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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Shocking surprise: Power interruption leaves Phuket residents in the dark
Residents of Srisoonthorn, in particular those living in the Sri-Suphalak Orchid Villas housing estate, Moo 6, Phuket, should brace for a power interruption this week, as announced by the Thalang branch of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang). This power interruption, scheduled for Thursday, is expected to last from 9am to 4.30pm. The temporary state of darkness isn’t without a…
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Drug bust: Phuket duo nabbed by police with 40,000 meth pills
Phuket police authorities apprehended a pair of female culprits implicated in a significant drug bust at a local parcel delivery service in Wichit. The individuals, identified under pseudonyms as 31 year old Wan, hailing from Phatthalung, and 21 year old Ya, a native of Prachuap Khiri Khan, were arrested for possession of 40,000 methamphetamine pills, commonly referred to as Yaba,…
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Senegalese tourist’s body recovered at Freedom Beach in Phuket
In a tragic turn of events in Phuket, a team of lifeguards recovered the body of a Senegalese tourist at 6.50am today from the location where he had disappeared two days prior. Freedom Beach, located in Tambon Karon of the Mueang district, had been the last known whereabouts of 22 years old man. The Tambon Karon Municipality mayor, Jadet Vachirasorn,…
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Phuket boosts marine safety measures for holiday tourist surge
Safety measures have significantly increased at the major piers and marinas in Phuket, a recent report from the Phuket office of the Department of Public Relations of Thailand (PR Phuket) revealed. These heightened security measures come in anticipation of a massive influx of tourists to the island, expected to occur during the extended holidays from July 28 through August 2.…
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Blue Flag market unveiled by Phuket to combat rising costs
Phuket is preparing to host a monthly special market dubbed the “Blue Flag.” The market is hoped to bring an economic lifeline to the less affluent residents of the city as they struggle with the inflating prices of common household essentials. The Phuket Provincial Commerce Office has taken the initiative of kick-starting the Blue Flag market beginning from the first week…
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Phuket island relocation tackles rampant macaque issue in Phetchaburi communities
In what’s being hailed as a successful initiative, multiple crab-eating macaques have been relocated from communities within Phetchaburi to an island in Phuket, under a pilot project. The venture has cleared the road for the relocation of more from the rapidly increasing macaque population in the province, as well as the neighbouring Prachuap Khiri Khan, according to the Ministry of…
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Cabinet approves extended holiday boosting Phuket’s economy by 2.2 billion baht
News from the Thai island of Phuket brings to attention a myriad of fascinating events that transpired yesterday, headlined by an extended holiday receiving the Cabinet’s approval. The long holidays have reportedly been known to promote expenditure within Phuket, with conjecture claiming an economic boost of close to 2.2 billion baht. Due to the surge in local activities, however, Vachira…
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Young Israeli Muay Thai student in Phuket brought into protective care
A young Israeli Muay Thai student has been brought into protective care after police and rescuers found him in alarming circumstances. Cherng Talay Police and rescuers from the Cherng Talay Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBotTor) found the 19 year old man naked and bleeding from a severe cut on his hand at a Caltex petrol station in Baan Pasak at 10.30pm…
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Australian ambassador makes a splash on World Drowning Prevention Day in Phuket
The Australian Ambassador to Thailand was in Phuket yesterday to observe the World Drowning Prevention Day. Dr Angela Macdonald watched from the sidelines as yesterday’s ceremony was conducted to draw attention to the importance of safety measures in averting drownings, and to remember the dramatic yet deep-seated effects these incidents have on individuals and neighbourhoods. Phuket’s Vice Governor, Danai Sunantarod,…
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Phuket Airport accelerates taxi services with dedicated pickup zone
In a recent move to regulate taxi services in Phuket, Phuket International Airport put its foot on the accelerator and introduced a dedicated zone allocated for legally permissible taxis to facilitate the pickup of tourists. The news, revealed yesterday, came from a statement published by the airport itself, which was shared by Phuket MP, Somchart Techathavorncharoen. The statement, which was…
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Phuket officials honour King Vajiralongkorn’s birthday with environmental tribute
As Thailand prepares for the 71st birthday of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn this Friday, July 28, Phuket officials are leading their respective communities in tributes and activities to honour the royal occasion. In the Baan Kuku area of Ratsada, Phuket Vice Governor Danai Sunantarod directed various initiatives yesterday alongside local volunteers, community members, and organisations to pay tribute to His…
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Phuket Police apprehend man with homemade firearm and meth pills
Phuket, generally known for its phenomenal beaches and vibrant nightlife, was the scene of a rather more dramatic event. Thalang Police are running a critical investigation that led to the arrest of a man armed with a homemade firearm and in possession of two methamphetamine pills in Srisoonthorn, Thalang district. Boonmee Saenglao, a 42 year old native of Khon Kaen…
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Safety fears rise as key Phuket boat tour facility Chalong Pier sinks again
In Thailand, Chalong Pier, a key Phuket boat tour facility is under scrutiny as concerns are being raised about the potential safety hazards it poses. The main pontoon, used by tourists to board tour boats, is reportedly sinking again and is visibly covered in rust. The pontoon in question had previously gone under reparations last year when it started sinking.…
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Bluebottle influx at Phuket’s Layan Beach: officials urge caution
Layan Beach has seen the arrival of Portuguese man-o-war, commonly referred to as ‘bluebottles’, washed ashore by the tide. Beachgoers are urged to observe caution and remain vigilant in light of this current issue. This concern was brought to the public awareness by an avid reader of Phuket News who discovered four to five bluebottles on the shoreline on a…
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Extended Thai public holidays offer rare six-day break amidst King’s birthday
In the week ahead, residents and visitors in Phuket are encouraged to soak up a rare bounty of public holidays, set across five out of six consecutive days. Starting next Friday (July 28), the nation will unite to celebrate the 71st birthday of the King. Adding to the festive period, two significant Buddhist events, Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa…
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Phuket’s Nanai Rd undergoes partial closure for resurfacing
Phuket‘s Patong Municipality announced a partial closure of Nanai Rd, starting from today till August 5, for resurfacing amidst the persistent traffic challenges caused by ongoing flood works in Phra Metta Rd. The resurfacing work, expected to span a period of two weeks, prompts the necessity of one-way traffic regulation at separate sections of Nanai Rd. The municipality confirmed this…
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Phuket launches free bus rides for tourists flying in from Bangkok
A new initiative aimed at promoting local transportation in Phuket got into gear yesterday, offering 1,500 free passes to qualifying travellers who choose to take the Phuket Smart Bus, on the airport to Rawai route. The campaign, granted by the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is set to run until the end of this month. The…
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Phuket police seize 40,000 baht drug haul and arrest high-profile peddlers
In a significant anti-drug operation, Phuket Provincial Police have apprehended two notable drug peddlers known by their aliases Ming Samkong and Care Paniang. The areas of Samkong and Soi Paniang, famous points in the vicinity of Phuket Town and into Ratsada, act as their monikers’ inspiration. The arrests took place on Wednesday in a successful raid spearheaded by Pol. Lt.…
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Wounded turtle rescued amid rising beach pollution at Thailand’s Sirinat National Park
In the coastal paradise of Thailand’s Sirinat National Park, an unexpected occurrence unfurled yesterday. A hapless turtle was found ensnared in discarded fishing nets on Nai Yang Beach, Phuket, severely injured and in distress amid inclement weather. Park officials, alerted to the creature’s predicament by vigilant tourists, made immediate efforts to liberate it from the nets, battling against high waves…
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Phuket plans 1,000 tree planting endeavour at Thalang Park for King’s birthday
Officials in Phuket revealed plans to plant 1,000 trees at the renowned Thalang Memorial Park, also known as the Victory Field, come this Sunday. The tree planting endeavour coincides with the activities commemorating the 71st birthday of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn, which will be celebrated on July 28. Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew chaired the meeting where this announcement was made. In…
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Bad hair day: Jordanian barber busted for illegally trimmed tourist trade in Phuket
Police officers yesterday arrested a Jordanian national for operating unlawfully as a barber, primarily serving foreign tourists, in Phuket. The arrest occurred in the popular beach resort town of Patong. The news regarding the man’s illegal activities came to light through digital news platforms and was later confirmed by the Patong Police. The media has been vigilant, reporting instances of…
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Phuket ravaged by extreme weather causing traffic chaos and safety concerns
Extreme weather conditions are continuing to wreak havoc in Phuket. Ferocious winds toppled numerous trees, resulting in significant blockages yesterday. These unexpected weather conditions have caused travel disruption across the island and two cleanup teams have been dispatched to counter the impact. A sizeable tree that fell on Soi Vachira, near Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town, was one of…
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American man arrested in Phuket for sexually abusing his own daughter
Thai police officers arrested an American man in the Rawai district of Phuket after he fled the US and charges of allegedly sexually abusing his nine year old daughter. The Immigration Bureau yesterday held a press conference to report the successful arrest of the 30 year old American man, known only by his surname Mayes. The suspect escaped arrest in…
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Patong Police seize illegal fireworks, amplify beach safety measures
Patong Police sprang into action on Patong Beach, Phuket, at around 11.30pm on July 15. Patrolling officers, under the leadership of Thongplew Kruehom near the bustling Bangla Road, apprehended a young man. The charge was an unauthorised sale of fireworks to the public along the beach, as confirmed by Patong Police. Unwilling to reveal the identity of the individual, the…
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Phuket to face power cuts for PEA Thalang’s system enhancements
The Thalang division of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA Thalang) issued a statement declaring two separate power interruptions planned for tomorrow. The blackouts are reported to impact both residences and businesses in the areas of Bang Tao and Pa Khlok, Phuket. The Bang Tao power cut, specifically in the region of Cherng Talay, is scheduled from 9am through to 4.30pm.…
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Phuket kickstarts Tsunami Walk & Run aiming to boost evacuation awareness
Over 900 people yesterday took part in the Tsunami Walk & Run event in Mai Khao, Phuket. The initiative was undertaken to increase consciousness about tsunami evacuation routes. Boontham Lertsukekasem, the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, was on the ground to inaugurate the Walk & Run for Tsunami Learning 2023 event formally, kicking off proceedings at…
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South Korean woman’s tragic death in Phuket sparks suicide investigation
Phuket Police were alerted early this morning to the tragic death of a 43 year old South Korean woman in her residential bathroom in Rawai. Police believe it was suicide. Police were informed of the case at 7am. The response team arrived at the incident location, a two-story townhouse located on Patak Soi 1. The ground floor of the establishment…
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New Russian consulate opens in Phuket deepening Thailand-Russia ties
Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Russia, unveiled the new Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Phuket at Royal Phuket Marina. The high-profile event, which took place yesterday, marked a significant development in the evolving diplomatic bonds between Thailand and Russia. Lavrov arrived at Royal Phuket Marina at 4pm where Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan, flanked by a…
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Phuket’s narcotic crackdown: Two arrested with meth, heroin in Pa Khlok
Within the scope of the ongoing narcotic crackdown spearheaded by Thalang Police of Phuket, two people have been arrested, one carrying more than 700 methamphetamine pills colloquially known as Yaba, crystal meth (ya ice), and a small volume of heroin. Nikhom, known as Nas, a 45 year old resident of Phang Nga, was apprehended yesterday in a rented establishment in…
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Russian foreign minister arrives in Phuket
Sergey Lavrov, the acting Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, was warmly received at Phuket International Airport by a welcoming committee spearheaded by Amnuay Pinsuwan, Phuket’s Vice Governor. Lavrov’s visit is labelled by expectation as he lands on Thai soil to inaugurate the already functioning Russian consulate at Boat Lagoon in Koh Kaew, despite the absence of further details about…
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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