket, with the city’s Municipality signing a deal to bury power cables underground along three major roads. The undertaking is part of a broader plan aimed at enhancing safety, elevating aesthetics, and improving the quality of life for residents. Phuket Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas announced the development yesterday. The initiative, a partnership between Phuket…
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Phuket plot twist: Hotel worker arrested over violent gang attack
An unfolding story from Phuket has led to the arrest of a hotel worker in Karon, who was implicated in a violent gang-related attack that happened back in August. The hotel worker, known only as Mr USA, was apprehended by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) earlier today, in front of the hotel where he was currently employed. The report provided…
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Southern Thailand: Russian tourist’s rental vehicle plummets into ditch in Trang
In Trang province, a Russian tourist‘s rental vehicle veered off the main road, plunging into a deep roadside ditch. No one was harmed in the incident, as reported by the Phuket Tourist Police. A message was dispatched yesterday from Phuket Tourist Police’s headquarters, detailing the incident. The report revealed the car’s occupant was a Russian tourist, who rented a Honda sedan…
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Shade crusaders: Phuket’s Multicoloured Umbrella Group seeks sun-soaked justice from governor for beachfront comeback
The sandy shores of Phuket reverberated with a plea for help from a collective of former umbrella vendors, now united as the Multicoloured Umbrella Group. Previously engaged in setting up beach umbrellas at Karon, these individuals are now appealing for the intervention of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. Their request? A fair reinstatement to their beachfront locations, allowing them to resume…
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Pawsitively purr-fect: Free pet healthcare initiative wags its tail in Phuket Town
Phuket Town, a bustling locale in Thailand, is now the site of an exciting initiative to provide free healthcare services for pets. The service, brought to the community by a mobile clinic, is extending an open invitation to residents to bring their beloved cats and dogs, as well as local strays, for comprehensive medical care. This free pet healthcare initiative…
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Mysterious objects found in Phuket Pool Villa: A satirical homebuyer’s story
Wouldn’t it be fun if you walked into a house in the tropical paradise of Phuket and found a bath full of cash as part of the deal?* What if a recent homebuyer’s online property search took an unexpected turn? What began as a typical tour of available homes transformed into an adventure of discovery, as this potential homeowner stumbled…
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Koh Maphrao residents plead for bridge to Phuket
On the untouched shores of Koh Maphrao, an island nestled off the east coast of Phuket, a pressing issue has been echoing amongst its inhabitants. The island’s residents have made a formal plea to the Department of Rural Roads for the construction of a bridge to connect them with the bustling mainland of Phuket. This idyllic haven has, so far,…
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Phuket Airport: American man arrested for overstaying visa by 79 days
As dawn broke over the bustling Phuket International Airport, an American man found himself in the grip of the law. The man was apprehended by Thai immigration officials around 5.30am yesterday for overstaying his visa by 79 days, a direct violation of the country’s immigration laws. The American man’s actions had turned him into an illegal resident in the Land…
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HPV vaccination drive: Thailand aims to inoculate 1 million young women
The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) in Thailand is on a mission: to vaccinate one million young women against the human papillomavirus (HPV) within 100 days. This ambitious initiative is part of a national campaign aiming to safeguard the health of the country’s female population. The campaign’s life-saving work began at Plookpanya School in Phuket Town, where 200 female…
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Phuket tourism operators push for international convention centre
In a bid to elevate Phuket’s status as an exhibition hub, local tourism operators are urging for the rapid implementation of a long-stalled project for an international convention centre and a freeport city initiative. The urgency has arisen due to the impending enforcement of new environmental laws which may necessitate a redesign of the project. The Health Ministry recently abandoned…
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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