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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Phuket Airport expansion to double capacity, costing 6 billion baht
Phuket International Airport is set to undergo a significant expansion, as approved by the Airports of Thailand (AoT). The project, which is currently in the design stage, is estimated to have a price of upwards of 6 billion baht. AoT’s President, Kerati Kijmanawat, highlighted the expansion as a primary agenda during Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s recent visit. The proposed airport…
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Phuket Blood Bank and Thai Red Cross launch donation drive for rare blood type
The Phuket Regional Blood Bank (Phuket RBC) in partnership with the local chapter of the Thai Red Cross and 20 local businesses, have initiated a campaign in September to restock their depleting blood reserves. This campaign invites the local populace to provide their valuable donations at any of the 20 mobile blood donation stations scattered across Phuket, commencing from 2pm…
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Chalong underpass closure in Phuket tonight for essential pump repairs
Phuket’s Chalong Underpass will be inaccessible to all traffic tonight due to closure to perform critical repair works on the tunnel’s pump system. The Phuket Highways Office has issued a statement detailing the closure timings, which commence from 9pm today and extend until 5am tomorrow. This is not the first instance of such a closure; the region’s ongoing rainy season…
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Phuket police hunt for missing Russian tourist amid rough seas
A Russian tourist has reportedly gone missing off Nai Yang Beach in Phuket. The Phuket division of the Tourist Police Bureau is urgently seeking any information that could assist with their ongoing search. The man’s disappearance was reported yesterday evening, with local authorities suspecting a potential drowning due to the rough sea conditions. The man’s identity has not been officially…
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Phuket Por Tor Festival sees surge in demand, no evidence of price gouging
The Por Tor Festival, an influential cultural event among the ethnic Chinese throughout Phuket Island, sparked a surge in product demand and suggestions of price gouging. In response, officers from the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office initiated checks among retailers to detect any signs of price gouging during the event being held from August 28 to September 14. Two of the…
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Beach warning: Venomous blue dragon sea slug spotted in Phuket
A marine scientist issued a warning to bathers to be aware of a venomous blue dragon sea slug that washed up on Karon Beach in Phuket this week due to the recent strong winds and sea weave. The Monsoongabage Thailand Facebook page shared pictures and videos of the blue dragon sea slug today and urged a marine scientist and lecturer…
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Phuket committee steers towards transparency to curb corruption in ongoing projects worth 155 million baht
The Phuket Good Governance Committee (PGGC) has taken the initiative to increase transparency and limit corruption in the region’s ongoing projects. The committee recently met with Phuket Highways Office Chief, Yutthana Phitak, to discuss the details and scope of major projects currently underway. The PGGC, led by Vice President Peerapit Ongcharoen, is actively involved in overseeing various projects scheduled for…
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Seaside secrets: Mysterious sea sightings stir speculations in Phuket and Phang Nga
Phuket and Phang Nga beaches were the scenes of intrigue yesterday as two unidentified objects emerged from the sea, sparking a wave of speculation and curiosity among locals and tourists alike. Karon Beach in Phuket was the first to experience this unusual occurrence. The local lifeguard on duty found an unfamiliar object and promptly alerted the mayor of Tambon Karon,…
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Farm-to-table movement takes centre stage at PHIST 2023
The flourishing farm-to-fork movement will take centre stage at PHIST 2023 (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism), as a group of leading chefs demonstrate how Michelin ratings can raise the bar for sustainability and social responsibility in Thailand. PHIST 2023, Southeast Asia’s biggest sustainability event for the travel and hospitality sectors, returns to Phuket on 4th September with an energizing full-day…
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Smooth ride: Phuket Airport opens doors to all ride-hailing taxi services for travellers
Phuket International Airport will begin welcoming taxis from all ride–hailing applications as of Friday, September 1, according to the Phuket Info Center managed by the Phuket office of the Ministry of Interior. The policy revision has been confirmed by Kirati Kitmanawat, President of Airports of Thailand (AoT). However, the new allowance comes with specific regulations and designated zones, the details…
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Phuket’s international convention centre supported by new PM
Phuket’s stalled international convention centre project might see new life with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s promise to revisit it for local economic stimulation. During a recent visit to Phuket and Phangnga, PM Srettha engaged local tourism representatives, acknowledging their suggestions. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of the Phuket Tourist Association, is confident the prime minister and Pheu Thai Tourism committee will seriously…
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Phuket Marine Office warns boats of upcoming harsh sea weather
Phuket’s Marine Office issued a stern warning to all boat operators due to the approaching turbulent weather, especially at sea. This advisory comes as the Thai Meteorological Department predicts strong wind, large waves and heavy rainfall in the upper Andaman Sea from tomorrow through Saturday. The forecast, delivered by Nachapong Pranit, Director of Marine Office 5 Phuket Branch, suggests that…
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Governor’s serene journey: Phuket official’s monk ordainment sets tone for upcoming retirement
In preparation for his forthcoming retirement on September 30, Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew initiated a 15-day monk ordainment at Wat Pa Phutthaphot Hariphunchai in Lamphun province. The ceremony, conducted by the revered Chao Khun Luangpo Arayawangso, was held on Saturday night, August 26. The governor’s decision to take temporary monkhood reflects a deep-rooted Thai tradition and is a testament to…
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New PM Srettha visits Phuket, talks airport expansion, busin
The new Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, recently made an official visit to Phuket. He held extensive discussions concerning the proposed expansion of Phuket International Airport and future strategies for the development of the province’s tourism industry. Srettha, renowned for his proactive approach to governance, arrived at Phuket International Airport yesterday around 11am. In a series of meetings with…
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TikTok twist: Thai man faces charges after Chalong Police checkpoint cash claim goes viral
A TikTok post accusing Chalong Traffic Police officers in Thailand of stopping motorists at a checkpoint for monetary gain has led to a man being charged with criminal defamation. The unnamed man uploaded a video that showed officers from the Traffic Police Division of the Royal Thai Police stopping motorcyclists at a checkpoint. The accompanying note in Thai read, “Chalong…
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Phuket earmarks 156 million baht for 24 EV buses and charging stations
The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) confirmed the allocation of 156 million baht (US$4.7 million) from this year’s budget for the purchase of 24 electric vehicle (EV) buses. These air-conditioned buses, each with a capacity of 21 seats, are set to serve three public routes across the province. The announcement was made during a Phuket Provincial Land Traffic Subcommittee meeting,…
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Motorcycle driver charged after road rage incident with bus in Phuket
A heated altercation between a tour bus driver and a Grab motorcycle driver yesterday led to police intervention on the main route through Pa Khlok, Phuket. The incident, which took place near the PTT petrol station, resulted in the bus driver’s side window being shattered. The tour bus, which belonged to Pornprom Corporation Co Ltd, found itself at the centre…
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Narrow escape at sea: Quick action prevents speedboat disaster off Phuket’s coast
A near-drowning incident involving five individuals on a speedboat off the coast of Maithon Island, Phuket, was averted by swift action from local authorities. The vessel was in danger of capsizing due to water ingress but was successfully brought ashore at Chalong Bay, with all passengers safe. An investigation into the cause of the incident is underway. The alarming news…
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Dolphin drama: Injured marine friend plays ‘shore’ game at Thai Mueang Beach, Phuket
An injured dolphin was discovered stranded at Thai Mueang, a beach located north of Phuket. The incident occurred yesterday, with locals initially trying to help by pushing the marine creature back into the sea. However, within an hour, the dolphin had returned to the shore. Immediately sensing the urgency, the locals contacted the authorities at Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park…
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Phuket authorities takes action against 13 illegal cannabis shops
A crackdown is underway in Phuket, where legal proceedings have been initiated against 13 illegal cannabis shops operating without proper licensing. The local health authority, under the direction of Chief Doctor Kusak Kookietikun of the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, confirmed the actions on Monday. The majority of these unlicensed shops, nine in total, are located in Kathu. Meanwhile, Mueang…
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Crop theft dispute escalates to shooting in quiet Phuket town
A dispute over stolen crops escalated into a shooting incident in the quiet town of Thalang, Phuket. A 33 year old man, resorted to using his airgun, leading to the injury of a 24 year old man. The incident occurred in a private garden, where the suspect was known to scare off birds using his air-powered firearm. Thalang Police were…
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Water outage: Phuket homes brace for supply disruption
A significant water supply outage is set to disrupt homes and businesses situated on Chao Fa East Road in Chalong and in the Cape Panwa area in Phuket. This announcement made by the Phuket branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) outlines the outage scheduled for tomorrow. The disruption, stretching from the Thai Watsadu Chalong branch to Soi Palai, is…
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Cannabis shop inspections urged by Phuket health officials
Health officials in Phuket are set to conduct weekly random inspections of cannabis shops and venues across the island, as announced by the Chief of Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO), Dr Kusak Kukkiattikoon. The move is part of a campaign aimed at regulating the island’s overwhelming cannabis industry. The primary objective of the cannabis shop inspections is to ensure…
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Smokin’ apology: American recreates Ghostbusters scene with cannabis fogging on Bangla Road, Phuket (video)
An American man issued an apology after he committed a legal violation by using ganja in a public place on Bangla Road in Phuket, reminiscent of a scene from Ghostbusters. The man was captured on video releasing cannabis smoke from a fogging machine. In a viral video, a man wearing a black balaclava to conceal his face and his group of friends…
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Phuket tackles youth e-cigarette control through educational drive and policy reform
Phuket leadership convened yesterday with members of anti-tobacco organisations, reaching an agreement aimed at new control to limit e–cigarette access to young individuals across the island. Yesterday’s gathering saw Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew meet with representatives from the Non-Smoking Campaign Foundation and the Phuket Smoke-Free News Centre Network. The meeting took place at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, where a…
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Runway cracks resolved: Phuket Airport gets back on smooth flight path
Airports of Thailand’s Phuket branch, responsible for managing Phuket International Airport, confirmed yesterday, that the runway cracks which led to multiple flight delays and one diversion to Krabi have been addressed and rectified. The announcement was initially made via state-run Radio Thailand Phuket last night. It was also announced by the National News Bureau of Thailand’s national platform but it…
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Phuket braces for rain havoc: Urgent weather alert signals flood risk
The southern province of Phuket has been included in an urgent weather notification that advocates for all hands on deck amid the risk of flash floods possibly instigated by heavy, persistent rain forecasted to batter the Andaman coast starting from Sunday, August 20. This alert was issued yesterday by Boonsom Cholpitakwong, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of National Water…
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Thai couple detained for alleged unauthorised infant burial near Pattaya
A Thai couple was taken into custody following an alleged infant burial attempt near the Huai Chak Nok Reservoir, neighbouring Pattaya in the province of Chon Buri. Their arrest on Wednesday, August 16, was undertaken by the coordinated efforts of the Huay Yai Police and their counterparts in Pattaya. Acting on a tip-off from public-spirited locals, who had concerns about…
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Down undercover: Aussie fugitive caught in Phuket hideaway over drug charge
Police arrested an Aussie man at a luxury accommodation in Phuket on August 10 after the foreigner fled a drug charge from his homeland to hide in Thailand. Phuket Provincial Immigration Police today held a press conference to report the successful arrest of the Australian, Robert Wainwright. The arrest was made on Thursday, August 10 near a luxury pool villa…
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Wrong-way motorbike accident in Phuket claims renowned artist’s life
A 44 year old man lost his life last night after his motorbike, which he was riding in the wrong direction, collided with a tourist bus. The tragic accident took place on Srisoonthorn Road, Phuket. The bus was transporting people back to their hotels from their expedition to Phuket FantaSea. News of the crash reached the Thalang Police around 11.40pm yesterday. Lieutenant…
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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