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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5 hidden healthcare costs in Thailand and how to avoid them
Thailand's healthcare system is affordable and supported by the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme, offering essential services to most citizens. However, hidden healthcare costs can surprise patients and lead to unexpected expenses. These include specialist fees, insurance gaps, emergency services,...
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Patong motorbike taxi driver faces legal action for slapping rider
A Patong motorcycle taxi driver faces legal action after being caught on video slapping another rider in Soi Saensabai. The incident, which took place yesterday, November 6, quickly circulated on local social media, igniting discussions on the conduct of motorcycle taxi drivers in the area. Patong Police have identified the driver involved as Patiwat. He was summoned to the Patong…
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Patong slams brakes on taxi conflicts to boost tourism image
Efforts are underway in Patong to reorganise the city’s unscrupulous motorcycle taxi services following a recent conflict among drivers over passenger pickups. Local police in the bustling tourist destination are taking steps to address the situation, which has negatively impacted the area’s reputation. Chalermpong Saengdee, a member of the People’s Party representing Phuket, revealed that a meeting took place yesterday…
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Phuket project aims to save dugongs with new food plots
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) in Phuket has initiated an experimental project to combat the decline of seagrass and provide supplementary food for dugongs. The project, currently underway on Rawai Beach, seeks to prevent the extinction of these marine mammals. Experimentation began at the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre, where they have established natural…
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Israeli man ‘wheelies’ into trouble with viral Phuket beach stunt
A viral video of an Israeli man carelessly riding a motorcycle on Kamala Beach in the Kathu district of Phuket led to him receiving a 5,000-baht fine yesterday, November 5. The video of the Israeli motorcyclist was shared by a witness in a chat group on both LINE and Facebook. The witness captioned it, “Kamala Beach Racing!” The footage showed…
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Foreigners brawl on Patong Beach sparks criticism of Thai laws
A viral video showing two foreigners fighting each other on a road along Patong Beach in Phuket sparked criticism of weaknesses in Thai laws. A Thai man shared the video of the altercation on his TikTok account, @aifkiatprasert, yesterday, November 5. He later shared it with the news Facebook page, Phuket Times, before deleting it from his account. The page…
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World’s most beautiful ship, Amerigo Vespucci, docks in Phuket for free tours
The Italian tall ship Amerigo Vespucci, often hailed as the “most beautiful ship in the world,” is docked in Phuket and welcoming visitors aboard for free tours from tomorrow, November 6 to 10. This legendary vessel was built in 1931 and named after the Italian explorer and navigator Amerigo Vespucci. The ship, measuring 101 metres in length and 15.5 metres…
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Slippery surprise: Python makes ‘splash’ at Kamala Beach, Phuket
A typical day at Kamala Beach quickly transformed into an unexpected spectacle when beachgoers spotted a 100-kilogramme python swimming approximately 50 metres from the shore yesterday, November 4. Tourists enjoying the sun and sea were taken aback as the large reptile made its presence known in the water. Lifeguards on duty noticed the python around 1.10pm and promptly contacted local…
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Condor jet declares mid-descent alert on Phuket–Frankfurt route
A Condor Airbus A330-900, en route from Thailand’s paradise island of Phuket to Frankfurt, Germany, triggered a high alert after declaring an emergency while descending to its destination. Flight DE2369, operated by the German carrier, set alarm bells ringing as it squawked the 7700 transponder code, signifying a general emergency, just as it passed through 20,000 feet in German airspace.…
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Phuket steps up: Old town charm and cultural delights awaits
Get ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Phuket as the island gears up for the Travel Old Town, Telling Phuket tourism festival. From November 27 to December 1, Queen Sirikit Park on bustling Thalang Road will transform into a cultural hotspot, with the iconic dragon statue standing guard over festivities. Organised by…
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Russian driver allegedly flees responsibility after Phuket accident
A Thai man demanded that a Russian pickup driver take responsibility for a car accident on Rawai Road in Phuket on October 29 after the foreign man twice failed to appear at a police station. The Phuket Times reported on October 29 that the Russian man, whose name remains undisclosed, allegedly ignored a red light on Rawai Road and drove…
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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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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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Malaysian tourist falls from Phuket hotel balcony onto parked car
A Malaysian tourist‘s trip to Phuket took a dramatic turn when she fell from a hotel balcony in Patong, landing on a parked car below. The incident occurred early today, November 1, sending shockwaves across the bustling tourist area. The local police in Patong responded swiftly to an emergency call at 4.37am, arriving at the hotel situated on Rat-U Thit…
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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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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 at the helm of Asia’s Urban Act initiative
Phuket has been handpicked as the focal point for the Urban Act initiative, an ambitious drive set to spearhead low-carbon, resilient urban growth across the Asia-Pacific. The announcement was unveiled at a meeting in Phuket Provincial Hall with Governor Sophon Suwannarat and Vice Governor Ronnarong Tipsiri among the key players present. The Urban Act Project, which kicked off in April…
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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 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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Nine injured in van and truck collision in Phuket
A dramatic head-on collision rocked Ao Po Pier Road in Pa Khlok, Phuket as a van and a small truck collided with a bang, leaving nine people nursing injuries. The crash unfolded around 5.30pm, yesterday, October 29, near Moo 9, prompting an immediate and swift reaction from local police and emergency crews. On the scene, rescue teams found two Thai…
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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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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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Viral video captures Phuket beach fight between Thai and foreigners
A viral video showed at least one Thai national and two foreigners fighting on Patong Beach in Phuket last night. The cause of the conflict leading to the altercation remains unknown. The news Facebook page shared pictures and a video of the clash between a Thai national and two foreign men today, October 28. The nationality of the foreigners was…
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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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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’s new tourism tax won’t affect foreign residents or workers
Phuket’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS) has confirmed that the upcoming tourism tax, expected to be implemented early next year, will not impact foreigners who reside or work in Thailand. A MoTS Phuket official clarified that the proposed tax has not yet been presented to the Cabinet for approval. “We should wait for any further information because now 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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