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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Phuket launches ‘Seven Days of Family Happiness’ safety campaign for New Year
Phuket, the tropical Thai island, is stepping up its safety measures for the New Year celebrations as officials unveiled their Seven Day Safety Campaign at the Phuket Provincial Hall on yesterday (December 28). The initiative, which aims to reduce accidents and fatalities during the festive period, has been rechristened from its previous moniker, Seven Days of Danger, to the more…
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Phuket greets third Vice Governor, Norasak Suksomboon
The tropical island of Phuket welcomed its third Vice Governor, Norasak Suksomboon, who has recently taken up the mantle of his duties. Norasak is part of a three-member team assigned to assist Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat in managing the island’s affairs. Norasak, whose primary area of responsibility is Social Affairs at the Phuket Provincial Office, isn’t a stranger to administrative…
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Phuket to pioneer blockchain mass adoption in Thailand with B2GC: Blockchain to Government Conference
Phuket is set to host the groundbreaking, invitation-only Blockchain to Government Conference (B2GC) from January 17th to 19th, 2024. This government-led initiative, co-organized by Thailand’s key government agencies in the development of its digital economy and society (DEPA, ETDA and DGA) alongside Finstable Group, a leading blockchain company, will convene at the brand new, iconic Blockchain Technology Center (BTC). The…
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Mystery blaze engulfs fishing boats on Phuket’s eastern coast
A trio of dilapidated fishing vessels fell victim to an early morning inferno on the eastern coast of Phuket Town yesterday. The flaming spectacle quickly drew the attention of local authorities, who were alerted to the incident around 5am. Arriving at the fiery scene of the fishing vessels, the police and firefighters found the boats engulfed in flames near the…
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Phuket: Burmese brawl involving knife-wielding teens
In Patong, Phuket, two Burmese nationals found themselves on the wrong side of the law after a late-night melee turned the popular tourist hotspot into a battleground. The Phuket Express reported that the drama erupted on Pracha Nukroh Road, just before 1am yesterday, December 27, as a gang of motorbike-riding teenagers engaged in a high-stakes chase, punctuated by what was…
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Phuket officials to target ‘bad foreigners’ to enhance tourism
The island of Phuket, a popular tourist hotspot, was the stage for a significant meeting yesterday. The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Ittisanronnachai, made a request to Phuket officials to assemble a task force to zero in on bad foreigners, thereby offering the Immigration Bureau the aid they require to tackle the situation.…
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23 year old arrested in Phuket for causing ex-girlfriend’s blindness
A 23 year old man was arrested by police for causing blindness to his former girlfriend after she shared her seven-year torment online. The woman, who was forced to wear a prosthetic eye after losing one in the assault, had posted a video on TikTok detailing her ordeal. In her post, she shared that her former boyfriend had physically abused…
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Phuket simplifies visa extensions with new online system
Phuket, the vibrant tourist hub of Thailand, has taken a significant step forward in its immigration policy. The Immigration Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai, announced on yesterday that foreigners residing in Phuket under any of 12 different types of visas can now apply for visa extension through an online portal. This announcement was part of Lt Gen Itthiphon’s…
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Phuket taxi driver drives away foreign woman over air conditioning dispute
A Thai taxi driver faced criticism for a viral video of him chasing away a foreign passenger by pulling her out of his cab. The driver defended himself saying the foreign woman kicked his car door over an air conditioning dispute. The Facebook page, โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต (meaning so brutal, Phuket province), shared a video when a Thai taxi driver pulling…
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Thai man finds pickup vandalised causing 50000 baht damage
A local woke up to an unpleasant surprise when an unidentified individual had vandalised his parked pickup with paint stripper, causing damage estimated around 50,000 baht. The incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday, December 21, outside the Thai man’s rented residence in Wichit district, Phuket. After the Phuket emergency centre 191 alerted the police, Theppitak Phuangmani, the Deputy…
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Phuket taxi drivers protest against rise of illegal taxi apps
A sea of yellow and green licence plates flooded the grounds of Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday, December 21, as taxi drivers from all over the province assembled in protest. They demanded a crackdown on illegal taxi app drivers, who they contend are infringing on their once unchallenged dominion over tourist transportation. At the forefront of the protest was Tinnakorn Chommuang,…
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Unexpected algae bloom hits Patong beach due to premature seaweed growth
Yesterday, employees from the Public Health and Environment Division of Patong Municipality were hard at work on Patong Beach, clearing off algae that washed ashore. This unexpected event came as a result of an algae bloom and has yet to be formally addressed by Patong Municipality. The purpose of this timely response was primarily to retain the aesthetic appeal of Patong…
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South Korean firm GCOO brings e-bikes and e-scooters to Phuket
Phuket, Thailand’s famous tourist destination, is now home to e-bikes and e-scooters, courtesy of South Korean firm GCOO. The company recently launched its clean-energy personal transport services, deploying these eco-friendly vehicles at major points across the island, including Phuket Town and Patong. The launch, dubbed Phuket Smart Mobility, was celebrated with an event held at the Chartered Bank Intersection in…
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Endangered leatherback turtle nest discovered on Phuket beach
Phuket woke up to a delightful surprise on December 18 when a nest of a leatherback turtle was discovered at Tha Sai Beach in the Na Toei area of Thai Mueang District, Phang Nga, situated north of Phuket. The find, reported by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), marks another significant milestone in the conservation efforts for this…
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Illegal labour crackdown in Phuket ensnares 30 Chinese men
Yesterday in Tambon Thepkrasattri, an enclave in Phuket, Thailand, police apprehended 30 Chinese men on charges of illegal labour. The detained, aged between 24 and 59 years old, were caught in the act, with 12 of them arrested at a construction site in Baan Pa Khlok Cheep, and the remaining 18 along Wong Chalerm Village Road. Now, further investigations are…
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Phuket to host luxury boat show: Multi-billion baht yachts and jets
In a dazzling display set to elevate Phuket‘s status on the global luxury stage, the Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event is gearing up to showcase a spectacular line-up of yachts, private jets, and more. This high-profile event is poised to inject a staggering 500 million baht into Phuket’s economy, drawing in a crowd of High Net Worth…
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British man found dead at Phuket hospital after suspected fall
A tragic incident unfolded in the early morning hours yesterday (December 18), when a 69 year old British man was discovered lifeless at Thalang Hospital in Phuket. The circumstances surrounding his death suggest he plunged from the fourth floor of the building, landing near the hospital staff dormitory. Thalang Hospital staff promptly reported the incident to Pol Lt Col Patthipat…
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Phuket’s phenomenal rise: From tropical paradise to global hub
In the wake of a robust global economic resurgence, Phuket has emerged as a magnet for inbound migration, shaping a vibrant and eclectic international community in the heart of Asia, reveals C9 Hotelworks’ latest expansive investment dossier on Phuket’s economic landscape. Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks Bill Barnett stated… “With a tourism and property market in full throttle, we’re witnessing…
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Swift Thai police action recovers tourist’s stolen iPhone on Phuket beach
A European tourist’s holiday in Phuket almost took a dreadful turn when her iPhone was stolen at Ao Yon Beach. However, the quick response of local police in Thailand ensured the stolen item was promptly recovered. On December 14, the tourist is 25 year old Vanessa Aust who reported to Wichit Police that her iPhone 13 Pro had vanished from…
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Finnish tourist in Phuket cons parents with fake arrest scam for 7,000 euros
Phuket’s tourist police unraveled a fraudulent scheme involving a 27 year old Finnish man, who conned his parents out of 7,000 euros. The tourist falsely claimed that he had been arrested and demanded the hefty amount for his release. The revelation unfolded when the parents lodged a complaint on Friday after losing contact with their son, fearing he was a…
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Uzbek consul general discusses trade and tourism potential with Phuket governor
Fakhriddin Sultanov, the Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, made a courtesy visit to the Governor of Phuket, Sophon Suwannarat, yesterday, December 14. The visit marked a momentous occasion for Sultanov as it was his 36th trip to the popular Thai island. The delegation was warmly greeted, and the meeting was aimed at discussing potential cooperation between Phuket and…
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Phuket switches to ‘seven days of family happiness’ to boost road safety
Phuket is taking a fresh approach to road safety during the forthcoming festive season. The island is rebranding its annual Seven Days of Danger campaign as Seven Days of Family Happiness in a bid to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on its roads. The revised campaign was announced during a press conference yesterday, December 14, presided over by Sattha Thongkham,…
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Luxury BMW catches fire in Phuket: Engine malfunction suspected
A high-end BMW caught fire near a fuel station in Phuket, causing significant damage to the vehicle in the early hours of the morning today, December 15. The local authorities quickly responded to the incident, extinguishing the blaze to prevent further harm. The owner of the car revealed that smoke began to emit from the engine, prompting suspicions of mechanical malfunction.…
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IndiGo unleashes Phuket frenzy: Boosts flights, beats malfunction woes
In a bold move to amplify global ties, IndiGo, India‘s high-flying airline, unleashed a flight bonanza, with additional routes from Mumbai to Phuket and the revival of operations from Bengaluru to the Thai hotspot. But that’s not all—this strategic move comes amidst a soaring demand for year-end getaways. IndiGo is set to soar to new heights with extra flights connecting Mumbai…
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Phuket nightlife extends with 4am closing and increased safety measures
Phuket’s nightlife venues in Patong will soon be buzzing till 4am, thanks to new government regulations. To ensure the safety of party-goers, Kathu district’s Chief, Theeraphong Chuaychu, announced the creation of a war room to keep tabs on these late-night establishments. This extension of closing hours is set to come into force on December 16 and will impact selected areas…
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Thai Airways tests sustainable aviation fuel on Phuket-Bangkok flight
Thai Airways International and PTT Oil and Retail Business PLC piloted a flight employing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Phuket to Bangkok yesterday, December 13. The initiative, which signals a significant stride towards an environmentally friendly aviation industry, was revealed during a media briefing at Phuket International Airport. Disathat Panyarachun, the head of PTT Oil and Retail Business PLC, explained…
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Distressing discovery of abandoned fetus stuns Phuket neighbourhood
In a quiet corner of Karon, Phuket, a distressing discovery was made yesterday. A five month old fetus was found abandoned on a vacant lot near Soi Green Drinking Water. The alarm was raised around 10.45am, with Karon Police receiving the unsettling news from the 191 Provincial Police call centre. Due to the grave nature of the situation, the Deputy…
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Young motorcyclist emerges as hero in Phuket traffic jam
During the evening rush hour chaos at the Koh Kaew intersection in Phuket last night, December 12, an unassuming young motorcyclist helped clear the way for an ambulance carrying a patient through heavy traffic. The motorcyclist rode a Honda Click. The incident was captured on video by Wisarut Saman, a rescue worker with Kusoldharm. He took to TikTok to share…
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Anchalee Tephabutra resigns from Thailand’s Democrat Party after 31 years
Anchalee Tephabutra, a prominent political figure and a devoted member of the Democrat Party for over 31 years, announced her resignation, causing ripples in the political landscape of Thailand. Having been a confidante to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva during his tenure, her departure from the party marks a significant event. Anchalee has been a cornerstone for the Democrats in Phuket…
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Tourists evicted from Phuket resort due to property dispute
A sunny vacation turned sour for several tourists who were holidaying at a resort in Kamala, Phuket when they unexpectedly found themselves embroiled in a property dispute that led to them having to seek alternative accommodation. The hotel operator was evicted from the property, leaving approximately 20 rooms of guests stranded and forced to fend for themselves. The eviction process…
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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