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 The Four Twenty experience: From seed to sale at one of the most famous cannabis dispensaries in Thailand
Four Twenty is already a household name in Thailand’s relatively new legal cannabis scene, and for good reason. Their meteoric rise can be attributed to a combination of factors, mainly their top-quality cannabis and their dedication to providing a unique...
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Phuket cracks down on illegal operations in Chinese restaurants
The bustling tourist hub of Phuket, in Thailand, was recently the scene of an extensive inspection operation. A composite task force composed of representatives from 15 different government entities descended upon six Chinese eateries located in the Naka Market area of Wichit. Alarmingly, three instances of law infringement were uncovered in the process, including one restaurant that was found to…
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Phuket passenger van drivers’ brawl sparks social media outrage
A physical altercation suddenly erupted between two passenger van drivers in front of Ratsada Pier in Phuket on Sunday afternoon. The spectacle, which was captured on video by a passing vehicle, soon became a local sensation on social media channels. Public outrage surged over the violent behaviour displayed by the drivers, often referred to as Phuket’s public transport drivers. One…
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RTN launches coral reef conservation in the Andaman Sea
The tranquil waves of the Andaman Sea in Phuket were silenced yesterday as Royal Thai Navy Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Adung Phan-iam, took to the podium to announce the start of a new conservation initiative. The project, aimed at repairing and installing mooring buoys, seeks to safeguard the area’s coral reefs, the vibrant yet vulnerable bedrock of the marine ecosystem. The launch…
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Phuket Airport seeks public input on expansion plan
A call to action echoes across Phuket as the Airports of Thailand invite the public to the final hearing on the second phase of Phuket International Airport’s expansion. Slated to be conducted at the prestigious Proud Phuket Hotel in Sakhu, the hearing is scheduled from 9am to 12pm on March 8. The primary objective of this public hearing revolves around…
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Phuket gears up for annual Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday
The bustling town of Phuket is set to observe a moment of stillness as the main Phuket Immigration Office, alongside other government establishments, prepares to halt operations for the upcoming Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday on Monday, February 26. This sacred holiday not only brings about a day of rest for public offices but also a countrywide prohibition on alcohol…
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Phuket reels under heatwave with mercury soaring above 35°C
Phuket, an idyllic island in Thailand, regularly known for its tropical bliss, has been in the throes of an intense heatwave. Mercury levels have consistently soared above 35°C, a significant deviation from the 30-year average, causing officials to warn residents and visitors alike. They have been advised to stay vigilant against signs of heatstroke, a life-threatening condition when the body…
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Phuket taxi drivers accused of threatening Grab driver
A fresh police complaint has been filed against a group of taxi drivers in Soi Cherng Talay 14, close to the Maya Beach Club, in Phuket. The drivers stand accused of intimidating a legally operating Grab taxi driver who was stationed to pick up passengers from the club. The complaint was lodged by 42 year old Jakkree Thummee, a resident…
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Phuket passenger van drivers’ brawl sparks public outrage
A violent altercation between two passenger van drivers erupted at the Ratsada Pier exit in Phuket. The incident, which was captured on video, circulated rapidly on social media yesterday, February 18, sparking widespread outrage. The video footage revealed a heated exchange between the drivers that eventually escalated into a physical brawl. One driver was seen being kicked while he lay…
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Phuket aims to become a low-carbon green city
The popular tourist destination of Phuket is on course to become a low-carbon green city, thanks to a recent collaboration between Energy Absolute Public Company Limited (EA) and the Federation of Thai Industries Phuket (FTI Phuket). Both organisations have agreed to make this transformation a reality, and Governor Sophon Suwannarat witnessed their commitment at an event held on February 17.…
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Phuket hookah bar raided in ongoing clampdown on illicit tobacco trade
In the bustling city of Phuket, a hookah bar in Cherng Talay was stormed by a team of ten officials from the Thalang District. Following the crackdown on the illicit tobacco trade, authorities have apprehended and charged the venue operator involved in the illegal activity. The operation was initiated late into the night at 11.09pm on Friday, February 16. This…
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Phuket tour boat operators arrested for safety breaches
Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Marine Police Region 8 yesterday arrested two tour boat operators in Phuket for a series of breaches. The authorities detailed their infractions in an online post, including operating boats with expired registrations, failing to provide adequate life rafts and overloading their vessels with passengers. The routine check-up led to the arrests on Klong Tha Jeen,…
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Phuket Airport taxis inspected as Thailand legalises three more apps
Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) officials yesterday initiated inspections of taxi services at Phuket International Airport. These checks occurred ahead of the PLTO’s announcement that three new app-based taxi services, including Maxim, are now considered legal in Thailand. These inspections took place at Phuket Airport from 4pm to 6pm. In their online statement, the PLTO said the checks were a…
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British man killed in triple vehicle collision in Rawai, Phuket
Tragedy struck in Rawai, Phuket, when a fatal collision involving three vehicles claimed the life of a British man in the early morning hours yesterday, February 15. The incident occurred outside the Patak Road branch of a local 7-Eleven store, according to local police sources. The scene was first attended by Police Lieutenant Colonel Retired Somrak from Chalong Police Station…
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Phuket man nabbed with substantial narcotics stash in town raid
Phuket’s Provincial Crime Suppression Division managed to apprehend a 38 year old man in the bustling area of Phuket Town, following a discovery of a significant amount of narcotics on his person. Identified as Bunma “Golf” Chimmala, a resident of Ratsada, he was found in possession of 4,500 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yabah, and 265.2 grammes of crystal meth,…
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Soaring travel costs to Phuket spark tourist backlash
The soaring cost of air travel to Phuket has sparked a backlash from local tourists, with low-cost carriers reportedly charging up to 14,000 baht (US$388) for a round trip from Bangkok. Despite making bookings weeks in advance, some travellers reported paying 5,000 baht (US$138) for a one-way ticket. The president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA),…
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Paws unite: Happy Doggo & Soi Dog tackle Asia’s strays
Happy Doggo and Soi Dog Foundation have joined forces to tackle Asia’s stray animal crisis head-on with a colossal campaign. Aimed at putting an end to the suffering of homeless animals across the continent, this ambitious initiative promises to revolutionize the fight against the stray population. Animals 24-7, jaded by seeing grandiose claims in appeals and media releases a zillion…
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Phuket gears up for annual Heroines Festival celebrating local legends
Phuket’s renowned Heroines Festival is gearing up for its annual celebration, set to take place between March 9 and March 23. At the heart of the event lies a tribute to the island’s celebrated heroines, Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, locally known as Chan and Mook. These two figures are revered for their valiant efforts in leading the…
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Exclusive: The Standard Residences announces multi-billion baht project in Thailand’s beach hotspots
In a move set to redefine luxury living in Thailand, Standard International joined forces with leading real estate giants Sansiri and CG Capital to unveil The Standard Residences in prime beachfront locations, Hua Hin and Phuket Bang Tao. Last week, Standard International’s Executive Chairman Amar Lalvani made the groundbreaking announcement in Bangkok, marking the brand’s foray into the residential market…
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Chinese woman arrested in Phuket for illegally housing lion cub
Phuket police apprehended a Chinese woman on the accusation of illegally housing a lion cub in her hotel room. She came under scrutiny following allegations of her showcasing the juvenile lion daily at her coffee shop. Authorities from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NRECD), along with local police and wildlife officials, inspected the coffee shop located in the…
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Phuket police launch safety initiative to curb rising youth crime
Phuket City Police Station yesterday buzzed with activity as officers from the Phuket Provincial Police convened for the inauguration of a new safety and anti-crime initiative set to run until February 22. The gathering was an imposing show of unity, with representatives from various sectors of law enforcement, military personnel, administrative officials, volunteers, and media personnel all present. Spearheaded by…
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Phuket’s waste warriors launch innovative ‘waste bank’ to tackle trash troubles
Phuket City Municipality forged ahead with innovative steps to navigate the growing waste management crisis, introducing the Samakkhi Samkong Community Waste Bank scheme. The Mayor of Phuket Town, Saroj Angkhanapilas, underscored the necessity of proficient solid waste management during the announcement of this community-centric initiative. He hailed the inauguration of the community waste bank as a remarkable stride in the…
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Phuket’s property pandemonium: Foreign buyers drive real estate prices sky high
Phuket’s property market has been catapulted to unprecedented heights, with foreign interest igniting a buying spree sending prices soaring. Phattarachai Taweewong, director of Research and Communications at Colliers International (Thailand), revealed that the allure of owning a slice of paradise in Phuket has pushed land prices to astronomical levels, hitting as high as 25 to 100 million baht per rai.…
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Swift action by Wichit firefighters prevents neighbourhood disaster
A blazing inferno swept through a small residence in Wichit, Phuket at the weekend leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Thanks to the swift action of local firefighters, the flames were kept from spreading to nearby buildings, saving the neighbourhood from a potentially catastrophic domino effect. Upon receiving word of the fire, located in Soi Thep Anusorn 6…
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The White Lotus season 3 to welcome Blackpink’s Lisa
Blackpink’s Lisa is poised to make waves in the world of Hollywood as she gears up for her acting debut in the acclaimed American series, The White Lotus. The K-pop sensation will follow in the footsteps of her bandmate Jennie Ruby Jane, stepping onto the HBO stage and igniting excitement amongst fans worldwide. According to Variety’s latest report, Lisa will…
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Phuket governor calls for probe into Freedom Beach vendors
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently instructed the local branch of the Royal Forest Department to prepare a comprehensive report to detail why vendors have been permitted to ply their trade at Freedom Beach, and also to account for any revenues collected from these vendors. This directive emerged from a meeting convened at the Phuket Provincial Hall, after an inspection of…
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Miracle at sea: Rare albino whale resurfaces near Phang Nga
A rare albino Omura whale, previously sighted off the shores of Phuket, has once again graced the Andaman seas near Phang Nga province, stunning onlookers and marine experts alike. Banchar Sae-jo, manager of the New Tapana tourist boat, caused a stir online when he shared a mesmerising video clip of the ivory Omura whale on his Facebook page last Saturday,…
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Tuk tuk tango: Phuket driver fined for tourist’s dance debacle
A tuk tuk driver in Phuket’s bustling Patong district found himself on the wrong side of the law recently when he was slapped with a fine. The tuk tuk driver’s offence? Allowing a tourist to dance atop his vehicle while it was caught in the snarl of traffic on Patong Beach Road. The incident, captured in a video which quickly…
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Soi Ta-iad’s traffic woes: Tiger Muay Thai urges govt intervention
Traffic congestion woes have hit the bustling Soi Ta-iad in Chalong, with Watchara Jaruriyanon, the Managing Director of Tiger Muay Thai training facility, urging authorities to intervene. The street, albeit petite, is a hub of activity, largely due to the parked cars lining both sides of the road. Watchara voiced his concerns during a meeting aimed at backing the government’s…
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Phuket residents urged to conserve water amid dry season
A water conservation plea has been issued to Phuket residents by Udomphon Kan, the Director of the Phuket Provincial Office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket), in an attempt to prevent shortages amid the ongoing dry season. Udomphon Kan, while confident about the current water reserves, voiced his concerns about the diminishing water levels in the island’s…
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Wat Chalong Fair kicks off in Phuket with Chinese New Year
Phuket‘s annual Wat Chalong Fair kicked off in sync with the Chinese New Year. This cultural event, which draws attention each year, is currently underway and promises a multitude of live performances by diverse artists. The fair, held at Wat Chalong, also known as Wat Chaiyathararam, is in its 116th year. The temple, regarded as one of the most significant…
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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