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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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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Missing Russian tourist found, reunited with family in Phuket
A Russian family holidaying in Phuket was reunited after a woman was reported missing by her husband in the early hours of the morning. Tourist Police officers provided the necessary assistance after the 56 year old woman got lost in northern Phuket after dark. The incident occurred when the Russian couple, both of whom remain unnamed, were drinking at Naithon…
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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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Phuket vies for Specialised Expo 2028, boosting health and medical tourism
As the final presentation and vote for the Specialised Expo 2028 approaches, many Thai citizens are eagerly awaiting the decision, hoping that Phuket will be chosen as the host city. The Thai delegation is set to present their case to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on June 21, highlighting the southern resort island province’s potential as a host location.…
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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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Phuket shooting: Russian restauranteur targeted in daylight attack
The idyllic streets of Phuket were rocked today by a brutal act of violence as a man, believed to be a Russian restaurant owner, was shot inside his car outside a cafe. The incident unfolded in broad daylight, sending shockwaves through the peaceful neighbourhood. Police rushed to the scene on Boat Avenue in Cherng Talay, where they discovered a blue…
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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,…
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Missing Phuket fisherman found dead amid weather alert
The lifeless body of a 59 year old Pa Khlok resident was discovered floating in the sea by a local fisherman yesterday. Prachoen Thammawong had gone missing after failing to return home from his fishing routine the previous day. Upon receiving the news, Thalang Police Station officers and rescue workers arrived at the scene, where they found the body of…
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Moo-ving miracle: Driver escapes unharmed after car ‘meets’ wandering cows in Phuket
A driver managed to walk away unscathed after his car collided with a group of wandering cows on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket in the early hours of this morning. The driver, identified only as Bancha, was travelling in his white Toyota Veloce car around 4.30am when ten cows suddenly appeared out of nowhere and ran onto the road. Unable to…
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Miraculous twist: Kazakhstan tourist presumed drowned in Phuket found alive, in coma
A tourist from Kazakhstan, initially reported to have drowned at Kata Beach in Phuket, is alive but in a coma. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan provided the updated information, clarifying that earlier reports of the tourist’s death were incorrect. The tourist, Artur Iskakov, was rushed to the hospital following a drowning incident in tambon Karon on Thursday, June…
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Taxi-ous times in Phuket: Crackdown leads to double ‘fare-ests’ in Kathu
Phuket‘s crackdown on illegal taxi drivers continues, with two arrests made in Kathu last week. At Si Kor Intersection, Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) officials and Kathu Police officers set up a checkpoint to identify and apprehend drivers using their private vehicles for commercial transportation services. The operation took place on the main road to and from Patong, the island’s…
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Phuket Woman injured by falling tree amid severe weather warnings
A 44 year old Phuket woman was left unconscious after a tree fell on her motorcycle during heavy rain and strong winds in Phuket yesterday. Police were notified of the incident at around 10.30am. The incident took place on a small road leading to the sea gypsy village on Koh Siray, The Phuket News reported. The woman, identified as Duendem…
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Foreign man hospitalised due to Phuket boat propeller injury
A foreign man injured by a boat propeller was hospitalised in Phuket on Thursday. The incident was reported on Friday, but no details have been released regarding the circumstances that led to the injury, according to The Phuket News. Emergency medical workers were alerted to the incident at around 4.45pm, according to a report by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation…
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Russian tourist drowns in Phuket after ignoring beach red flags
A Russian tourist tragically drowned at Naithon Beach in Phuket, despite lifeguards’ warnings and red flags prohibiting swimming in the area. The incident occurred yesterday, marking the fourth drowning in Phuket within the past week and the second involving a Russian national, The Phuket News reported. The man entered the water around 4pm, ignoring the red flags signalling dangerous conditions.…
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Injured sea turtle rescued, rehabilitating at Phuket Marine Centre
There’s been another sea turtle rescue in Thailand. An injured olive ridley sea turtle was recently found at Thai Mueang Beach in Phang Nga province and is now receiving care at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC). The young turtle had lost one of its flippers, likely due to entanglement in fishing nets, according to wildlife experts, The Phuket News…
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Thai Navy plants trees in Phuket to honour Queen’s birthday
In honour of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana’s upcoming birthday, officials from the Royal Thai Navy organised a tree-planting event in Phuket yesterday. The ceremony took place at Muang Thalang School, followed by the planting drive at nearby Bang Khanun Forest Park. Vice Admiral Apakorn Youkongkaew, Commander of the 3rd Naval Region, presided over the event. Representatives from the Naval…
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Fatal disregard: Kazakhstani tourist ignores red flag warnings, drowns at Phuket’s Kata Beach
A Kazakhstani tourist reportedly ignored red flags warning against swimming and as a consequence tragically drowned at Kata Beach in Phuket. Karon Police were alerted by a lifeguard at Kata Beach yesterday afternoon and discovered the body of the tourist, identified as 24 year old Artur Iskakov from Kazakhstan. Lifeguards informed the police that they had been notified of the…
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Phuket declared Thailand’s first rabies-free province by DDC
Phuket has been declared the first rabies-free province in Thailand by the Department of Disease Control (DDC). The announcement was made by Phuket Vice Governor Danai Sunantharod, who revealed that DDC Director General Tanet Kratsanaitawiwong praised the province’s successful efforts in preventing and controlling rabies in both animals and humans. This achievement comes after a steady decline in rabies-related deaths…
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Phuket nightclubs raided for late trading, serving alcohol to minors
Two Phuket nightclubs in the Kathu district have been raided by officials from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) and the Volunteer Defense Corps (OrSor). The clubs, the Ratree Club and Mahanakorn Phuket were accused of late trading, public disturbance, serving alcohol to minors, and operating without proper permits. The raids were carried out early this morning after a plain-clothes officer confirmed…
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Visa crackdown in Phuket: Over 1,000 foreigners nabbed for overstaying
A crime-free initiative in Phuket has seen significant success, with over 1,000 foreigners caught for overstaying their visas. This achievement is credited to the collaboration between the Phuket Immigration Office and 800 accommodation providers on the island, who have adopted crime-free measures that enable them to report any suspicious activities involving their foreign guests. Phuket’s immigration chief, Thanet Sukchai, revealed…
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Australian man arrested in Phuket for damaging van mirror in road rage incident
Phuket police apprehended an Australian man for causing damage to a passenger van in a road rage incident, specifically targeting the vehicle’s rear-view mirrors. The man, identified only as Navale, was taken into custody following a complaint received by Wichit Police yesterday morning, The Phuket News reported. According to the police report, Navale and an individual named Haider from Dubai…
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Phuket MP warns teachers of jail time for hitting students
Phuket‘s Move Forward MP-elect for Constituency 1, Somchart Techathavorncharoen, has issued a warning to teachers that hitting students is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of up to 40,000 baht or up to two years in prison, or both. Somchart made the announcement on his official Facebook page, reminding the public that the Ministry of Education had abolished corporal…
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Two arrested in Phuket for selling guns online via Facebook
Two men have been arrested by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) Region 5 branch for allegedly selling firearms online via Facebook from their homes in Kathu, Phuket. The arrests were announced late on Sunday, though the specific dates were not disclosed. In the first raid, at a house in Moo 1, Kathu, officers arrested Kriangkrai, a 31 year old…
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Brawl erupts between foreigners and Thai driver on road in Phuket (video)
A Thai minibus driver filed a complaint at Chalong Police Station yesterday after some foreigners broke two side view mirrors of his vehicle during a dispute on the road in Phuket. The Thai minibus driver, Monnaphan Makaraphan, told police that he was involved in a dispute with the foreign drivers and passengers of a red Toyota Yaris hatchback. He admitted…
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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