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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Chinese tour group apologised after causing harm to Thai marine life
The serene waters of Ao La on Koh Racha Yai, situated south of Phuket, were recently embroiled in controversy when tourists from a Chinese tour company, Jinyang Holiday Group, engaged in activities harmful to marine life and environment. They posed for photos with seemingly innocent starfish in hand and ventured onto delicate coral reefs, drawing the ire of local marine…
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Phuket roads to close for grand Peranakan Festival parade today
Phuket Town’s arterial ways are set to experience a temporary shutdown late this afternoon into the evening due to a grand carnival parade. The procession forms part of the Phuket Peranakan Festival ceremonies and will cover the historical Phuket Old Town region. Thalang Road, Soi Rommanee, and parts of Phang Nga Road, Yaowarat Road, and Thepkrasattri Road will remain inaccessible to…
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Phuket authorities clamp down on illegal taxi practices, impose hefty fines
Over the past five months, the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) has conducted an operation targeting individuals involved in illegal taxi practices. Their recent crackdown at Phuket International Airport resulted in the apprehension of two additional drivers. Led by Kornpitak Assuwan, head of the academic group at PLTO, also referred to as the policy division, officers initiated another phase of…
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Dutch suspect arrested in Phuket Airport following Interpol red notice
Police at Phuket Airport yesterday arrested a Dutchman wanted by the Spanish police for a number of fraudulent activities. The arrest took place in the Arrivals Hall of the airport’s International Terminal, around 9.15pm. Information concerning the arrest was released by the Phuket branch of the Immigration Bureau. However, the bureau refrained from disclosing the suspect’s name or age. There…
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Phuket undeterred by Expo bid loss, invests in 5.1 billion baht project
Phuket’s development as an International Medical Hub remains steadfast and promising following the unsuccessful bid for the World Specialised Expo 2027/28. Phuket, a top tourist destination, is undeterred and continues with its ambitious government-backed project to carve a niche as an ‘International Medical Hub’. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri showed optimism for Phuket’s development amidst the loss, articulating gratitude on behalf…
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Phuket loses World Specialised Expo bid but remains hopeful for future
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew expressed gratitude to all who supported Phuket’s bid for hosting the World Specialised Expo 2027/28, despite Thailand failing to win the hosting rights. The event’s organiser, the Bureau International des Expositions, announced the winner as Belgrade, Serbia during their 172nd general assembly, which was held in Paris. Governor Narong addressed the public in a Facebook post,…
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Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort recognized as Tripadvisor® 2023 Travelers’ Choice® Award
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort has announced that Tripadvisor has recognised it as a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award winner. The coveted award celebrates businesses that have consistently received great traveler reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months, placing these winners among the 10% of all listings on Tripadvisor globally. Daryn Hudson, the General Manager of Four…
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Phuket road closure: Temporary shutdown for flood-prevention works disrupts traffic
Police have released a map indicating alternative routes to help reduce traffic disruptions after the temporary closure of a 1-kilometre stretch of road for flood prevention works in Patong. The section affected from Soi Banzaan to Soi Nanai Ruamjai (Soi Nanai 8) has been closed since Tuesday. The road closure was originally scheduled until August 26, although recent notices from…
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Thai navy warns of demolishing illegal structures near Phuket Airport
The Commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, Vice Admiral Arpakorn Yookongkaew, has given a stern warning to individuals occupying land illegally in the Bang Khanun Forest near Phuket International Airport, stating that their structures will be demolished. The Royal Thai Navy intends to develop facilities in the protected area, including the 22nd Anti-Aircraft Battalion, the 2nd Anti-Aircraft…
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Facebook fraud: Lavish lifestyle of Thai duo results in arrest for 20 million baht scam
A fraud scheme operated through Facebook has led to the arrest of a Thai couple in Phuket. The couple, a 37 year old man and a 34 year old woman, allegedly attracted victims to their deception by posting images of piles of cash and flaunting a luxurious lifestyle on their Facebook page. The couple cleverly executed a Facebook fraud scheme,…
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Phuket vies for hosting Specialised Expo 2028, promising sustainability and harmony
The world awaits the anticipated announcement on Wednesday (June 21), revealing which country has been chosen to host the prestigious Specialised Expo 2028. Among the five finalists is Phuket, Thailand, fuelling great expectations for the nation in this international competition. The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) oversees the selection process for the honour of organising the Specialised Expo 2028. The…
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World blood donor day celebrated at Phuket Red Cross
Phuket’s branch of the Red Cross Society of Thailand and associated authorities recently organised a World Blood Donor Day event to express their gratitude to blood donors. This global event on Wednesday (June 14) recognised the importance of donating blood, ensuring that life-saving medical procedures can be performed when required. Taking place at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, Vice President…
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Phuket firm probed for illegal foreign business operations worth 440m baht
A legal accounting firm in Chalong, Phuket, faces an investigation by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for its involvement with nearly 70 foreigners illegally operating companies with an estimated total value of 440 million baht. The firm is suspected of leveraging nominee shareholders to allow foreigners to control several companies unlawfully. DSI Director-General Major Suriya Singhakamol led the raid…
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Russian man found dead in meditation position in pool at house in Phuket
A Thai man stumbled upon the dead body of a Russian man in a pool of a house in the Saiyuan Med Village in the Rawai sub-district, Mueang district of Phuket. The Russian man reportedly died while he was engaged in meditation beneath the water’s surface. Officers from Chalong Police Station investigated the house after being notified of the Russian…
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Dolphin’s daring adventure ends swimmingly with a river rescue in Phuket
The authorities successfully rescued a lost bottlenose dolphin that had ventured into the Tha Chin River in the Ratsada district of Phuket. Residents, anglers, and fishermen in the district spotted the dolphin swimming in Tha Chin River near Koh Sire Bridge at 8am today and reported it to the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Centre. Residents urged the relevant authorities…
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Motorcyclist injured in accident near notorious Phuket black spot
A motorcyclist is recovering at Thalang Hospital after a crash with a pickup truck outside Tha Ruea Shrine, Phuket earlier today. The woman, 28 year old Soolfa Taemtophol from Kamala, sustained a facial cut and several abrasions on her body. Following initial reports, care providers and local law enforcement responded just before 11am, finding the motorcyclist injured on Thepkrasattri Road…
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CIB arrests Thai man who allegedly stole foreigner’s car in Phuket
Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a Thai man who allegedly stole a foreigner’s car in Phuket. The suspect allegedly stole an SUV from an unidentified foreigner at a housing estate in Koh Kaew in Phuket’s main city district, The Phuket Express reported. The CIB reported announced this week that its officers arrested a Thai male suspect, whose name and age…
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TCEB seeks global support for Phuket to host Specialised Expo 2028
As the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) prepares for its final presentation to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) next week, it continues to seek support for Phuket’s bid to host the Specialised Expo 2028. Over the past three years, TCEB has been working with Thai stakeholders and BIE member states to garner votes for Phuket as the host…
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Tragic twist in paradise: Belarusian man found ‘hanging’ from a tree near Thai dam
A 26 year old Belarusian man was found dead hanging from a tree near a dam in Karon, West Thailand. The man, identified as Alexander Zapronenko, had been staying with a friend in a nearby rented accommodation at Moo1, Patak Soi 20. His body was discovered after he had been missing for two days when a local stray dog appeared…
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Krabi bluebottle: Officials deny Portuguese man-o-war at Phi Phi Islands
Despite recent media reports, officials have confirmed that the dangerous Krabi bluebottle Physalia, also known as the Portuguese man-o-war, has not been found on Phi Phi Islands. Last week, Phuket lifeguards raised concerns about the presence of the venomous hydrozoan on the islands, causing alarm for tourists’ safety. However, Ratchanok Phaenoi, Chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National…
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Phuket emergency centre opens as mystery illness strikes 100+ people
An emergency operations centre (EOC) has been established by the Public Health Ministry in response to over 100 people falling ill from an unidentified pathogen across three districts in Phuket. The pathogen has caused severe diarrhoea among those affected. Public Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, stated that health authorities are investigating the cause of the outbreak, which was initially…
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Phuket fishing boats pass inspections, no illegal activity found, officials say
Recent inspections of fishing boats operating in Phuket waters have shown no signs of illegal activities, such as human trafficking or compromised working conditions, according to officials. The random inspections were conducted on five boats and aimed to ensure workers’ rights were being upheld, with checks on employment and working conditions, valid working permits, and wages being paid in the…
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Patong Beach ceremony marks World Oceans Day, urges marine protection
In honour of World Oceans Day (yesterday), a ceremony took place at Patong Beach, Phuket, with officials urging increased efforts to protect the marine environment. The event was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan and attended by Wissanu Jaengjai, Director of the Region 10 Office of Marine and Coastal Resources, Sanakorn Kisin, Deputy Mayor of Patong, and representatives…
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Phuket’s diarrhoea disaster: An unpleasant dose hits over 70 students and residents
More than 70 students and residents across Phuket fell victim to an unpleasant dose of diarrhoea yesterday. The Phuket Provincial Public Heath Office suspects the cause of this distressing episode could be attributed to the drinking of contaminated drinking water and ice procured from nearby factories. It is believed that a stomach bug, possibly the notorious norovirus, managed to infiltrate…
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New Na Klang-Ao Jik road links Phuket and Phang Nga, boosting tourism
The newly completed Na Klang-Ao Jik road, which connects Phuket and Phang Nga, is set to provide a boost to local tourism and cross-provincial transport. The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has invested approximately 282.8 million baht (US$8.5 million) in the 4.2-kilometre road, which is part of a city expansion project in Phang Nga’s Thai Muang district. The concrete road…
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Phuket lifeguards warn of poisonous jellyfish on island beaches
Phuket Lifeguard Service has issued an official warning to beachgoers and swimmers about the presence of poisonous jellyfish in the waters surrounding the island. The alert comes after several Portuguese man-o-war jellyfish was found washed up along the west coast beaches in recent days. A photo of one such jellyfish was posted on the Phuket Lifeguard Service’s official Facebook account,…
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Kazakhstani gunman caught after shooting Russian in broad daylight in Phuket
Phuket International Airport authorities arrested the Kazakhstani gunman who shot a 44 year old Russian national in broad daylight. Artur Legey, the 49 year old suspect, was apprehended at the Phuket International Airport while preparing to flee. The victim was left critically injured in the incident that occurred outside a cafe in Thalang district, Phuket, yesterday. The Russian man, Dmitri Aleynikov,…
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Phuket bar raided for illegal operation, underage drinking and restricted hours
A crackdown on illegal entertainment venues in Phuket Town continued as a bar was raided by authorities in the early hours of yesterday. Muang Phuket District Chief Pairote Srilamoon led a team of officers from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) in the raid on the ‘At Five’ bar at 1.30am. They were joined by Danai Jaikaeng, Deputy District Chief from…
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Two killed in Patong motorcycle crash near De Coze Hotel
A tragic road accident near De Coze Hotel in Patong claimed the lives of a foreign man and an unidentified woman yesterday evening. Patong Police are currently investigating the case. The collision between a car and a motorcycle occurred on Phra Metta Rd, also known as Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd. Upon arriving at the scene, Lt Col Chayakorn Tangsakul…
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Phuket orders small boats to stay ashore until Saturday amid heavy weather
In Phuket, a ban has been issued on boats shorter than 10 metres leaving the shore until Saturday, June 10, due to heavy weather conditions. The order, issued by Phuket Marine Office Chief Natchaphong Pranit, applies to all sailing and motor yachts up to 32.8 feet. The ban comes as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in the maritime industry,…
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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