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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Sponsored How one hospital visit in Thailand could cost more than your whole trip
Thailand is a favourite spot for travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From cheap street food to low-cost hotels and fun attractions, it’s easy to stretch your budget here. But there’s one thing many people don’t think...
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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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New Na Klang-Ao Jik road links Phuket and Phang Nga, boosting tourism
The newly completed Na Klang-Ao Jik road, which connects Phuket and Phang Nga, is set to provide a boost to local tourism and cross-provincial transport. The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has invested approximately 282.8 million baht (US$8.5 million) in the 4.2-kilometre road, which is part of a city expansion project in Phang Nga’s Thai Muang district. The concrete road…
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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 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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Two killed in Patong motorcycle crash near De Coze Hotel
A tragic road accident near De Coze Hotel in Patong claimed the lives of a foreign man and an unidentified woman yesterday evening. Patong Police are currently investigating the case. The collision between a car and a motorcycle occurred on Phra Metta Rd, also known as Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd. Upon arriving at the scene, Lt Col Chayakorn Tangsakul…
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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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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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Phuket immigration issues yellow cards to Thai landlords and foreigner
Last month, Phuket Immigration Bureau reported that five Thai landlords received yellow cards while only one foreigner was given a warning. Twenty-three foreigners were arrested during the same month for various violations classified under Group 4, which pertain to offences against the state. Additionally, nine landlords or property managers were arrested for failing to register their foreign tenants, as required…
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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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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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Aussie couple busted in Phuket for stealing 2.5 million from Chinese victim
In Phuket, an Australian couple was busted after allegedly stealing 2.5 million baht in a scam on May 31. Gao Jianjia, a 35 year old Chinese national, reported the incident to the Phaholyothin Police on May 29. He had posted online that he was interested in purchasing digital money through Binance, and a suspect contacted him via the Telegram application…
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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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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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Fugitive in Phuket tourist murder returns to Norway
There’s been a new development on an international fugitive wanted on an Interpol Red Notice for the murder in Phuket. The fugitive, Roger Bullman, is wanted for the murder of British tourist Amiptal Bajaj at a Phuket resort in 2019. Bullman has returned to his home country of Norway, The Phuket News reported this morning. Bullman had been on the…
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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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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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Phuket sees Covid-19 surge, lax prevention and booster shot issues
Thailand’s island province of Phuket has experienced a concerning surge in Covid-19 infections over the past month, according to the Provincial Public Health Office. Deputy Chief Dr Muanprae Boonlorm highlighted that Vachira Phuket Hospital has seen a rise in Covid-19 patients since the Songkran holiday in mid-April. The number of hospitalisations due to pneumonia and Covid-19 related fatalities have also…
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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…
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Car slams into streetlamp, driver faces reckless driving charge
A car accident occurred on a bypass road in Phuket, resulting in a streetlamp being knocked down. The incident took place today in the early hours of the morning, near a PTT petrol station on the southbound lanes of the road. The vehicle involved was a white MG sedan with red license plates from Samut Sakhon. The car sustained significant…
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Russian man tragically drowns off Patong Beach
A tragic incident occurred yesterday off the coast of Patong Beach when a Russian man drowned while swimming in the sea. The drowning was reported to the Patong Police Station at 7.55am, Bangkok Post reported. Rescue workers, lifeguards, and Patong Hospital personnel attempted to save the man. Despite their best efforts to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the man could not be saved.…
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Phuket launches inspections to curb foreigner crime, boost reputation
Phuket authorities launched a comprehensive inspection campaign targeting crimes by foreigners to boost the island’s reputation among potential visitors. The ‘white accommodation scheme for foreigners’ was announced by Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew. The scheme is being overseen by Pol. Col. Thanet Sukchai, Superintendent of Phuket Immigration, The Phuket News reported. The scheme aims to work with landlords who have foreigners residing…
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24-hour alcohol ban in key Patong areas during councillor election
A 24-hour alcohol ban is set to take place in key areas of Patong, Phuket, as local residents prepare to vote in a councillor election on June 11. Patong Municipality Election Director Wipa Chanthong confirmed the ban, which will be in effect throughout Patong Municipality Constituency 3 from 6pm on June 10 to 6pm on June 11. Constituency 3 is…
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First flight from Russia’s Red Wings Airlines makes its way to Phuket
Russian tourists are continuing to flock to Thailand’s holiday paradise of Phuket. Yesterday morning, officials and staff at Phuket International Airport welcomed the first Red Wings Airlines flight from Zhukovsky, Russia, to Phuket. The flight carried 400 passengers. Earlier this month, it was reported that Russians were Thailand’s fourth largest tourist group this year, with a total of 115,743 tourists so…
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Phuket motorbike crash injures elderly expat
A Phuket motorbike crash injured an elderly expat yesterday morning. Chalong Police arrived at the scene on Wiset Road in Rawai to find a foreign motorbike rider, 73 year old Georgi Simeonov Georgiev with minor injuries. The other rider involved in the accident was a 31 Thai man named Kittisak Buayai. Georgiev’s nationality was not provided by police. After reviewing…
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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