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.

  • Sponsored

    5 ways retirees in Thailand lose money (and how to stop it)

    Retiring in Thailand can be affordable and enjoyable, but many retirees lose money due to common mistakes. High living costs, scams, and unexpected expenses can quickly drain savings. There are five ways that retirees in Thailand can lose money and...

  • Five years of commitment to keep Phuket’s beaches clean

    Five years of commitment to keep Phuket’s beaches clean

    Phuket’s Clean the Beach Boot Camp (CBBC) has been cleaning the island’s beaches for five years. Each two weeks, on a Saturday morning, volunteers assemble for a free beach workout from island fitness leader Krix Luther and then, in return, they put on their gloves, grab a big bag and pick up rubbish on the beaches. Yesterday the team assembled…

  • Trawler captains face fines after catching whale shark

    Trawler captains face fines after catching whale shark

    By Pratch Rudijanarom and Salinee Prab The captains of two trawlers accused of having fished an endangered pregnant whale shark off the coast of Phuket potentially face a heavy fine of up to 3 million baht and confiscation of their vessels, according to authorities. Fisheries Department and Marine and Coastal Resources Department yesterday promised to take swift action against the…

  • Maya Bay – let the healing begin

    Maya Bay – let the healing begin

    By Piyaporn Wongruang – The Sunday Nation It was around 10 in the morning. There was peace and tranquility at Maya Bay and its beach with just a few speedboats docking in front of the bay. The crystal clear deep blue turquoise sea water filled the vision of Plianprasop Khaonual, a long-time park ranger and among the first who explored…

  • Emerald Development Group addresses accusations of fraud and mismanagement

    Emerald Development Group addresses accusations of fraud and mismanagement

    CEO of the Emerald Development Group Sawit ‘Mai’ Ketroj held a press conference yesterday (Saturday) at the Dara Hotel to address accusations of fraud and mismanagement. In reports to the Court the amounts involved in the alleged fraud case mount up to more than a billion baht with more than 300 buyers filing complaints with the Emerald Development Group. He opened…

  • Investigation ordered over the Phuket whale shark caught by fishermen

    Investigation ordered over the Phuket whale shark caught by fishermen

    Video of a pregnant whale shark caught by fishermen has gone viral and caused outrage on social media. Read the story and watch the video HERE. Lt-General Jaruwat Waisaya, Chief of the Office of Legal Affairs and Litigation says, “I have ordered officials to question every person involved in the incident. If they are found guilty, legal action must be taken.…

  • 4-month breathing space – DNP officially closes down Maya Bay

    4-month breathing space – DNP officially closes down Maya Bay

    Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has officially announced that Maya Bay in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park will not allow visitors during a much-needed four-month rejuvenation period from June 1 to September 30 this year. The DNP announced at a press conference held on May 15 that access to Maya Bay will…

  • Video of pregnant whale shark caught by fishermen goes viral on social media

    Video of pregnant whale shark caught by fishermen goes viral on social media

    PHOTOS AND VIDEOS: Go-Eco Phuket Facebook user ‘Go-Eco Phuket’ local conservation group yesterday (May 18) posted a video clip with 1.11 minutes long with a message read “#RIP whale shark mother at Phuket. Why catching small fish. Catching a big fish is better with its babies. Cr.Aqua centre.” The video clip shows a whale shark being hung on the side of…

  • Airport warns of taking photos of landing aircraft at Nai Yang Beach

    Airport warns of taking photos of landing aircraft at Nai Yang Beach

    A meeting was held yesterday (May 17), led by the Phuket International Airport General Manager Petch Chancharoen, to discuss a YouTube post. The meeting follows a ‘youtube’ channel user, ‘donprozento’, posting a video on March 10. The video shows tourists taking photos of an aircraft landing. The aircraft was landing on the runway 09. The meeting was to address measures to…

  • Phuket airport launches ‘Take off HKT ready for ASQ’ event

    Phuket airport launches ‘Take off HKT ready for ASQ’ event

    An event was launched today (May 18) at the The Slate Phuket Hotel in Thalang, hosted by the Phuket International Airport General Manager Petch Chancharoen (between fixing the air-conditioning at the domestic terminal). The event was aimed to present the readiness of the airport to join the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) of Airport Council International (ACI) for airport ranking. Phuket Airport is…

  • New Kusoldharm rescue office branch launched at base of Patong Hill

    New Kusoldharm rescue office branch launched at base of Patong Hill

    An opening ceremony was hosted by Phuket’s Vice Governor Snith Sriwihok for the new Kusoldharm Office Kwuan Yang branch on Patong Hill. The President of the Kusoldharm Foundation Benjawan Tampanuwat says, “Kusoldharm Foundation was officially established in September 27, 1976. The foundation’s main office remains on Poonpon Road in Phuket Town. We have established Kusoldarm rescue office braches in three…

  • Seven arrested in Phuket loan shark crackdown

    Seven arrested in Phuket loan shark crackdown

    Phuket Provincial Deputy Commander Col Sermpan Sirikong says, “We’ve arrested four male and two female suspects in a loan shark crackdown on May 15 and 16.” “The five male suspects are 41 year old Adiraek Henghoo, 21 year old Ratanapon Haemtong, 26 year old Taechit Eakkanaprat, 23 year old Chawankorn Sukpan and 38 year old Kittisak Wongsamai. Two female suspects are…

  • Three suspects arrested over April arson

    Three suspects arrested over April arson

    A team of Phuket police and soldiers have arrested 18 year old Wiwat Singkaha, 19 year old Purachart Jitchamnan and a 52 year old woman known as ‘One’. Wiwat and Purachart were arrested at different houses in Mai Khao while ‘One’ was arrested at a house in Sakoo. Wiwat and Purachart were charged with arson while ‘One’ was charged with…

  • Phuket teacher turned away in Penang applying for visa

    Phuket teacher turned away in Penang applying for visa

    PHOTO: TielandtoThailand.com According to a British EFL teacher based in Phuket, officials in Penang are requiring a criminal background check from Thai police when applying for a Non-immigrant B visa associated with teaching. As reported in a Facebook post on the morning of May 17, Jay (who asked we omit his surname) stated the first thing embassy staff asked was,…

  • Phuket’s Governor inspects coral area in Paklok – Marina proposed

    Phuket’s Governor inspects coral area in Paklok – Marina proposed

    The issue of potential damage to coral reefs has been raised after local residents near Koh Hei, in the Ao Kung area of Paklok, has been brought up with the Phuket Governor today. Along with conservationists, they worry that there will be damage to the coral if construction of a marina is started along with the dredging of a channel…

  • Three escape burning vehicle in Wichit

    Three escape burning vehicle in Wichit

    Officials from the Phuket Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM Phuket) were notified of an incident near Laem Chan Intersection on Chao Fa East Road in Wichit this morning at 7.20am. Firefighters with two fire trucks along with Wichit Police arrived at scene to find a Toyota car ablaze. It took about 30 minutes to control the fire. The…

  • Phuket hosts Andaman marine rescue ‘brainstorm’

    Phuket hosts Andaman marine rescue ‘brainstorm’

    This morning (May 17) Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong joined in a brainstorming meeting at Pavillion Queen’s Bay Ao Nang in Krabi whilst working on a marine rescue centre project for the Andaman provinces. Joining him were officials from Krabi, Phuket, Phang Nga, Ranong and Trang. Deputy Prime Minister Gen Chatchai Salikanlaya was present to suggest ideas and to hear from…

  • Marine rescue training for tour guides

    Marine rescue training for tour guides

    Training, run by the Department of Tourism, was launched at the Royal Phuket City Hotel yesterday (May 16). More than 70 participants joined in the training aimed specifically at marine safety. Siriwan Pohnlertwiwat, Head of Tourism Business Development says, “This training aims to prepare staff for tourist safety. Tour guides and tourism officials from Andaman provinces (Krabi, Phang Nga and…

  • Pete & Abbie’s holiday goes wrong – Go Fund Me campaign raises funds for medical bills

    Pete & Abbie’s holiday goes wrong – Go Fund Me campaign raises funds for medical bills

    PHOTOS: ‘Pete & Abbies Journey’ Facebook page A British travel agent was left ‘unable to move’ after the taxi she and her partner were in was in a head-on smash with a truck heading to Khao Lak. The incident happened back on May 9. The couple were forced to rely on family and a Go Fund Me campaign to raise…

  • Access to Maya Bay, from the front, permanently closed

    Access to Maya Bay, from the front, permanently closed

    The closure of Maya Bay has come about after profound changes by chiefs of Thailand’s marine national parks. It’s been revealed that, far from being a knee-jerk reaction, the plan to close the famous tourist magnet is just the start of an entire new approach to marine conservation. The closure is seen as an entry point for new tourism management…

  • 60 million baht budget to solve perennial flooding on Thepkasattri road

    60 million baht budget to solve perennial flooding on Thepkasattri road

    At a meeting held yesterday (May 16) at the Governor’s House, the perennial flooding around Thalang on the main morth/south road was discussed. The meeting was chaired by Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong. Governor Norraphat says, “We have received a 60 million baht budget for the year 2019 to solve flooding problems in three areas on the main Thepkrasattri Road (No…

  • Amulet thief arrested in Cherng Talay

    Amulet thief arrested in Cherng Talay

    A team of the Cherng Talay Police led by Maj Parinya Kwankaew have arrested 47 year old Jiradet Kongkaew from Pattalung at a house in Srisoonthorn yesterday. Police seized 29 famous amulets including ‘Luang Por Chaem’. He was taken to the Cherng Talay Police Station where he was charged with theft. (An amulet is an object that is typically worn,…

  • Fire in an unused classroom in Krabi

    Fire in an unused classroom in Krabi

    Fire fighters and fire trucks arrived at a class room on the third floor at a school in Krabi yesterday (May 15). Teachers and students were trying to put out the fire with fire extinguishers and buckets of water. Krabi Police were notified of the fire at the Krabi Provincial Administartive Organisation (OrBorJor) School in Krabi City at 1pm .…

  • Woman talked down from pedestrian bridge in Thalang

    Woman talked down from pedestrian bridge in Thalang

    Thalang Police were notified of an incident on Thepkrassattri Road in front of the Thalang District Health Office at 11:50 last night (May 14). Police and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find an emotional woman standing on the iron guard of the 5.5 metre bridge during heavy rain. The woman was later identified as a 38 year old…

  • Rescue workers help mother give birth in Krabi

    Rescue workers help mother give birth in Krabi

    Rescue workers were notified that a woman was about to give birth at a house in Klongthom, Krabi last night (May 14). She was was later identified as 39 year old Chamaiporn Intasar was found in end-stage labour pain and poised to give birth. Rescue workers from the Krabi Pitak Pracha Rescue Foundation assisted Ms Chamaiporn to give birth to…

  • 12 year old motorcycle rider killed in Wichit after head crushed by tour bus | Thaiger

    12 year old motorcycle rider killed in Wichit after head crushed by tour bus

    Wichit Police have been notified about an accident at 4:40pm yesterday (May 15) on Chao Fa–Suanluang Road, opposite a furniture mall near Naka Jor Su Kong Shrine in Wichit. Police, along with medical staff and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find a Honda motorbike in the middle of the road. Nearby was the body of 12 year old…

  • 1.5 tonne whale shark caught up in a fishing net in Krabi

    1.5 tonne whale shark caught up in a fishing net in Krabi

    A whale shark was found caught up in a fishing net at Ao Nang between Koh Phi Phi and Koh Khaew (Green Island) by ‘Kietwarin 3’ fishing boat over the weekend. The whale shark was 5 metres and weighed around 1.5 tons. The owner of the fishing boat, 48 year old Udon Boonsuk, who is also a boat captain says…

  • Bangkok Airways to kick off direct flights between Yangon and Phuket

    Bangkok Airways to kick off direct flights between Yangon and Phuket

    Bangkok Airways is looking to kick off direct flights between Yangon and Phuket this November. This according to Bangkok Airways’ regional airline vice president, Varong Israsena. Myanmar National Airlines started operating a direct flight between Yangon and Phuket last month and are looking to increase frequency of the flights from Myanmar’s largest city to Phuket. “I see great potential in Myanmar.…

  • Krabi drug dealer tries to bury over 10,000 methamphetamine pills

    Krabi drug dealer tries to bury over 10,000 methamphetamine pills

    On Saturday (May 12) Krabi Police arrested a woman, 43 year old Surat ‘Rat’ Sansatan. Police seized 10,700 methamphetamine pills (ya bah). She was charged with possession of Category 1 drug with intent to sell. The arrest follows police receiving a tip-off that a big drug deal was going down at a house in Klongtom, Krabi. Police headed to the house…

  • Drug dealer arrested in sting operation

    Drug dealer arrested in sting operation

    Border Patrol Police this week arrested Saksuriya ‘Ta’ Kajornduang at the parking area of the Yeeteng Market on Chao Fa Road in Phuket Town. Police seized 11.93 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice) and a licensed handgun with 15 bullets. He was taken to the Phuket Police Station to face charges of possession with a Category 1 drug with intent to sell,…

  • Man killed, murderer arrested in Rassada

    Man killed, murderer arrested in Rassada

    The Phuket City Police have been notified of an incident in front of a house in Soi Malipan, Rassada on Saturday (May 12). Police and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find the body of a man who was identified as 30 year old Peerasit Saelim surrounded by a pool of blood on the ground. A kitchen knife was…

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.

Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.