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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Bluebottle influx at Phuket’s Layan Beach: officials urge caution
Layan Beach has seen the arrival of Portuguese man-o-war, commonly referred to as ‘bluebottles’, washed ashore by the tide. Beachgoers are urged to observe caution and remain vigilant in light of this current issue. This concern was brought to the public awareness by an avid reader of Phuket News who discovered four to five bluebottles on the shoreline on a…
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Extended Thai public holidays offer rare six-day break amidst King’s birthday
In the week ahead, residents and visitors in Phuket are encouraged to soak up a rare bounty of public holidays, set across five out of six consecutive days. Starting next Friday (July 28), the nation will unite to celebrate the 71st birthday of the King. Adding to the festive period, two significant Buddhist events, Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa…
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Phuket’s Nanai Rd undergoes partial closure for resurfacing
Phuket‘s Patong Municipality announced a partial closure of Nanai Rd, starting from today till August 5, for resurfacing amidst the persistent traffic challenges caused by ongoing flood works in Phra Metta Rd. The resurfacing work, expected to span a period of two weeks, prompts the necessity of one-way traffic regulation at separate sections of Nanai Rd. The municipality confirmed this…
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Three-way crash on Phuket’s main road leaves one hospitalised
A road mishap involving three vehicles on Phuket‘s principal thoroughfare, Thepkrasattri Rd, ended with one individual hospitalised and two others escaping serious injuries. The unfortunate incident occurred yesterday morning. Reports detailing the accident indicate that the event transpired on Thepkrasattri Rd in Koh Kaew. The repercussions led to one individual being ferried to Thalang Hospital for immediate medical attention. Notification…
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Phuket police seize 40,000 baht drug haul and arrest high-profile peddlers
In a significant anti-drug operation, Phuket Provincial Police have apprehended two notable drug peddlers known by their aliases Ming Samkong and Care Paniang. The areas of Samkong and Soi Paniang, famous points in the vicinity of Phuket Town and into Ratsada, act as their monikers’ inspiration. The arrests took place on Wednesday in a successful raid spearheaded by Pol. Lt.…
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Wounded turtle rescued amid rising beach pollution at Thailand’s Sirinat National Park
In the coastal paradise of Thailand’s Sirinat National Park, an unexpected occurrence unfurled yesterday. A hapless turtle was found ensnared in discarded fishing nets on Nai Yang Beach, Phuket, severely injured and in distress amid inclement weather. Park officials, alerted to the creature’s predicament by vigilant tourists, made immediate efforts to liberate it from the nets, battling against high waves…
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Phuket plans 1,000 tree planting endeavour at Thalang Park for King’s birthday
Officials in Phuket revealed plans to plant 1,000 trees at the renowned Thalang Memorial Park, also known as the Victory Field, come this Sunday. The tree planting endeavour coincides with the activities commemorating the 71st birthday of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn, which will be celebrated on July 28. Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew chaired the meeting where this announcement was made. In…
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Chalong Underpass closed Saturday for pump system review amid heavy rainfall in Phuket (video)
A scheduled review of the pump system in the Chalong Underpass in Phuket has led to a day-long closure of the passage this Saturday. The routine check-up is a necessity to ensure the pump system’s continued functionality, particularly amidst the heavy rainfalls during Phuket’s soggy season. The Phuket Highways Office (PHO) has confirmed the closure. The inspection draws its significance…
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Phuket ravaged by extreme weather causing traffic chaos and safety concerns
Extreme weather conditions are continuing to wreak havoc in Phuket. Ferocious winds toppled numerous trees, resulting in significant blockages yesterday. These unexpected weather conditions have caused travel disruption across the island and two cleanup teams have been dispatched to counter the impact. A sizeable tree that fell on Soi Vachira, near Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town, was one of…
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American man arrested in Phuket for sexually abusing his own daughter
Thai police officers arrested an American man in the Rawai district of Phuket after he fled the US and charges of allegedly sexually abusing his nine year old daughter. The Immigration Bureau yesterday held a press conference to report the successful arrest of the 30 year old American man, known only by his surname Mayes. The suspect escaped arrest in…
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Patong Police seize illegal fireworks, amplify beach safety measures
Patong Police sprang into action on Patong Beach, Phuket, at around 11.30pm on July 15. Patrolling officers, under the leadership of Thongplew Kruehom near the bustling Bangla Road, apprehended a young man. The charge was an unauthorised sale of fireworks to the public along the beach, as confirmed by Patong Police. Unwilling to reveal the identity of the individual, the…
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Patong motorbike taxi dispute goes viral, ends in peaceful resolution (video)
An altercation between a local motorbike taxi rider and an unidentified foreign tourist unfolded in Patong, Thailand. The disagreement, which stemmed from a fare dispute, gained social media attention yesterday after a video of the heated encounter started to circulate widely. Patong Police yesterday revealed details of the incident which had been shared on a Facebook page at 4.44pm. A…
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Phuket kickstarts Tsunami Walk & Run aiming to boost evacuation awareness
Over 900 people yesterday took part in the Tsunami Walk & Run event in Mai Khao, Phuket. The initiative was undertaken to increase consciousness about tsunami evacuation routes. Boontham Lertsukekasem, the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, was on the ground to inaugurate the Walk & Run for Tsunami Learning 2023 event formally, kicking off proceedings at…
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South Korean woman’s tragic death in Phuket sparks suicide investigation
Phuket Police were alerted early this morning to the tragic death of a 43 year old South Korean woman in her residential bathroom in Rawai. Police believe it was suicide. Police were informed of the case at 7am. The response team arrived at the incident location, a two-story townhouse located on Patak Soi 1. The ground floor of the establishment…
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New Russian consulate opens in Phuket deepening Thailand-Russia ties
Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia, unveiled the new Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Phuket at Royal Phuket Marina. The high-profile event, which took place yesterday, marked a significant development in the evolving diplomatic bonds between Thailand and Russia. Lavrov arrived at Royal Phuket Marina at 4pm where Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan, flanked by a…
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Phuket water supply tests could leave residents dry for days
In a recent announcement, the Phuket arm of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) outlined water supply test plans to execute a series of step tests over the upcoming three days. The measures are aimed to confirm the water pressure within the main supply pipes – a move that will impact several residences and businesses throughout different regions in Phuket. Upon…
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Russian foreign minister arrives in Phuket
Sergey Lavrov, the acting Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, was warmly received at Phuket International Airport by a welcoming committee spearheaded by Amnuay Pinsuwan, Phuket’s Vice Governor. Lavrov’s visit is labelled by expectation as he lands on Thai soil to inaugurate the already functioning Russian consulate at Boat Lagoon in Koh Kaew, despite the absence of further details about…
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Thai cybercrime bureau busts personal data trader in Phuket
In Phuket, there has been an arrest in relation to the sale of personal data extracted from gambling websites. This dramatic event unfolded yesterday, as Thai Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers yesterday swooped down on their unsuspecting target at about 12.30pm. The suspect, only identified as 28 year old Phadungkiat, was apprehended in the Mueang District, as detailed in…
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Lorry driver crushed to death by 3-tonne glass sheet in Phuket
In a tragic turn of events, a lorry driver was found dead due after being crushed by a 3-tonne sheet of glass and frame at the back of his own vehicle. The incident unfolded yesterday in Cherng Talay, Phuket. Lt. Col. Warawut Sensob of the Cherng Talay Police was informed of the horrific accident at 2.30pm, finding the vehicle, along with…
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Sleepy driver causes pickup truck mishap in Phuket
In the early hours of today, a mishap occurred on Pa Khlok Road, Phuket when a pickup truck steered off the path, resulting in injuries to the two men onboard. The troubling incident unfolded nearby a tranquil 7-Eleven store situated in Baan Promphan, Moo 1, Pa Khlok. Upon arrival, officers of the Thalang Police were greeted with a disconcerting sight.…
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Flowing towards change: Phuket Old Town floods get a drain makeover worth 226 million baht (video)
Addressing the longstanding issue of recurring floods in Phuket Old Town, a public hearing was held yesterday chaired by the Mayor of Phuket City, Saroj Angkanapilas. The main agenda was the unveiling of a 226 million baht drainage system construction project, aimed at shielding the Old Town from the destructive impact of frequent floods. Set within the premises of the…
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The ‘forward’ march: Devoted MFP supporters unite in Phuket to back Pita Limjaroenrat’s PM bid
About 30 Move Forward Party (MFP) supporters yesterday gathered at the iconic Mingmongkol Statue in Queen Sirikit Park to offer their unwavering support for MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat and the prime ministerial candidate. The event transpired following Pita’s unfortunate denial of the coveted prime ministerial position in a combined voting session involving both the House of Representatives and Senate. Despite…
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Phuket’s pillar party: Three-day extravaganza to ‘pillar’ in the festivities
A renowned three-day ceremony has been planned for August 5 to 7 to mark the installation of a City Pillar, also known as Lak Mueang, at the site of the upcoming Phuket Provincial Hall. The decision and details regarding the ceremonial event were confirmed at a recent meeting. High-ranking governmental figures were present at the meeting, including Narong Woonciew, the…
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Close call: Young boys narrowly escape watery fate in Phuket
Phuket witnessed a distressing incident on Soi Naya, Nai Harn, in which two young boys narrowly escaped death by drowning. The incident, which occurred yesterday, resulted in the rushed transfer of the children to Chalong Hospital for immediate medical attention. The call for assistance reached local rescue units at around 4.32pm. Verifying the distressful event was Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos,…
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Phuket’s tidal triumph: Walk & Run for Tsunami Learning 2023 makes waves
Phuket is gearing up for the first edition of the Walk & Run for Tsunami Learning 2023, which is set to take place in Mai Khao on Sunday, with Phuket Vice Governor Anupap Rodkwan Yodrabam leading the preparations. The meeting, held at the Phuket Provincial Hall, aimed to solidify the roles of all participating agencies in the upcoming event. In…
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Phuket beachfront parking row escalates into machete threat (video)
What seemed like an ordinary day at Naithon Beach in Phuket turned into a spectacle as a local was accused of threatening a Grab taxi driver with a machete over a disputed parking spot. The location, allegedly reserved for taxis operated by locals, saw a heated exchange that escalated rapidly. Sakhoo Police Station yesterday became the arena of discussions where…
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Serpent’s supper: Patong officials triumphantly seise colossal 4-metre python after ravenous feast
In a thrilling escapade that unfolded within the heart of Patong, officials managed to nab a massive 4-metre long python after it reportedly devoured an unknown animal. The saga began when a concerned resident alerted the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Department at Patong Municipality yesterday. According to a DDPM staffer, the resident’s distress call alerted authorities to the presence…
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Phuket forest reserve dwellers demand removal of RTN fence
In a recent event in Phuket, over 100 residents who have illegally occupied land within the Bang Khanun protected national forest handed over their formal request for the removal of a barbed-wire fence that the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has installed. The appeal yesterday was addressed to Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew and received by Vice Governor Anupap Rodkwan Yodrambam at…
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Phuket man arrested for gunshots in rubbish dispute, drunk driving
Late last night in Phuket, a 45 year old man was apprehended by police after he fired a rifle into the air near his neighbours due to a dispute over noise and waste disposal. He was also charged with drunk driving. According to Thalang Police Deputy Chief Pol. Lt. Col. Patiwat Yodkwan, officers were alerted of the incident at 10.18pm.…
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Phuket venues inspected for age and narcotics compliance, one found in violation
Ten entertainment venues in Mueang District, Phuket, yesterday were raided by police after a tip-off. Although underage drinkers and illegal narcotics went unnoticed, one establishment was found to be operating beyond its legal trading hours. The raids were conducted under the supervision of Mueang District Chief Phairot Srilamul. The team consisted of officers from Phuket City Police Station, Chalong Police,…
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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