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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With World Kindness Day just two days away on November 13, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how empathy and care can make a real impact, not just in our relationships but in our health, too. This day is...
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Official travel warnings about Phuket issued by the Chinese Embassy
“The embassy reminds Chinese tourists to follow the rules while in Thailand and to stay out of the water when authorities put red flags on beaches, indicating the marine situation is dangerous.” The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok is telling travellers to take particular care in Thailand’s southern resort provinces of Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi. The embassy has issued an official…
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Central’s new volcano goes up in flames
VIDEOS: Kristopher and Toribio One of Central Floresta’s new themed feature attractions has been totally guttered today in a dramatic fire that started just after opening time this morning. The ‘Tribhum’ attraction, a walk-thru theme park, scheduled to open before the end of the year, burnt fiercely as the outer skin of the ‘volcano’ caught fire and kept burning until…
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Thai mothers caving to superstition or private hospital wishes when having babies
by Kornwaree Panyasuppakun and Tim Newton “Many babies in Thailand are born to suit ‘auspicious days’ or the Obstetrician’s golf plans.” The expectant mother reported to the private hospital in Phuket where she and her husband had decided to have their first baby. When she walked in for her appointment with the Obstetrician the first question was when she wanted to…
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40,000 meth pills hidden in model cars
Phuket police have seized 40,000 methamphetamine pills, crystal methamphetamine and heroin from model cars sent via parcels in the post. The three suspects arrested are 29 year old Thai national John Marako Viccos, 29 year old Tipparat Prompramoon and 44 year old Udom Rattanamanee. Police seized 39,820 methamphetamine pills, 18.80 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 0.18 grams of heroin. Police…
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Drunk Phuket Tuk Tuk driver charged after running red lights
PHOTO/VIDEO: Nicky phukettour / Newshawk Phuket The drunk driver’s behaviour was bad enough. The police pursuit also poses questions…. A drunk Tuk Tuk taxi driver has been charged after running through red lights in Patong. Patong Police report that a Tuk Tuk taxi driver has run through red lights at 4.45pm from the traffic light near Bangla road, Jungcelon Department…
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Two arrested with nearly 2,000 methamphetamine pills at Phuket Checkpoint
Two people have been arrested with 1,952 methamphetamine pills at the Phuket Checkpoint at Tha Chatchai, far north of the island. A team of officers arrested two men from Nakhon Si Thammarat, 28 year old Surasak Kaewmanee and 20 year old Watchara Rattanapong. Police seized 1,952 methamphetamine pills, an unregistered handmade handgun, four bullets and a new Toyota car. Surasak…
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Snap for Stray exhibition @ Limelight Avenue
The Soi Dog Foundation has mounted the ‘Snap for Stray’ Photo Exhibition which will run until September 29 at Limelight Avenue in Phuket Town. The exhibition gathers 40 beautiful photographs from contestants of the Snap for Stray Photo Contest held earlier last month. The exhibition aims to change peoples’ attitude about stray dogs, showing them that strays can be lovely,…
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Foreigner sets fire to his house then tries to jump off cliff
A foreign man, who set fire to a house he was living in with his Thai wife, tried to jump off a cliff in Rawai this morning. Firefighters were notified about the incident at a house in Rawai earlier today. When firefighters arrived at the scene, the house was already well ablaze. It took half an hour to put out…
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Darasamut Underpass to close temporarily for repairs
The Phuket Highway Office has issued an announcement that says the Darasamut Underpass (adjacent to Central Festival) will be closed from 9am to 3pm on Thursday (September 27). The announcement says, “Both the northbound and southbound lanes through the underpass will be temporary closed.” “Workers will be carrying out maintenance, repairing water pumps and fans from 9am to 3pm on September…
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Trailer driver escapes injury in Phang Nga roll over
PHOTOS: ทีวีคนอาสา จังหวัดพังงา / Newshawk Phuket A driver of has escaped injury after a trailer rolled over off the side of a road in Phang Nga yesterday. Phang Nga foundation rescue workers were notified of the accident at 2.15pm at an intersection on Petkasem Road, southbound. Rescue workers arrived at the scene to find the 18 wheeler trailer rolled over off…
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Two injured in By Pass road roll-over
PHOTOS: Jao Blue Car 2299 / Newshawk Phuket Two people have been injured after an SUV careered off the side of Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Road (Bypass Road) last night. Rescue workers were notified of the accident on the By Pass Road, southbound, around 11pm. They arrived at the scene to find an SUV rolled over on the roadside verge. Inside the…
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Two motorists died in Phuket road accident
PHOTOS: CITY LAW 201 / Newshawk Phuket Two motorists havedied in a road accident on Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Road (Bypass Road), southbound this morning. The Phuket City Police were notified of the accident at 5.45am this morning. Emergency responders and police arrived at the scene two find one deceased female and one deceased male. Two identification cards were found with their personal…
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Tourism stakeholders commit to plastic-free future at PHIST
PHIST – Phuket Hotels for Island Sustaining Tourism Forum 2018 Leading hotels and tourism groups have signed the “Phuket Pledge” at Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism Forum 2018 (PHIST) establishing a model for the future development of islands throughout Asia that embraces sustainability as a core and sets urgent goals for long-term change. The Phuket Pledge is a commitment…
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Mechanic found dead on tour boat – Phuket
PHOTOS: Suppawattakan Khunnaluck A mechanic. whose head had been injured, was found dead on a boat in Chalong last night. Chalong Police were notified of the incident at the Chalong Pier at 7.20pm last night Police and emergency responders arrived to find a body of a man who was later identified as 30 year old Wanchai Yuttasang from Nakhon Si Thammarat.…
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Seven Phuket police charged with intent to murder
Seven Phuket police have been charged with intent to murder after a man was shot dead after breaking through a checkpoint. A Phuket man, who broke the Phuket City Police checkpoint, was shot and died after allegedly attempting to open fire on police in Cherng Talay very early on (September 18). Read more about the man running the checkpoint and…
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A ‘pawsome’ Sunday with Surf for Soi Dog at SurfHouse Kata Beach
Soi Dog Foundation, teaming up with Surf House Phuket, had a ‘pawsome’ day of surfing yesterday. The proceeds from the surfing tickets were donated to contribute to the work of Soi Dog on helping to relieve the suffering of dogs and cats across Thailand and Asia. The charity surfing session took place from midday until 6pm and was attended by…
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Foreign man rescued after drifting out to sea
PHOTOS: Mam 5828 H 117 / Newshawk Phuket A European man has been rescued after he was floating off Patong Beach for almost two hours over the weekend. Kusoldharm Rescue were notified about the incident at 8.35pm on Saturday night. Divers from Kusoldarm Foundation searched for the man for two hours while Patong lifeguards were on standby on the beach. Luckily…
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Three Phuket Town locals arrested with illicit drugs
Police have arrested three suspects with methamphetamine pills, crystal methamphetamine and kratom. Police firstly arrested 35 year old Wichean ‘Mar’ Saetan. Police seized 9.35 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 184 of methamphetamine pills. He has been charged with illegal possession of Category 1 drugs with intent to sell. He admitted that a man, named only as ‘Peiak’, asked him to deliver…
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Phuket Tourist Police stop to help at a road accident
PHOTOS: The Phuket Tourist Police / Newshawk Phuket Lt Col Milin Peanchang and Capt Eakkachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police were on the way to meet the Phuket Governor, Norraphat Plodthog. But it wasn’t going to be a normal drive to meet the Governor today. Lt Col Milin Peanchang ordered his team to stop and help a man injured…
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Kata Rocks ends the use of plastic straws
Kata Rocks has launched its new sustainability and social impact initiative as it moves to eliminate single-use plastics in the luxury resort which has already started and will reach its broader goal within one year. Guests staying at Kata Rocks are increasingly eco-conscious and are a driving force behind the shift in demand for sustainable travel options. The decision to…
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Big Bike rider dies in Phuket road accident
PHOTO: Kjnine999 / Newshawk Phuket A motorbike rider died in a road accident in Kathu early this morning (September 21). Rescue workers were notified about the accident on Phra Phuket Kaew Road, heading from Kathu to Patong near the Bang Chak gas station at 2.10am. Rescue workers arrived at the scene to find the body of a man who was…
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Phuket woman arrested with over 20,000 methamphetamine pills
A Phuket woman has been arrested with 20,772 of methamphetamine pills and 73.43 grams of crystal methamphetamine in Chalong. A team of patrol police arrested 39 year old Jiraphon ‘Sao’ Chauykerd. She was arrested in front of a house in Soi Luang Por Cham in Chalong. Police seized 20,772 of methamphetamine pills and 73.43grams of crystal methamphetamine from the residence.…
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Anatomy of a photo
PHOTO: หญิง’ โลนลี่ / ¥.OunG.¥ / เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Yesterday a dramatic photo of an approaching storm front was a big hit, being shared many thousands of times. It was taken at the Phuket International Airport at 14.39, according to the time stamp. The photo was taken by members of the Newshawk news team in Phuket, news partners with The Thaiger.…
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Russian tourist stung by ‘fire jellyfish’ at Patong Beach
PHOTOS: Patong Lifeguards / Newshawk Phuket A female Russian tourist has sustained a painful sting on her leg from a ‘fire jellyfish’ at Patong beach today (September 20). Patong lifeguards are warning of jellyfish known locally as the ‘fire jellyfish’ at Patong Beach. Fire Jellyfish or Morbakka fenneri can be discovered in tropical watersa. The physical appearance of this jellyfish…
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Seven arrested with illicit drugs
The Phuket City Police have arrested 7 drugs suspects with quantities methamphetamine and kratom leaves this week. The seven unrelated cases were all aged between 20 and 63 years old. • 63 year old Sanom Netsawang was arrested with 19 of methamphetamine pills. • 24 year old Kosin Daman and 20 year old Wirat Nookun were arrested with 1,250 millilitres of…
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Celebrate The Melbourne Cup in style – Phuket charity event
The Good Shepherd Phuket and Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation are thrilled to be hosting the Melbourne Cup 2018 again on Tuesday, November 6 from 9am-2pm. Join us the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort for an exceptional day. Guests will be treated to 5 hours free flow of food and beverages including bubbles, white, pink, red wine and…
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Canada/Australia consular service share in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga
Canada and Australia have added Phuket, Krabi and Phrang Nga, to the Canada-Australia Shared Consular Services Agreement. Shared Consular Services are now found in 30 consular missions around the world. The Canada and Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement dates back to the principles that were agreed to by both countries in 1986, recognizing the similarities of our philosophies underlying the…
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Chinese tourists injured in Phuket minivan accident
PHOTOS: Sayan Thammaphan Three Chinese tourists have been injured after a minivan they were travelling in rear-ended an 18 wheeler truck in Chalong today (September 19). Rescue workers rushed to the scene of the accident on Chao Fa West Road near Nakok Intersection about noon. They arrived to find the minivan ploughed into the rear end of the 18 wheeler truck at the…
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Motorbike rider dies in Phuket road accident
A motorbike rider has died after colliding with a pole in Paklok last night (September 19). Thalang Police were notified about the accident in Soi Bang Ga in in Paklok at 8.35pm. Rescue workers arrived at the scene to find the body of a man who was later identified as 30 year old Bancha Sangsawang from Nong Khai. His body…
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Police commander follows up on shooting of a man who ran a checkpoint
The Phuket Provincial Police Commander has followed up the case where a Thai man was shot after breaking through a police checkpoint. The Phuket man, who ran a Phuket City Police checkpoint in Rassada yesterday morning, died after attempting to open fire on police in Cherng Talay very early yesterday morning (September 18). Read more of the story HERE. The Phuket Provincial…
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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