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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12Go introduces Japan Rail Passes to enhance travel accessibility for international travellers
For those who have travelled throughout Thailand, 12Go is a well-known provider of various trips, though the platform itself has a much wider reach. Ranging from buses to planes, 12Go is undoubtedly a leading booking platform for travel throughout the...
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Russian roulette: Five nabbed in Phuket villa for illegal gambling and shisha stash
Officers from the Investigation Division of the Provincial Police Region 8 and Chalong Police Station yesterday arrested five Russian nationals for illegal gambling and the illicit possession of water pipes for shisha smoking at a luxury villa in the Rawai sub-district of Phuket. Officers received a tip-off that a group of foreigners turned a lavish accommodation in Soi Salika in…
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Seaplane terminal boosts tourism in Phuket
Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced Thailand’s inaugural seaplane terminal, slated to grace Phuket International Airport. AOT’s visionary project aims to meet the demand for coastal tourism, taking reference from the Maldives. The ambitious initiative involves a comprehensive study to bolster tourism links between Phuket and the Andaman islands and beaches while concurrently enhancing the airport’s capacity. With the study, encompassing…
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Phuket grocery owner busted for illicit kratom water trade
A sweeping police operation in Phuket culminated in the arrest of a man found in possession of an astonishing 315 bottles of the outlawed beverage known as kratom water. Somsak Kiattikhan, a 44 year old grocery store owner, was apprehended on Saturday, January 20, following an intelligence tip-off regarding the sale of the illicit drink to local youths. The swoop took…
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Parking pandemonium: Patong police in vehicle violation crackdown to unclog traffic in Phuket hotspot
In a bold move to ease traffic congestion, Patong Police initiated a crackdown on vehicles flouting parking regulations in Phuket’s most bustling tourist locale. The campaign kicked off on Friday, January 19, at 9am, when officers began issuing penalties to vehicles improperly parked on Ratchapathanusorn Road. Interestingly, this is the same street that houses the Patong Municipality offices. Patong’s Police…
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Chinese tourist drowns during Similan Islands tour
A tragic incident unfolded on the picturesque Similan Islands, just north of Phuket, at the weekend. A 44 year old Chinese tourist lost his life to drowning while immersed in the island tour on Saturday, January 20. The incident was reported to the Thai Maritime Enforcement Centre Region 3 (Thai-MECC 3) branch situated in Phang Nga. The report came in…
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Phuket taxi driver faces 180-day suspension for harassing student
A taxi driver based in Phuket faces the looming threat of a 180-day suspension and potentially more severe consequences following accusations of inappropriately harassing a young female passenger. The visibly shaken 20 year old student lodged a complaint against the driver, Chuen Ochaphon, citing inappropriate advances during the journey. These advances included an invitation to his room and a proposition…
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Phuket’s seven-colour lobster eyes official recognition as Thai GI treasure
Phuket‘s renowned seven-colour lobster is poised to attain official recognition as one of Thailand’s geographical indication (GI) treasures, according to the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP). Departing from the norm, Department Director-General Vuttikrai Leewiraphan disclosed that officials recently started an investigation to delve into the intricacies of seven-colour lobster farming and glean insights from the local entrepreneurs who have turned…
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Violent dispute between van drivers shocks tourists at Phuket Airport
An alarming event unfolded at the Phuket International Airport recently, where a violent dispute erupted between two van drivers. The altercation unfolded before a crowd of tourists and was vividly captured in a video that has subsequently circulated widely on social media. The incident occurred in the early evening, prompting a swift response from the police who were promptly alerted…
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Bangladeshi nationals arrested at Phuket Airport over counterfeit visas
Five Bangladeshi nationals found themselves on the wrong side of the law at Phuket International Airport, after a failed attempt to breach Thailand’s borders with counterfeit visas. The arrests were made yesterday, around 11.30am by vigilant Phuket Immigration Department officers. The incident came to light late that night, with the airport’s immigration officers providing a detailed account. The alleged perpetrators,…
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Phuket officials crack down on illegal vape and hookah sales
Phuket’s bustling Bangla Road was the scene of a crackdown as Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) officials swooped in last night. Seven individuals, including a foreign national working as a store manager, were apprehended for their involvement in the illicit sale of vaping devices and the provision of hookahs, referred to locally as baraku, for tourists. Patong Police, responsible for…
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Phuket man fatally stabbed in family feud over neighbourhood disputes
A dispute between a man and his brother-in-law culminated in a fatal stabbing that left one dead and another injured in Phuket. The argument took place within their neighbouring homes, where they previously had disagreements due to proximity. The incident was reported to Phuket’s Wichit Police Station around 8.30am, prompting an immediate response. Upon their arrival, local first responders and…
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Nakhon Si Thammarat emerges as tranquil tourism haven amidst chaos in hotspots like Phuket
As Phuket, Pattaya, and Hua Hin battle with over-tourism, Nakhon Si Thammarat emerges as a tranquil one of Thailand’s favourite getaways. In the throes of over-tourism, Phuket, Pattaya, and Hua Hin are becoming synonymous with congestion, noise, and chaos. The serenity seekers are abandoning the ship, flocking towards the promise of silent travel, as revealed by Condé Nast Traveler. Amidst…
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Phuket police call for vigilance against foreign fraudulent beggars
Phuket’s Provincial Police are calling for vigilance against foreign beggars, following the arrest of a Chinese man who was allegedly soliciting donations under false pretences. The man, identified only as Yang by law enforcement, claimed that the funds collected would go towards aiding a disabled child. News of the arrest broke on January 15, after law enforcement officers apprehended Yang.…
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Phuket: Chinese street beggar arrested for deceitful collection of donations
A Chinese man has been arrested by police for collecting donations that he falsely claimed would go towards funds to help a disabled child. Phuket police arrested the Chinese national on January 15 for fraud by posing as a deaf-mute person collecting funds for an allegedly sick child with leukaemia who required a bone marrow transplant. The Chinese man had…
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Unexpected black stream on Karon Beach due to natural sedimentation
The sandy shores of Karon Beach in Phuket were unexpectedly marred by a stream of black water making its way from the beach into the sea. This unusual sight generated a flurry of concern on social media as bird’s-eye view images of the beach began to circulate, alarming environmental enthusiasts and tourists alike. The man at the epicentre of it…
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Tourist bus crash in Phuket injures 17 Chinese tourists
A bus journey to the picturesque Similan Islands took a horrific turn today when a vehicle ferrying 17 Chinese tourists careened off the road in Tha Chatchai, located in the northernmost part of Phuket. The incident occurred early today, January 16. Authorities were alerted to the disaster at 8.10am. Responding to the call were Tha Chatchai police officials, including Police…
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Phuket community gathers for fun-filled Children’s Day celebrations
Phuket was brimming with joy and laughter yesterday as the community gathered to commemorate Children’s Day. A plethora of activities were arranged throughout the island, transforming the usually serene atmosphere into a vibrant, lively carnival for the younger generation. In a heartwarming gesture, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and his wife, Busadee Suwannarat, opened the doors of the Provincial Hall to…
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Phuket to host Thailand Biennale 2025 boosting local economy
Phuket is set to host the Thailand Biennale 2025 festival next year, which is expected to inject fresh vitality into the island’s economy. The announcement was made by the local authorities and it has sparked a wave of anticipation among the residents and businesses alike. Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket, confirmed that the decision was taken by Sermsak Phongpanich, the…
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Blood quest: Phuket seeks lifelines as blood centres make urgent appeal
As the Thai island of Phuket launches into another year, the Phuket Regional Blood Centre (Phuket RBC) and the Phuket Blood Bank at Vachira Phuket Hospital have once again put the call out for blood donations. This initiative, run by the Phuket branch of the Thai Red Cross Society, kicked off its annual campaign, spanning the full breadth of January and…
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Colombian man arrested in Patong for bag snatching incident
Friday was an unsettling day for a Russian tourist as she found herself at the receiving end of a bag snatch incident while holidaying in Patong, Thailand. The incident occurred at the entrance of Soi Suk Charoen off Phra Mettha Road as Karolina Rusaleeva was returning to her hotel room from a nearby 7-Eleven store. An unidentified man, who later…
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History makes a splash: World’s rarest whale steals the spotlight in cinematic encore (Video)
History has once again etched a remarkable sighting into its records, with the world’s rarest whale being captured on film for only the second time. This exceptional event transpired in the waters off Thailand, where a pair of elusive Omura’s whales were spotted swimming together in the Andaman Sea, one of which bore a distinctive, all-white hue. The surprise encounter…
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Promising Iranian Muay Thai fighter dies in Phuket motorcycle accident
In a tragic turn of events, celebrated Iranian Muay Thai fighter Fariyar Aminipour yesterday met his untimely demise in a motorcycle mishap in Phuket. Aged just 23, the promising athlete’s life was cut short on the west side of Chaofa Road in Rawai near the tunnel exit. The incident happened around 8am, with Lieutenant Colonel Wiriyaphong Srinuanpan from Chalong Police…
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American hotel worker dies in tragic Phuket road accident
A tragic event unfolded on the streets of Phuket last night as a 59 year old American man, an employee of a renowned hotel in the northern region of the island, lost his life in a devastating road accident. The mishap took place on Thepkrasattri Road, a major thoroughfare in the area, where the man was crushed by an enormous…
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Phuket: Motorcycle taxi rider fatally stabbed during brawl, another injured
Two motorcycle taxi riders got embroiled in a brawl in Patong, Phuket, yesterday, leading to one fatality at the scene, while the other sustained serious injuries. The deceased taxi rider, 61 year old Samanmart Ueanoth, was found with three stab wounds to his chest and was transported to the local hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries and lost his…
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Phuket Rajabhat University’s fair set to boost local economy
The bustling island of Phuket is about to get even busier as Phuket Rajabhat University gears up for its grand Rajabhat Fair, set to run from January 19 to 28. This ten-day extravaganza is projected to inject over 30 million baht (US$857,890) into the local grassroots economy and raise funds for student scholarships. The Deputy Minister of Interior, Chada Thaiseth,…
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Traffic police officer involved in accident with Russian tourist in Phuket
An unexpected accident in Phuket involved a traffic police officer and a Russian tourist’s car, just south of Heroines monument. The incident, which took place yesterday, saw the officer barely escape severe harm. The officer, Police Staff Sergeant Rattanachai Promkhwan, is a traffic police officer assigned to the Heroines Monument. The accident occurred while he was responding to a separate…
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Phuket tackles drink driving, illegal tourism and migrant issues
Law enforcement officers in Phuket were suddenly prompted to hasten their efforts in combating a spate of drink driving cases, following a series of unfortunate incidents that have rocked the popular Thai island. A tragic road accident, one of many in the recent past, left the driver of an MG motor vehicle dead. The car, in a devastating crash, rammed…
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Local dispute turns violent with gunshot in Phuket neighbourhood
A local dispute turned violent in Pa Khlok, Phuket, when a man allegedly fired a gun after threatening his neighbour. The incident unfolded in the early hours of today, January 11. Upon receiving a report of gunfire at a residence in Moo 2, Pa Khlok, local authorities quickly arrived on the scene. Thalang Police were accompanied by village headman Chokchai…
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Russian tourists survive as tour boat sinks off Coral Island
A tour boat named Martini carrying six Russian tourists, sank off Koh Hey, also known as Coral Island, yesterday, January 9. Thankfully, no injuries were reported from the incident, according to the Phuket Marine Office. The tour boat named Martini met its unfortunate fate near Nam Bo Bay, on the west side of Koh Hey around 3.50pm. The vessel had embarked…
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Royal Phuket Marina makes waves as Asia’s pioneering carbon-neutral paradise
Royal Phuket Marina (RPM) announced its historic achievement as Asia‘s first-ever carbon-neutral marina. A beacon of eco-innovation, RPM goes beyond merely housing boats, transforming into a luxurious haven where sustainability meets opulence. Situated at the gateway to Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea, RPM offers an unparalleled lifestyle immersed in tranquillity. From plush apartments to lavish villas, complete with…
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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