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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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…
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Phuket’s fiery pursuit: Officials strive to spark safety but no fireworks fouls found yet ahead of Vegetarian Festival
In their continuous push to secure safety measures in Phuket fireworks stores, officials have not yet identified any businesses operating breaches of critical safety regulations. The investigations, which sparked on July 30, are the aftermath of a tragic explosion at a firework warehouse in Narathiwat. The devastating event resulted in 12 deaths and left 121 people injured. Read more about…
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Wave-riding rebels: Phuket probe targets speedboat drivers who ignored safety notice
An investigation is currently underway concerning two speedboat drivers who allegedly flouted a safety notice issued by the Phuket Marine Office. This unfolded on Tuesday, August 1 when the captains reportedly displayed reckless behaviour by navigating their boats precariously in large waves and powerful winds whilst making their way back from Phi Phi Island. The probe into the conduct of these…
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Surin beach tragedy: Body of 44 year old Thai man washes up on Phuket shores
Tragedy hit the shores of Phuket yesterday as the body of a 44 year old man from Phitsanulok, was found washed up on the seaside. The man, Thawat Sriracha, who had come to Phuket to kickstart a new job, vanished on Sunday, July 30 amid the large waves of Surin Beach. Patrons of Surin Beach on that eventful day were…
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Shocking surprise: Power interruption leaves Phuket residents in the dark
Residents of Srisoonthorn, in particular those living in the Sri-Suphalak Orchid Villas housing estate, Moo 6, Phuket, should brace for a power interruption this week, as announced by the Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang). This power interruption, scheduled for Thursday, is expected to last from 9am to 4.30pm. The temporary state of darkness isn’t without a…
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Drug bust: Phuket duo nabbed by police with 40,000 meth pills
Phuket police authorities apprehended a pair of female culprits implicated in a significant drug bust at a local parcel delivery service in Wichit. The individuals, identified under pseudonyms as 31 year old Wan, hailing from Phatthalung, and 21 year old Ya, a native of Prachuap Khiri Khan, were arrested for possession of 40,000 methamphetamine pills, commonly referred to as Yaba,…
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Senegalese tourist’s body recovered at Freedom Beach in Phuket
In a tragic turn of events in Phuket, a team of lifeguards recovered the body of a Senegalese tourist at 6.50am today from the location where he had disappeared two days prior. Freedom Beach, located in Tambon Karon of the Mueang district, had been the last known whereabouts of 22 years old man. The Tambon Karon Municipality mayor, Jadet Vachirasorn,…
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Phuket and neighbouring provinces bracing for heavy rainfall
The Thai Meteorological Department’s Phuket branch has issued a strong warning cautioning of substantial rainfall anticipated in Phuket and its peripheral regions from July 30 until August 2. The warning is extended over four provinces stretching along the Andaman coast. The Southwestern Meteorology Centre, functioning near Phuket International Airport, sent out the warning about heavy rainfall at 6am yesterday and…
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Blue Flag market unveiled by Phuket to combat rising costs
Phuket is preparing to host a monthly special market dubbed the “Blue Flag.” The market is hoped to bring an economic lifeline to the less affluent residents of the city as they struggle with the inflating prices of common household essentials. The Phuket Provincial Commerce Office has taken the initiative of kick-starting the Blue Flag market beginning from the first week…
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Phuket island relocation tackles rampant macaque issue in Phetchaburi communities
In what’s being hailed as a successful initiative, multiple crab-eating macaques have been relocated from communities within Phetchaburi to an island in Phuket, under a pilot project. The venture has cleared the road for the relocation of more from the rapidly increasing macaque population in the province, as well as the neighbouring Prachuap Khiri Khan, according to the Ministry of…
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Cabinet approves extended holiday boosting Phuket’s economy by 2.2 billion baht
News from the Thai island of Phuket brings to attention a myriad of fascinating events that transpired yesterday, headlined by an extended holiday receiving the Cabinet’s approval. The long holidays have reportedly been known to promote expenditure within Phuket, with conjecture claiming an economic boost of close to 2.2 billion baht. Due to the surge in local activities, however, Vachira…
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Historic return of leatherback sea turtle boosts marine hope on Phuket beach
In a remarkable event, a large leatherback sea turtle has chosen to lay its eggs on the shores of Karon Beach in Phuket. Local officials have since hurried to check the site and set up protective measures as the site is all set to become a maternity nest for the enormous creature. This is the first instance of a turtle…
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Australian ambassador makes a splash on World Drowning Prevention Day in Phuket
The Australian Ambassador to Thailand was in Phuket yesterday to observe the World Drowning Prevention Day. Dr Angela Macdonald watched from the sidelines as yesterday’s ceremony was conducted to draw attention to the importance of safety measures in averting drownings, and to remember the dramatic yet deep-seated effects these incidents have on individuals and neighbourhoods. Phuket’s Vice Governor, Danai Sunantarod,…
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Phuket Airport accelerates taxi services with dedicated pickup zone
In a recent move to regulate taxi services in Phuket, Phuket International Airport put its foot on the accelerator and introduced a dedicated zone allocated for legally permissible taxis to facilitate the pickup of tourists. The news, revealed yesterday, came from a statement published by the airport itself, which was shared by Phuket MP, Somchart Techathavorncharoen. The statement, which was…
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Phuket officials honour King Vajiralongkorn’s birthday with environmental tribute
As Thailand prepares for the 71st birthday of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn this Friday, July 28, Phuket officials are leading their respective communities in tributes and activities to honour the royal occasion. In the Baan Kuku area of Ratsada, Phuket Vice Governor Danai Sunantarod directed various initiatives yesterday alongside local volunteers, community members, and organisations to pay tribute to His…
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Phuket couple held with thousands of meth pills and illegal firearm
In the early hours of yesterday, a man and woman were apprehended in Phuket, Thailand, after they were discovered to be in possession of 27,000 Yaba pills, an illegal form of methamphetamine, and over 900 grams of ya ice, a form of crystal meth. The duo, namely 39 year old Wirawong “Nueng’ Noichan,” who is a resident of Prabaramee Road,…
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Safety fears rise as key Phuket boat tour facility Chalong Pier sinks again
In Thailand, Chalong Pier, a key Phuket boat tour facility is under scrutiny as concerns are being raised about the potential safety hazards it poses. The main pontoon, used by tourists to board tour boats, is reportedly sinking again and is visibly covered in rust. The pontoon in question had previously gone under reparations last year when it started sinking.…
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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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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 launches free bus rides for tourists flying in from Bangkok
A new initiative aimed at promoting local transportation in Phuket got into gear yesterday, offering 1,500 free passes to qualifying travellers who choose to take the Phuket Smart Bus, on the airport to Rawai route. The campaign, granted by the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is set to run until the end of this month. The…
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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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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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Bad hair day: Jordanian barber busted for illegally trimmed tourist trade in Phuket
Police officers yesterday arrested a Jordanian national for operating unlawfully as a barber, primarily serving foreign tourists, in Phuket. The arrest occurred in the popular beach resort town of Patong. The news regarding the man’s illegal activities came to light through digital news platforms and was later confirmed by the Patong Police. The media has been vigilant, reporting instances of…
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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