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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Sponsored Infinito helps hotels in Thailand with revenue management
Maximising revenue and profit–isn’t that the ultimate goal for every business in the hospitality industry? If you run a hotel, you might have heard that revenue management is an effective way to boost your top-line revenue. It involves using data...
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‘Wrong place, wrong time’: Phuket axe victim’s parents say
PHUKET: The parents of stabbing victim Vorasit “Pla-wan” Issara held a press conference yesterday to explain that their son was simply “in the wrong place at the wrong time” and lucky to survive multiple wounds inflicted by staff in a vicious attack at the Rachada Pub early Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, police will widen their investigation and question additional witnesses –…
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Storms strip Phuket wrecks of markers
PHUKET: Recent storms have again made two wrecks in Chalong Bay a hazard to mariners. Markers attached to the wrecked boats by the Phuket Cruising Yacht Club had until recently made both of the wrecks visible to sailors. However, recent weather has stripped away the markers, making both wrecks invisible during high tide. “Please exercise caution when maneuvering close to…
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Phuket Computer Clinics head for midweek
PHUKET: With Phuket Gazette Live Wire columnist Woody Leonhard hunkered down writing Windows 8 All-In-One For Dummies, the long-standing free Phuket Computer Clinics are taking a new turn. Until Woody emerges with a new 860-page book under his arm, around May or June, compatriot IT guru Seth Bareiss will hold free computer sessions on alternating Wednesday afternoons, from 1pm to…
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Praise swells for rescue of Phuket tourists from sinking speedboat
PHUKET: High praise has been rolling in for the crew from Phuket’s Prestige Divers who rendered assistance to a tourist-laden speedboat that quickly sank off Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Bay on Thursday. “My crew did a fantastic job. It all happened within 10 minutes. We were on a normal day trip to Phi Phi when at about 10:30am…
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Phuket PDL Darts: Week 10 wrap-up
PHUKET: It was a lethargic start to the new year by both Hemingways sides, the heavy Christmas sessions obviously taking their toll. There were plenty of tons and some 140s this week, but no 180s. Even with a strong line up, Shakers found themselves 6-0 down before getting on the scoreboard, when newcomer Nik (Shakers) held his own against curly-haired…
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Phuket “Pla wan’ stabbing: “I’m sorry,’ says pub owner
PHUKET: The owner of the Rachada pub in Phuket Town yesterday apologized in person to Vorasit “Pla-wan” Issara, General Manager of the Sri Panwa Resort, for the attack that led to him being stabbed in the stomach and hacked in the neck with a makeshift axe. “I am very sorry about what happened. I will call my staff together and…
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New Phuket Police chief to tackle drugs, traffic woes
PHUKET: Phuket Provincial Police Superintendent Chonasit Wattanavrangku today met Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha to formally introduce himself and to deliver a New Year’s gift basket. At the 11:30am meeting at Provincial Hall, Maj Gen Chonasit said his priority since he started work as the Phuket Provincial police chief on December 29 has been to ensure the safety of the public…
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Assault on Phuket’s “Pla-wan’ draws royal sympathies
PHUKET: The attack on the 31-year-old Sri Panwa Resort General Manager Vorasit “Pla-wan” Issara early on Wednesday morning has prompted a gift of flowers from HRH Princess Sirivannavari Narirat, hand delivered by Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha today. Mr Vorasit is currently receiving treatment at Bangkok Hospital Phuket in Phuket Town for injuries sustained in the incident. He was stabbed in…
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FC Phuket coaches step down
PHUKET: FC Phuket’s worries continue with the announcement from club director Soranan Sanae that Sompong “Rock Rhino” Wattana resigned as head coach yesterday. Director Soranan said “Coach Sompong still has responsibilities with the Port Authority of Thailand and hasn’t had much time to train the players. We have asked Coach Apichart “Mo” Mosika to caretake for tomorrow’s game in his…
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Phuket prepared for Indian weddings in 2012
PHUKET: The island is prepared to host a number of lavish wedding ceremonies for Indian couples tying the knot in 2012, with top Phuket officials offering their help to smooth the way for wedding parties. Among those planning to hold ceremonies were the parents of one couple who met with Phuket Governor and head of the local Tourism Authority of…
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Phuket tourists dive in to help Methee’s grieving parents
PHUKET: A man who has asked to remain anonymous has contacted the Phuket Gazette in response to the story covering the unfortunate death of Methee Khunsuinhu, who died as a result of a drowning accident at a lagoon near Nai Harn Beach on New Year’s Day. The man, a foreigner who lives and works in Phuket, expressed his deep condolences…
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Phuket Sports: Tuffers at the Village tonight
PHUKET: Former England cricket international and TV personality, Phil Tufnell will spend an evening with Phuket cricket enthusiasts and VIP guests at The Village Coconut Island tonight. Absolute World have organized an informal BBQ and drinks event where Phil will share anecdotes of his outstanding cricket career and experiences of winning the popular reality TV show “I’m A Celebrity, Get…
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Phuket Governor predicts investment boom in 2012
PHUKET: The new year is shaping up to be a golden one for investment and tourism in Phuket, says Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha. In an exclusive interview with the Phuket Gazette, Gov Tri said the island’s continued attractiveness to foreign investors could see growth figures for 2012 surpass those of 2011. “Thai and foreign investors are continuously coming to invest…
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Phuket’s Seven Days of Danger claims six lives
PHUKET: The final toll for the “Seven Days of Danger” road safety campaign in Phuket is six dead and 80 injured in 75 reported accidents, all higher than last year’s figures. The final day of the campaign yesterday saw 10 people injured in nine reported accidents, none involving foreigners. During the 2010-2011 New Year campaign four people died and 74…
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FC Phuket fans say cheers for lifting the ban
PHUKET: FC Phuket fans will be allowed to cheer during the team’s final home match of the season on Saturday evening against Bangkok FC, the club’s secretary has confirmed today. The latest development comes after an unprecedented ruling by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) that the club’s final home match could be played at Surakul Stadium on the condition…
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Six charged for Phuket resort GM stabbing; Hollywood actor Renner caught in brawl
PHUKET: Six staff of the Rachada Pub in Phuket Town have been charged with attempted murder for the stabbing of Sri Panwa Resort General Manager Vorasit Issara early yesterday morning.In his first major press conference since taking up his position as Phuket Provincial Police Superintendent last week, Maj Gen Chonasit Wattanavrangku this morning presented the suspects to the press as:…
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No sale! FC Phuket still on the market
PHUKET: Football fans in Phuket will definitely have at least one local professional team to root for this year, and possibly two, the FC Phuket’s club secretary told the Phuket Gazette this morning. The news follows online reports asserting that FC Phuket has been sold to Bangkok premier outfit Muang Thong United and will move to the capital under a…
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Phuket resort GM ‘safe’ after stabbing attack
PHUKET: The well-known general manager of a luxury resort in Phuket is out of danger following emergency surgery for stab wounds sustained in a brawl outside a Phuket Town nightclub early yesterday morning. The victim, 30-year-old Vorasit “Plawan” Issara, was stabbed twice in the abdomen outside the Rachada Pub in the Phun Pol area of Phuket Town at about 4am…
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Foreigner saves drowning toddler at Phuket beach
PHUKET: Just a day after 7-year-old drowning victim Methee Khunsuinhu succumbed to injuries and passed away at Vachira Phuket Hospital, quick action by a foreign tourist today spared a toddler of a similar fate at the same beach. Pawanrat Suetrong, age one year and seven months, was on a family outing to the swimming lagoon near Nai Harn Beach this…
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TAT calls Phuket businesses to tourism trade show
PHUKET: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting tourism-related businesses in Phuket and throughout the region to take part in its Thailand Travel Mart 2012 (TTM 2012), to be held June 6 to 8 at Impact Muang Thong Thani Exhibition Center in Nonthaburi. TTM 2012 will feature products and services related to eco-tourism, golf, health and wellness, and weddings…
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Methee, 7, passes away at Vachira Phuket
PHUKET: The Phuket Gazette is sad to report that Methee Khunsuinhu, the seven-year-old boy pulled unconscious from a lagoon near Nai Harn Beach on New Year’s Day, has died. Inquiries have revealed that Methee died in the intensive care unit at Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town at 7:15am yesterday. He was put on life support after his rescue on…
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Best of Phuket Awards announced on line today
PHUKET: The 29 winners of Phuket’s 2011 ‘Best of Phuket’ Awards in the Business, Service, Environment and Restaurant categories have been announced and go on line today. The winners (4) in the ‘Person of the Year’ category were announced in the Gazette Online on Sunday. They won for their hard work and success over many years with the iconic Phuket…
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Marriott, Destination part ways over Courtyard brand in Phuket
PHUKET: Marriott International and Destination Properties Thailand have parted ways over the management of four hotels in Thailand, three of which are in Phuket.The properties in Phuket are the Courtyard by Marriott hotels in Patong, Kamala and at Surin Beach. The fourth hotel to no longer operate as a Marriott brand is the Courtyard by Marriott in Hua Hin.Another international…
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Phuket records second day without death on the roads
PHUKET: Today marks the last day of the “Seven Days of Danger” holiday road-safety campaign. No fatalities were recorded in Phuket yesterday, Day 6 of the campaign, with the number of fatalities standing at six. According to official figures from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phuket Office (DDPM-Phuket) this morning, Day 6 ended with nine serious injuries in…
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Phuket’s New Year revelers start the long journey home
PHUKET: Phuket Land Transport Office Chief Terayout Prasertphol has ordered more buses be provided to ensure that all tourists who came to Phuket to celebrate the new year will get home in time to start 2012 without delay. “I have ordered the [state bus operator] BorKorSor to boost bus services by 20 per cent to ensure that no passengers are…
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FC Phuket to appeal home match ban
PHUKET: FC Phuket has filed an appeal with the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), asking that it be allowed to play its final home match of the season at Surakul Stadium on January 7, as originally scheduled. FC Phuket secretary Soranan Sanae said the appeal follows a ruling by the FAT board that the team lose its right to host…
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Phuket Tourism 2011: “It was what it was’
SPECIAL YEAR-END REVIEW A look back at the roller-coaster ride that Phuket’s tourism industry took from start to finish in 2011.PHUKET: The past year was marked by an ever faster and more furious flow of information on the crest of a digital technology wave. Tuk-tuk drivers beating tourists, bus crashes, landslides on the only road over Patong Hill, and the…
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Bob Dwyer to hold Phuket rugby clinic
PHUKET: Phuket Rugby in conjunction with Strategic Sports are proud to present the first of three rugby coaching clinics to be held in Phuket this year. The clinics are to be run by World Cup winning coach Bob Dwyer and Mike Penistone of Bob Dwyer’s Rugby Workshops. The first of the courses will be held from March 9 to 11,…
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After “bloody’ New Year, Phuket holiday road toll eases
PHUKET: After New Year’s Day claimed the lives of three Phuket motorists, carnage during Day 5 of the “Seven Days of Danger” holiday road-safety campaign was relatively light, with no fatalities and just six injuries reported. According to figures provided by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phuket Office (DDPM-Phuket), none of the six accidents reported yesterday were attributed…
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ACG official opening dates announced
PHUKET: Dates for the official opening of Phuket’s first dedicated cricket facility, the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG), have been announced with a two-day event scheduled for January 28 and 29, 2012. The ACG has already hosted a number of international touring teams in celebration of the ground’s establishment, including the prestigious Singapore Cricket Club who played in Phuket at the…
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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