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 Travel insurance vs digital nomad insurance: What’s the difference?
Travel insurance and digital nomad insurance protect travellers but cater to different needs. Travel insurance is for short trips, like vacations or business trips. It covers things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost bags. It works best for people...
-
Phuket resort raided over beach beautification project
PHUKET: National park officers yesterday raided the Anantara luxury resort in Phuket and filed a police complaint for alleged encroachment on park land. The Mai Khao resort stands accused of clearing swathes of sea morning glory from the beach and planting palm trees as part of a beach beautification project. Sirinath Marine National Park Chief Cheewapap Cheewatham, who led the…
-
![Phuket Vice Governor, other officials, join anti-government protesters [Video Report] | Thaiger](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0naHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmcnIHZpZXdCb3g9JzAgMCAyMDQgMjIwJz48L3N2Zz4=)
Phuket Vice Governor, other officials, join anti-government protesters [Video Report]
PHUKET: Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Prijasilpa, along with three mayors and one district chief, joined the crowd of protesters gathered in front of Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday evening.The protesters vowed to provide their full support should the officials face criticism later.V/Gov Sommai was joined by Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana, Rawai Mayor Arun Solos, Kathu Mayor Chaianan Sutthikul and Thalang…
-
Too fast to be furious: Phuket speed cameras can’t keep up
PHUKET: Drivers on Phuket moving at reckless speeds of over 200km/hr are outpacing the ability of the island’s new speed cameras to capture clear images of them. “In Thalang, the cameras are set to photograph cars travelling in excess of 120km/hr. However, the images of the licenses plates on cars going extremely fast are too blurry to read,” Thalang Police…
-
Fatal accident on Kata Hill raises concerns about Patong Hill bus ban
PHUKET: Yet another bus accident, this time killing a motorcyclist on the Kata Hill road yesterday morning, has raised concerns about increased bus traffic in the area after the controversial Patong Hill bus ban takes effect. Worrapong Chaichomphu, 25, was travelling downhill toward Chalong when a bus travelling uphill crossed the center line and struck him in front of the…
-
Phuket Employment Office closed due to anti-government protests
PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO), the island’s sole agency for issuing and renewing work permits for foreigners, has closed its doors today. “We are following a request from protesters yesterday asking for all government offices to close. We are afraid that if we open, they will blockade our office,” PPEO Chief Yaowapa Pibulpol told the Phuket Gazette. “We…
-
Phuket’s DJ Doris to be honored with Celebration of Life
PHUKET: Paul Norris, Phuket’s renowned ‘DJ Doris’ from Phuket Island Radio 91.5FM, will be honored with a Celebration of Life. The news follows the death of Mr Norris in a motorcycle accident early Sunday morning, a tragedy which prompted an outpouring of grief among friends, family and fans (story here). “Paul Norris is being repatriated to his home in Scotland.…
-
Iraqi tourist, 27, dies after fall from Phuket jet-ski
PHUKET: Police have yet to establish what caused a 27-year-old Iraqi tourist to die after he fell from his jet-ski at Naka Island, off the east coast of Phuket, yesterday afternoon. Mariwan Qader Salim was pronounced dead by doctors at Thalang Hospital at 5pm, Thalang Police Deputy Superintendent Kitthiphum Thinthalang told the Phuket Gazette. “He was staying at a resort…
-
Phuket bagman corruption investigation dropped
PHUKET: The Phuket bagman investigation into corrupt government officials who collect bribes from Patong business owners has been cancelled, businessman and adviser to the Thailand Trade Organization Chart Chindapol told the Phuket Gazette. Mr Chart alleged in October last year that government officials from at least 17 offices were extracting bribes that totalled almost 50 million baht a month from…
-
Phuket Provincial Hall protesters peacefully move outdoors for the night
PHUKET: The protesters vacated Phuket Provincial Hall late this afternoon after holding the building all day to show support for the “Bangkok Shutdown” (story here). “We agreed to leave Provincial Hall and establish our camp outside,” Former Rassada Mayor and protest co-ordinator Suratin Lian-udom told the Phuket Gazette. “We don’t want to be responsible for any criminal activity; we just…
-
Phuket tour bus avoids car, but clips motorcyclist near Kata Hill
PHUKET: A man parking his motorbike by the side of the road near Chalong Circle escaped with minor injuries this morning when a Phuket tour bus clipped him while trying to avoid an accident. The bus driver told police that he was en route to Kata when a car cut in front of him near the Sarapan Pleng bar, west…
-
Phuket FC tame Ratchaburi Dragons in 2014 pre-season kickoff
PHUKET: Rebranded and reborn this year as the the “Ronins”, Phuket FC kicked off their 2014 pre-season in respectable form last night, defeating Thai Premier League squad, Ratchaburi Mitrphol FC by a score of 1-0 in an evenly-weighted friendly match at Surakul Stadium.In two 45-minute halves, under some clouds and periodic light showers, both sides employed a number of promising…
-
Running red: police probe deadly DJ Doris crash
PHUKET: One of the drivers involved in the accident that killed Paul Norris, Phuket’s renowned ‘DJ Doris’, early yesterday morning ran a red light, Phuket Police confirmed to the Phuket Gazette. “We believe that one of them drove through a red light as the lights were working at the time of the accident,” said Wichit Police Investigator Ekarat Chartthai. “However,…
-
And the winners of the Boat Show lucky draw are…
PHUKET: This year’s edition of the annual Phuket boat show (PIMEX), which closed late yesterday, offered solid testimony to the improving global economy and the renewed vibrance of the marine leisure industry in Asia, particularly at its hub – Phuket. Full car parks, full restaurants and lots of action in the booths and berths at the Royal Phuket Marina –…
-
Phuket’s Paul ‘DJ Doris’ Norris dies in motorcycle accident
PHUKET: Paul Norris, Phuket’s renowned ‘DJ Doris’ on Phuket Island Radio 91.5FM, died in a motorcycle accident early this morning. He was riding home when his motorbike and a taxi collided at an intesection on Chao Fa West Road in Chalong at about 2am, police confirmed. Mr Norris was well known and much loved by his many friends and fans…
-
Phuket braces for Monday shutdown
PHUKET: Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut today assured that the island’s authorities were well prepared to peacefully deal with a large protest planned for Monday in front of Provincial Hall. The protest will be held at Sanam Chai field (map here) in Phuket Town, in line with the “Bangkok shutdown” being organized by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), led by…
-
Phuket celebrates Children’s Day
PHUKET: Today is Children’s Day, and youngsters across the island are being feted with games, prizes, and free food and drink in the annual celebration. In Phuket Town, Governor Maitri Inthusut hosted activities at his official residence, including a tour, while other events were underway at Provincial Hall and Saphan Hin. At a celebration sponsored by Phuket Marine Police, the…
-
Phuket ‘backpack bomb’ fears disarmed by underwear
PHUKET: A lottery ticket seller raised the alarm of a potential backpack bomb outside of a Phuket bank yesterday. However, a police investigation revealed only various female garments, including underwear. “She saw a teenager put several things in the bag and then drop it near the stairs of the Kasikorn Bank branch on Chana-Charoen Road. She got scared, and asked…
-
Phuket Election Commission seeks to re-open candidate registration
PHUKET: The Phuket Election Commission (PEC) has sent a formal request to Bangkok asking for permission to re-open registration so more candidates can contest the February 2 national election. “It’s not fair to hold an election with only one candidate. There is no choice for the people,” Tassaneeya Srirattanaprapan, chief of the PEC’s Political Party Division, said at a news…
-
Phuket Customs yet to enforce new rules for boat stays
PHUKET: Phuket Customs will hear the opinions of representatives from throughout Phuket’s marine industry before deciding whether or not to enforce new regulations that would reduce boat stays in Thailand to two months. The new rules were announced by Phuket Customs Chief Nanthita Sririkub in a meeting at Provincial Hall yesterday. “According to new regulations handed down from Bangkok on…
-
Investigation against Phuket violent taxi station postponed
PHUKET: The investigation of a violent Phuket taxi rank whose behavior was exposed in a sting operation in November has been postponed. “We expected the investigation against the Merlin Beach Resort taxi station to get official sanction at our December 2 meeting,” said Somboon Sarasit, head of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Special Crime Unit 3. “However, there were…
-
Murder fugitive in Phuket land dispute surrenders to police
PHUKET: The man wanted for shooting dead a rival in a land dispute yesterday surrendered to Phuket police last night. Supongdeth Vetchatam, 53, presented himself at the Phuket City Police Station at about 7:30pm. He brought with him his lawyer and the murder weapon – a Smith & Wesson .357 revolver. Mr Supongdeth told police that he fatally shot Echa…
-
Deadly Phuket shooting over land, say police
PHUKET: Police believe a conflict over land was the motive for the deadly shooting in Phuket today. Echa Yala, 49, was shot dead while out in his garden, not far from a lagoon, after having a heated argument with a man who arrived in a white Toyota Fortuner (story here). “There were two men in the Fortuner. One man walked…
-
Aussie fraud, embezzlement trial to start in June
PHUKET: Rell Hayes, the Australian founder of the Stoney Monday Oasis Hotel in Phuket, has denied criminal charges of embezzlement and six counts of fraud involving more than 80 million baht. His defense will be heard in court when his trial begins on June 10. Rell Vivien Hayes, 51, was arrested in Krabi in November after Phuket Provincial Court issued…
-
BREAKING NEWS: Phuket man gunned down in garden
PHUKET: A 49-year-old man was shot dead in his garden at about 1pm today near Koh Keaw Soi 10.Police are now hunting for the shooter, who reportedly fled the scene along with another man in a white Toyota Fortuner.The victim’s wife reported hearing a gun fire three times, before she ran to the garden to find her husband, Echa Yala,…
-
Phuket Town sleeping python not left to lie
PHUKET: A python found taking a nap in a Phuket Town kitchen was escorted to more natural surroundings by rescue workers early this morning.When Anchalee Boonjit returned home from work at about 1am today, she realized that all was not right.“I heard a sound in my kitchen,” she said. “When I went into the room, I saw a snake on…
-
Phuket Filipina in 5-month legal limbo
PHUKET: A Philippine national charged with working in Patong illegally was forced to wait in legal limbo for five months before her case was put in front of a Phuket judge.In the meantime, she remained stuck in Thailand without a work permit, or legal way to support herself.Melanie Beleno, 35, was arrested on July 4 when Immigration Police went to…
-
Phuket faces 40 per cent drop in Chinese tourist arrivals in January
PHUKET: Officials expect the number of Chinese tourists coming to Phuket to drop by 40 per cent this month, despite the fact that Chinese New Year falls on January 31.Chinese New Year traditionally brings a boost in Chinese tourism to Thailand, but this year fewer tourists from Greater China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, are expected to celebrate the holiday…
-
Cruise high over Phuket with the PIMEX lucky draws
PHUKET: Jump into a gorgeous new airplane and get high above Phuket with this year’s PIMEX (Phuket International Boat Show), which opens tomorrow at the Royal Phuket Marina (map here). The Phuket Gazette in conjunction with Phuket Airpark is offering all registered visitors the chance to win a scenic flight over the island. Each daily drawing, from January 9 to…
-
Chinese-speaking guides protest Phuket Town travel company
PHUKET: About 100 Chinese-speaking Phuket tour guides protested in front of a travel company yesterday, alleging that the company was hiring illegal Chinese guides. Chaifu Saelee, 43, led the protesters to Tranlee Travel Co Ltd in Phuket Town, where they met with Kritchakorn Roongmongkolnam, the Managing Director of the company. The protest follows the arrest of three Thai guides for…
-
Phuket police consider sacking cop over killing
PHUKET: Phuket Police are considering discharging a police officer who shot dead a Soi Bangla bar worker on December 26. The 35-year-old Patong Police officer, Sgt Pongsakorn Treeyuth, was off duty and allegedly drunk when he held an 11mm handgun to the head of Sawitree Kaewin, 27 (story here). “We received an order from the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok…
![Phuket Vice Governor, other officials, join anti-government protesters [Video Report] | Thaiger](https://thethaiger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/phuketnews_201411514375226_iuwVEPtRSioXRlmDcIQvKhTfcodHpVEGYzYJNoHc_jpeg.jpg)
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.