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 Buon Natale: Italasia opens its latest branch in One Bangkok
Italasia, a longstanding and reputable importer of Italian products, led by Managing Director Chakrit Benedetti and Fa Benedetti, executive management and hospitality director of Italasia Group, hosted the grand opening party to celebrate the official unveiling of Italasia One Bangkok. [caption id="attachment_840519" align="alignnone" width="800"] Fa...
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Bus-ting with green energy: Phuket’s smart bus takes fresh direction
All aboard the eco-friendly Phuket Smart Bus express. Phuket’s transport scene is getting a high-voltage makeover with the launch of the spanking new Phuket Smart Bus service, and it’s already steering the island’s travel scene in a new direction. Connecting Phuket Town and Patong with ease and style, this service is run by Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD) and…
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Phuket motorcycle taxi driver arrested after clash with tourists
Patong police in Phuket apprehended a motorcycle taxi driver following a heated altercation between tourists and a local taxi driver. The incident unfolded on October 31 at the intersection near the football field on Thawiwong Road, leading to several charges being filed against the motorcycle driver. Around 5.30pm, two tourists had just boarded an electric vehicle (EV) taxi they had…
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Sea turtle found tangled and lifeless on Phuket beach
In a heartbreaking discovery, a young olive ridley sea turtle was found dead, entangled in fishing debris on Phuket’s Pak Phra Beach. Officials from Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) were alerted to the tragedy on Tuesday, October 29, by the Marine National Park Operations Centre 2. The juvenile turtle, weighing only 3 kilogrammes, was identified by DMCR’s…
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Hundreds of Phuket families await relief as flood damage mounts
Phuket’s flood-stricken families are still waiting for disaster relief funds, as officials gathered at Phuket Provincial Hall on Thursday, October 31 to address pending disbursements. The meeting, chaired by Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and attended by Sopon Thongsai, head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), reviewed the island’s slow-moving relief fund process. The gathering united…
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Phuket woman injured by stray bullet during Halloween evening
A Halloween evening in Phuket took a terrifying turn when a woman was unexpectedly struck by a stray bullet while outside her residence in Srisoonthorn. The incident occurred yesterday evening, October 31, raising concerns about safety in the usually peaceful neighbourhood. The Thalang Police, along with rescue workers, responded promptly to the distress call from Moo 8, Srisoonthorn, arriving around…
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Karon police ‘taxi’ the bull by the horns: No more illegal rides
Karon police have hit back at online accusations claiming they’ve been lax in tackling illegal taxi operations. In a bold announcement, they revealed that a whopping 208 illegal taxis have been stopped and seized since the start of July. In a statement released earlier yesterday, October 31, Karon Police reassured the public that their officers have been conducting checkpoints at…
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Russian man faces Phuket charges for mafia-like intimidation
A Russian man, accused by his compatriots of acting with mafia-like intimidation, faces charges in Phuket after allegedly threatening several individuals, including former employees. Allegations against him include cutting the brake line of a motorcycle, an act that has led to charges of attempted murder, among others. Cherng Talay Police Chief Weeraphong Rakkhito confirmed that the investigation had concluded and…
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Phuket’s courtroom prescription: Legal drama escalates in Swiss assault dismissal
A gripping legal battle is heating up in Phuket as the lawyer representing a woman doctor challenges the court’s shocking decision to dismiss her assault case against a Swiss man. Dr Thandao Chandam claims she was kicked in the back by 45 year old Urs Fehr, also known as David, while she sat outside his villa on Yamu Beach in…
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Phuket road rebels: Law takes a backseat as foreign bikers run wild
Police have yet to take legal action against two foreign motorcyclists who were caught on video riding dangerously down a main road in Phuket. A Thai motorist who witnessed the reckless actions of the two foreign riders yesterday, October 29, recorded a video of their traffic violations and shared it with Phuket Times, today, October 30. The news page shared…
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French duo’s extortion plan fails to baguette away with it in Phuket
Two foreign men, believed to be French nationals, reportedly attempted to extort 2,000 baht from a Thai tourist in the Patong area of Phuket on Monday. The Thai victim shared his shocking experience on Monday, October 28, with Phuket Times to warn other tourists and to urge action from the local police. The victim revealed that the incident took place…
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Phuket’s fundraising campaign hits full beam for cancer care centre
Phuket is pulling out all the stops in a monumental bid to raise a whopping 290 million baht. The cause? Building a cutting-edge cancer care centre at Vachira Phuket Hospital. This essential government-run institution is on a mission to boost cancer treatment services for Phuket’s residents and those from neighbouring provinces. Phuket’s top brass, Governor Sophon Suwannarat, announced a traditional…
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Phuket tourism revenue poised to exceed 2019 levels
Tourism revenue in Phuket is on track to surpass the 2019 figures, with visitor numbers approaching pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels, as revealed by Thanet Tantipiriyakit, President of the Phuket Tourist Association. “Phuket has now transformed into a destination for quality tourists, as total spending of tourists has risen above the amount recorded in 2019 despite the overall number of visitors falling…
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Phuket not: Swift owner puts the brakes on motorcycle heist
Police in Phuket detained two men following an attempted motorcycle theft in Kathu, which was thwarted by the quick actions of the vehicle’s owner. The suspects were apprehended with two stolen motorcycles after one of them tried to steal a bike left with its keys in the ignition on October 28. The incident unfolded at 8.12pm on October 28 when…
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Mystery unbedded: Thai police dig into Canadian man’s death
Thai police are digging deep into the puzzling death of a 46 year old Canadian man discovered by a group of his friends after five days of silence. The alarm was raised in a quiet corner of Moo 8, Srisoontorn, alerting Thalang police officers to the scene at around 12.35pm, yesterday, October 28. The man’s body was found peacefully in…
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Sisters survive 10-metre fall after motorcycle crash in Phuket
Two sisters narrowly escaped death when their motorcycle, with faulty brakes, lost control and crashed into a roadside barrier, causing them to fall into a 10-metre-deep ravine. The incident occurred on a steep road in Patong, Phuket. At approximately 5.40pm yesterday, October 28, Police Lieutenant Pongpipat Kumchumpoo of the Patong Police Station received a report of a motorcycle accident on…
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Bangkok cops reel in cunning Phuket light rail project con artist
The Metropolitan Police Investigation Bureau cops in Bangkok reeled in a cunning fraudster who duped victims into a sham Phuket light rail project investment scheme. The lady in question, only identified as 44 year old Ms Wongduean, was apprehended on Nawamin 70 Road in the bustling Bueng Kum district on Sunday, October 27. Ms Wongduean is accused of swindling over…
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Phuket magic spells its way into Asia’s ‘Top 10’ destinations
Phuket’s tropical charm has once again worked its magic, landing it among Asia’s Top 10 island destinations, as revealed by the esteemed Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. UK tabloid Daily Express also got into the act, gushing over Phuket’s recognition by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. “A stunning island in Asia has been crowned one of the best…
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Phuket beachgoers warned of Portuguese man o’ war sting operation (video)
Phuket holidaymakers at Mai Khao Beach have been warned a trip to the sandy shores could have a sting in its tail. Beachgoers in Phuket have been given a red alert about the arrival of the notorious Portuguese man o’ war – aka bluebottles. The Phuket Lifeguard Service confirmed a sighting of these perilous sea creatures yesterday, October 27, prompting a…
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Phuket expects Kazakhstani tourist surge from new direct flights
Phuket anticipates a surge in Kazakhstani tourists with the inauguration of direct flights from the Central Asian country’s remote capital, Astana. Air Astana is operating the service, and the maiden direct flight, KC163, departed from Kazakhstan and arrived in the southern island province yesterday, October 27. Suladda Sarutilavan, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Europe region, stated that the…
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Sears & Co. serves up a taste of victory as Thailand’s top Casual Dining spot
Sears & Co. Bar and Grill, the stylish sea-facing culinary venue at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, has been named the No.1 Casual Dining restaurant in Thailand in the Tripadvisor 2024 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards! Perfectly positioned just steps from Patong Beach, with views of the Andaman Sea, Sears & Co., is a chic…
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Phuket police to fast-track testimonies in The iCon Group case
Phuket Provincial Police Commander Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum has directed all police stations on the island to fast-track the summary of testimonies in the case involving The iCon Group and submit them to Phuket Provincial Police. The directive was issued during a meeting held at the Phuket Provincial Police headquarters, which saw the attendance of superintendents from all local…
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Illegal catch! Phuket cops net 12 foreigners in immigration swoop
Phuket Immigration Police swooped on 12 foreigners for violating the Immigration Act and working illegally, following a series of inspections conducted over two weeks. Immigration Police intensified their crackdown on illegal activities involving foreigners from October 9 to October 18, according to a report by the Phuket branch of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket). Police carried out inspections at…
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Phuket faces a splash of chaos as waterworks fixes leak
Phuket Waterworks Authority (PWA) announced urgent repairs on a leaking water pipe at the notorious three-way intersection in front of Wat Patong, scheduled for tomorrow. The work, which will run from 1am to 6pm, tomorrow, Saturday, October 26, will force the closure of one westbound lane on Phra Baramee Road. Traffic chaos is expected to spill over into the surrounding…
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Stamp out the fraud: Uzbek man licked at Phuket Airport
Immigration officers at Phuket International Airport apprehended a 35 year old Uzbek man on allegations of using forged stamps. The arrest occurred at the international arrivals hall around 9pm yesterday, October 23. A team from the Phuket Immigration Bureau, acting on the orders of Police Major General Chengron Rimphidi, Commander of Immigration Bureau 2, carried out the operation, according to an…
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Tragic drownings in Phuket claim lives of boy and British tourist
Two tragic incidents in Phuket resulted in the drowning deaths of a five year old Chinese boy and a 43 year old British tourist, police confirmed yesterday. Karon Police were notified by Chalong Hospital at 6.32pm, yesterday, October 22, about the drowning death of five year old Chinese tourist Zhang Zhiqjanna. Zhang had been swimming with his mother in the…
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iCon fraud scam hits 71 in Phuket, losses reach 19.5 million baht
Seventy-one people in Phuket have fallen victim to the iCon fraud scam, with losses amounting to 19.5 million baht (US$580,530), confirmed Phuket Provincial Police Commander Sinlert Sukhum. The number of victims has surged from 48, as announced by Sinlert on October 18. Individuals affected by the scam are still urged to report their cases to the Royal Thai Police complaints…
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Thai man arrested for stealing from Russian couple in Phuket
Police arrested a Thai man for stealing from a Russian couple while the victims were enjoying Kata Beach in Phuket. The Russian couple, whose identities remain undisclosed, filed a theft complaint at Karon Police Station at around 8am on October 18. They reported that they visited Kata Beach and left their belongings unattended while enjoying the beach. The victims saw a…
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Weed out the thieves: Phuket cannabis shops on high alert after 100k baht heist
Cannabis shop owners in Phuket issued a warning regarding two foreign thieves who stole over 100,000 baht worth of cannabis from several shops across the province. The victims urged the Phuket Times to warn other cannabis shops in the province to be cautious of two young foreigners posing as customers and taking the opportunity to steal products. The page included…
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Lucky seven ‘float’ to safety after Phuket longtail capsizes
All seven passengers were plucked to safety after a longtail boat capsized near Koh Rang Yai, just off Phuket’s east coast, late yesterday afternoon. The alarm was raised at 5.20pm yesterday, October 21, a mere ten-minute boat ride from the shore, and police dashed to the scene. Rescue teams sprang into action, racing from AA Marina Pier in Rassada, while…
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64 year old Thai man in Phuket arrested for abducting young girl
Police yesterday arrested a 64 year old Thai man in Phuket for abducting a 12 year old girl, missing from her home in Phang Nga province for 16 days. The family of the 12 year old Poonyanut “Sompoy” Kayankhai turned to social media platforms to search for her after she disappeared from her home in Phang Nga on October 5. 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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