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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Cannabis shop inspections urged by Phuket health officials
Health officials in Phuket are set to conduct weekly random inspections of cannabis shops and venues across the island, as announced by the Chief of Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO), Dr Kusak Kukkiattikoon. The move is part of a campaign aimed at regulating the island’s overwhelming cannabis industry. The primary objective of the cannabis shop inspections is to ensure…
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Smokin’ apology: American recreates Ghostbusters scene with cannabis fogging on Bangla Road, Phuket (video)
An American man issued an apology after he committed a legal violation by using ganja in a public place on Bangla Road in Phuket, reminiscent of a scene from Ghostbusters. The man was captured on video releasing cannabis smoke from a fogging machine. In a viral video, a man wearing a black balaclava to conceal his face and his group of friends…
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Child seat vehicle laws go into effect in Phuket: 2,000 baht fine
Buckle up kids! The public, particularly parents, have once again been reminded about the new safety regulations regarding child seats in vehicles within Phuket. As relayed by the Phuket Info Centre today, the National Police Agency’s legislation demands the use of industry-approved child safety seats. The fledgeling law, enforced from August 17, mandates that all children below the age of…
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Phuket tackles youth e-cigarette control through educational drive and policy reform
Phuket leadership convened yesterday with members of anti-tobacco organisations, reaching an agreement aimed at new control to limit e–cigarette access to young individuals across the island. Yesterday’s gathering saw Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew meet with representatives from the Non-Smoking Campaign Foundation and the Phuket Smoke-Free News Centre Network. The meeting took place at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, where a…
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Phuket braces for rain havoc: Urgent weather alert signals flood risk
The southern province of Phuket has been included in an urgent weather notification that advocates for all hands on deck amid the risk of flash floods possibly instigated by heavy, persistent rain forecasted to batter the Andaman coast starting from Sunday, August 20. This alert was issued yesterday by Boonsom Cholpitakwong, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of National Water…
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Thai couple detained for alleged unauthorised infant burial near Pattaya
A Thai couple was taken into custody following an alleged infant burial attempt near the Huai Chak Nok Reservoir, neighbouring Pattaya in the province of Chon Buri. Their arrest on Wednesday, August 16, was undertaken by the coordinated efforts of the Huay Yai Police and their counterparts in Pattaya. Acting on a tip-off from public-spirited locals, who had concerns about…
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Phuket savings group ex-loan officer nabbed for 12 million baht embezzlement
The former loan officer of a savings group was arrested by police in a Phuket restaurant on charges of forging loan documents, fabricating account data, and embezzlement of over 12 million baht. The arrest of the 44 year old woman named Arwarran, made under the jurisdiction of Narathiwat Province’s court, follows a complaint lodged in 2020 by more than 50…
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Down undercover: Aussie fugitive caught in Phuket hideaway over drug charge
Police arrested an Aussie man at a luxury accommodation in Phuket on August 10 after the foreigner fled a drug charge from his homeland to hide in Thailand. Phuket Provincial Immigration Police today held a press conference to report the successful arrest of the Australian, Robert Wainwright. The arrest was made on Thursday, August 10 near a luxury pool villa…
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Phuket airport’s fire drills set to ensure elevated safety standards
Phuket International Airport, operated by the local branch of Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), is set to initiate a series of extensive fire drills commencing next week. AoT Phuket revealed that these fire drills will take place in areas easily visible to the public eye. It has called upon the public to stay calm if they happen to witness emergency services…
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Phuket’s tumultuous news: Raids, accidents, policy changes, and Family Mart’s exit
A series of surprising incidents and noteworthy news have emerged from the island of Phuket. From ongoing raids in the massage parlours of Patong, a perilous vehicular mishap involving a tourist, a tragic road accident, progressive governmental decisions and a significant retail change, the week has been eventful. Unrelenting illicit operations have been underway in Patong’s massage industry where illegal…
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Aussie mum’s brave battle ends in poignant farewell (video)
An Aussie mum who showed tremendous courage to emerge from a coma and fight against a brain injury yesterday finally succumbed to her injuries. The Aussie mum of three, Kylee Enwright, accidentally slipped and fell and hit her head after enjoying a few drinks with her husband in Khao Lak, southern Thailand in May. As a consequence, the 48 year old…
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Tragic twist: Phuket official loses life in motor accident
A tragic turn of events unfolded today when a 51 year old member of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) lost his life in a motor accident in Thalang, Phuket. Paisarn Utouchkul, acting Councillor for PPAO District 4, died on the spot when his pickup truck veered off the road and crashed into a roadside ditch. Police Lieutenant Colonel Noppadol…
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Rolling the dice: Phuket authorities detain 18 in illegal betting crackdown
Following a tip-off, local authorities in Thalang in Phuket detained 18 people in connection with illegal gambling activities at the weekend. The raid on Sunday, August 13 was orchestrated by the Thalang Police and happened in a local venue in Moo 8, Srisoonthorn. Upon arrival, law enforcers discovered a crowd revelling in the forbidden pleasures of illicit gambling. Eight men…
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Patong Police raid massage parlours exploiting underage workers
In a recent crackdown on unlicensed operations, the Patong Police force swooped in on two massage parlours suspected of exploiting underage workers. Hatha Massage, located on Rat-Uthit 200 Pi Road, underwent a law enforcement raid at 9.40pm on August 12. The law enforcement action came on the heels of allegations that the establishment was not only operating without the necessary…
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SmartLand app scam: Phuket arrest made, victims lose millions
On the popular tourist island of Phuket, a 25 year old man has been apprehended on charges of facilitating a mule account for a fraudulent application known as SmartLand. The application has reportedly swindled people out of millions of baht. The individual, referenced by authorities solely as Winat or Oil, was arrested in a high-traffic lifestyle shopping mall located in…
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Patong police clamp down on tuk tuk misuse of public parking spaces
In a stringent move, Patong Police issued a stringent directive for all tuk tuk drivers to cease occupancy of public parking spaces, with a particular focus on the area alongside Patong Beach Road. The authorities swung into this action following an incident involving a tuk tuk driver who unlawfully utilised a public parking spot on the Beach Road, also known…
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Phuket officials probe safety standards after speedboat’s reckless wave maneuvering
Following a public outcry driven by online footage showcasing the reckless manoeuvring of a tour speedboat through large waves, the Phuket Marine Office has released a statement on the incident. The speedboat, distinctly labelled Natthicha 555, flagrantly disregarded a water safety notice by failing to equip its tourists with life jackets. The persisting unsafe sea conditions were the triggering reason…
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Angsana Laguna Phuket welcomes Chef Giordano Roscini and Chef Sunil Kumar
The Angsana Laguna Phuket is a hotel that caters to the modern traveller who seeks style and authenticity. The luxury provided by the beautiful environment, azure ocean, large swimming pool, and eye-catching houses and accommodating rooms could only be supplemented by exquisite cuisine. With that in regard, the Angsana Laguna already provides a foundation of eight restaurants with Chefs to…
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Cryptocurrency conundrum: Cyber sleuths collar 25 year old suspect in 1.4 million baht Phuket fraud
A burgeoning cryptocurrency fraud case took a significant turn as a 25 year old man was apprehended by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in Phuket. Suspected of being a money mule within a criminal operation, authorities allege the man, named Toei, opened a bank account aiding a cryptocurrency fraud enterprise scamming over 1.4 million baht from unsuspecting individuals. The…
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Ocean tragedy: German father drowns, son survives off Phuket’s Karon Beach
A German father tragically drowned while swimming at Karon Beach in Phuket yesterday while his 11 year old son survived the terrifying incident. The Thai lifeguard team on Karon Beach rescued the 52 year old German, Jurgen Ralf Wiltzsch, who lost consciousness at the bottom of the sea. The rescue team was called to the scene and provided CPR to…
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Barber shop owner’s illegal tangle: Hot water over hiring allegations in Phuket
In a recent incident unfolding in the heart of Phuket, a 38 year old female business owner in Patong finds herself in hot water because of allegations of illegal employment practices at her barber shop. Known only as “Petladda,” the woman is facing potential charges for her suspected recruiting habits after a second incident of a foreigner found working illegally…
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Car accident pins Phuket man’s legs in crushed car
An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding a car accident, as a local man from Chalong, Phuket lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree. The car crash took place in Mai Khao when the man was entering the island late afternoon. The report of the car accident reached the Tha Chatchai Police at 4.55pm. The…
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Patong gunfire: Prime suspect in the incident nabbed after intense manhunt
In a recent development in the ongoing investigation into a street shooting that occurred on the morning of August 3 in Patong, Phuket, police arrested the prime suspect. Two men were injured during the gunfire incident and are currently receiving medical care at Patong Hospital. An arrest warrant was issued for 34 year old Nattapong Nachom on Friday, August 4…
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Oil slicks threatens Phuket beaches, authorities seek culprits
In the Thalang district of Phuket island, the beautiful scenery was marred by the unexpected appearance of oil slicks and tar balls along four beaches. These are being carefully removed from the coastline of the Sirinat National Park by a mix of residents and authorities. The cleanup started on Friday after an alert was raised by the Layan Beach station…
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Phuket drownings prompt safety measures and Australian aid
Five people lost their lives in drowning incidents in Phuket just over the past week. The unfortunate victims included four international tourists and a Thai national. This troubling streak has provoked local authorities into a state of high alert, with Thai authorities even recruiting help from Australia. The drownings occurred in Phuket between July 28 and today. In the current…
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Oil spill on Phuket beaches met with quick cleanup response
Late yesterday afternoon marked the start of a clean-up operation on the northwest shores of Phuket. Beachgoers were met with harrowing sight of oil and tar balls, accompanied by traces of oil slick that had made their unpleasant appearance on the beaches. The beaches targeted by the operation included locations at Nai Yang, Mai Khao, Nai Thon, and Layan. The…
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Phuket lucky license plate auction raises 25 million for disabled road accident victims
Funds raised from an online auction of “lucky” vehicle registration plates by the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) were generously donated to aid nine individuals left disabled by tragic road accidents. The auction that took place on July 22 accrued over 25 million baht in proceeds. The lucky number plates auctioned flaunted the Thai alphabet’s “KorJor” set against an exquisite…
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CIB arrest Phuket man for online scam they’ve tracked since 2022
Thai police have taken into custody a local man in connection with a number of online scams, the Royal Thai Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) shared in a media update. The arrest took place on Freedom Beach in Phuket, as the CIB disclosed through a post on its official Facebook page. Although the detailed report refrained from stating the family…
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Nigerian’s dramatic car chase leads to cocaine trafficking revelations
A 26 year old Nigerian led Thai police on a frenzied car chase across in Phuket in an attempt to escape charges that escalated and escalated the more police uncovered. The incident unfolded in the afternoon in Thalang, when the Phuket Immigration Police, along with officers from the Cherng Talay Police Station began trailing a suspicious sedan driving through. When…
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Russian man ignores red flag warnings, drowns at Surin Beach in Phuket
The serenity at Surin Beach in the Thalang district of Phuket was disturbed by an unforeseen occurrence yesterday after a Russian man became a victim of its tempestuous sea. The Russian drowned after allegedly disregarding the clear warnings of danger on the beach—the vibrant red flags signalling a prohibition on swimming. The call stating this incident was relayed to the Phuket…
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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