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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Health insurance in Thailand is essential for expats and locals, providing financial protection and access to quality care. Costs depend on age, health, and coverage level, with basic plans being cheaper but limited and comprehensive plans offering more benefits at...
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Gunshots shatter the rhythm on Phuket’s Bangla Road boulevard
The heart of Phuket’s nightlife on Bangla Road was jolted awake early this morning with the sharp echo of gunshots ringing through the air. In the aftermath, the President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA), Weerawit Krueasombat, swiftly took to social media to clarify the incident and dismiss the circulating rumours. In a detailed Facebook update, Weerawit lambasted the reports…
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Phi Phi islands: Tourist boat sinking prompts safety concerns
A startling incident unfolded on the serene waters surrounding Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands when a longtail boat, tasked with ferrying six tourists to Bamboo Island, sank. The boat sinking mishap has triggered an urgent call from the chief of the Phi Phi Islands National Park, Yutthaphong Damsrisuk, for all boat operators to step up their safety measures. The alarm bells…
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Thai-MECC rescues Phang Nga student from perilous waters
A dramatic rescue operation unfolded yesterday in the swift waters between Phuket and mainland Thailand. A student from Phang Nga, who was seen jumping off the Sarasin Bridge, was rescued by a local fishing boat and the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (THAI-MECC). The THAI-MECC, stationed at the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command in Cape Panwa, received word of…
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Phuket rally takes a stand against violence, abuse, and human trafficking
Phuket was buzzing with a flurry of activity last night as over 250 people gathered for a rally, breathing life into the campaign against violence directed towards women and children and human trafficking. The campaign, bearing the theme Stop Violence with Love, took place in Queen Sirikit Park, under the watchful eye of Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuran. The Phuket…
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Phuket’s Patong beachfront to host air-sea rescue exercise
The beachfront of Patong in Phuket is set to become a stage for an elaborate display of emergency preparedness. The impending air-sea rescue exercise, initially slated to take place later this month, is part of a series of events aimed at showcasing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of tourists, announced Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat yesterday. The mock disaster scenario…
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Patong Hill road set for major safety makeover in Phuket
The notorious Patong Hill road in Phuket is set to undergo a significant makeover aimed at enhancing safety and reducing the frequency of accidents, particularly on its steep slopes. This development comes as a response to mounting concerns and complaints from local inhabitants about the hazardous condition of the frequently used road. The plan was unveiled after Phuket Governor Sophon…
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Phuket police apprehend duo for vandalising Russian tour buses
The tranquil island of Phuket was shaken as two men were seized by police for allegedly vandalising Russian tour buses. The duo was said to be receiving a bounty of 1,000 baht for each vehicle they damaged using a slingshot and ball bearings. They managed to wreak havoc on ten buses before their arrest. The arrests were made following a…
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Police crackdown on drugs and firearms disturbs peace in Phuket
The tranquil calm of Tambon Thepkrasattri in Phuket was shattered yesterday when Thalang police executed a successful operation against illicit activities. Two individuals were apprehended in the ongoing crackdown against drugs and firearms that has been plaguing the region. The first individual, Surasak “Sak” Nakklap, a 44 year old local from Moo 11, Thepkrasattri, was arrested in the vicinity of…
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Down under dilemma: Australian arrested at Phuket Airport with cocaine stash hidden in passport
A 26 year old Australian national found himself in hot water upon his arrival at Phuket International Airport. The arrest came about after a small quantity of cocaine was discovered hidden within his passport by vigilant immigration officers. The young man, whose name was conspicuously absent from the first reports released by the Phuket Immigration Checkpoint officers, was apprehended in…
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Phuket locals back proposal for extended nightlife venue operating hours
A bustling crowd of over 800 individuals gathered at Kathu Wittaya School in Phuket yesterday, participating in a public forum aimed at gauging sentiment regarding the extension of nightlife venue operating hours to 4am in designated zones. The proposal received unanimous approval from those in attendance, reflecting a collective inclination towards longer nightlife hours. The forum, presided over by Kathu…
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Phuket remembers road accident victims and addresses safety concerns
Phuket residents and officials yesterday took part in a poignant event to honour the memory of those lost in road accidents on the island. This gathering was orchestrated by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and forms part of the local activities acknowledging the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, although the official global recognition is slated for this coming Sunday,…
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British national jailed in Phuket for illegal firearm possession
A British national has been apprehended by Chalong Police in Phuket, Thailand, under an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court for illegal firearm possession and its public display without consent or legitimate reason. The charge against Jamaal (surname not given) stems from an incident where he reportedly dropped a black Glock 19, described by the police as a…
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Phuket plot twist: Hotel worker arrested over violent gang attack
An unfolding story from Phuket has led to the arrest of a hotel worker in Karon, who was implicated in a violent gang-related attack that happened back in August. The hotel worker, known only as Mr USA, was apprehended by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) earlier today, in front of the hotel where he was currently employed. The report provided…
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Southern Thailand: Russian tourist’s rental vehicle plummets into ditch in Trang
In Trang province, a Russian tourist‘s rental vehicle veered off the main road, plunging into a deep roadside ditch. No one was harmed in the incident, as reported by the Phuket Tourist Police. A message was dispatched yesterday from Phuket Tourist Police’s headquarters, detailing the incident. The report revealed the car’s occupant was a Russian tourist, who rented a Honda sedan…
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Shade crusaders: Phuket’s Multicoloured Umbrella Group seeks sun-soaked justice from governor for beachfront comeback
The sandy shores of Phuket reverberated with a plea for help from a collective of former umbrella vendors, now united as the Multicoloured Umbrella Group. Previously engaged in setting up beach umbrellas at Karon, these individuals are now appealing for the intervention of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. Their request? A fair reinstatement to their beachfront locations, allowing them to resume…
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Phuket governor strengthens fight against rising illicit drug use
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently reinforced the region’s dedication to combating illicit drug activity, asserting that the necessary measures are already in place at the local level to make considerable headway in this battle. Governor Sophon’s reinforcement came in the wake of the most recent police report highlighting the state of illicit drug use on the streets of Phuket. The…
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Mysterious objects found in Phuket Pool Villa: A satirical homebuyer’s story
Wouldn’t it be fun if you walked into a house in the tropical paradise of Phuket and found a bath full of cash as part of the deal?* What if a recent homebuyer’s online property search took an unexpected turn? What began as a typical tour of available homes transformed into an adventure of discovery, as this potential homeowner stumbled…
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Koh Maphrao residents plead for bridge to Phuket
On the untouched shores of Koh Maphrao, an island nestled off the east coast of Phuket, a pressing issue has been echoing amongst its inhabitants. The island’s residents have made a formal plea to the Department of Rural Roads for the construction of a bridge to connect them with the bustling mainland of Phuket. This idyllic haven has, so far,…
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Phuket Airport: American man arrested for overstaying visa by 79 days
As dawn broke over the bustling Phuket International Airport, an American man found himself in the grip of the law. The man was apprehended by Thai immigration officials around 5.30am yesterday for overstaying his visa by 79 days, a direct violation of the country’s immigration laws. The American man’s actions had turned him into an illegal resident in the Land…
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Drumming up excitement: Phuket’s Surin Beach beats to the rhythm of tourism’s future with groundbreaking Glass Terrace project
The sound of ceremonial drums echoed across Surin Beach, Phuket, early this morning marking the start of construction on a project of substantial tourism potential – the Glass Terrace. With an estimated completion time of two years, this 198 million baht project is anticipated to become a significant tourist attraction along the island’s west coast. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony was…
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Phuket tourism operators push for international convention centre
In a bid to elevate Phuket’s status as an exhibition hub, local tourism operators are urging for the rapid implementation of a long-stalled project for an international convention centre and a freeport city initiative. The urgency has arisen due to the impending enforcement of new environmental laws which may necessitate a redesign of the project. The Health Ministry recently abandoned…
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Phuket’s fungicide frenzy: Patong crackdown on magic mushrooms keeps the tourist hub trippin’ free
The bustling tourist hub of Patong, Phuket, is witnessing a relentless crackdown by local law enforcement against the illicit trade of hallucinogenic fungi, commonly known as magic mushrooms. This campaign was further intensified with the recent apprehension of two individuals on the vibrant Bangla Road. The duo was detained in the wee hours of November 8 at the popular “Puff…
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Phuket’s new high-flier: Sattha thongkham lands as vice governor, family in tow
Sattha Thongkham, accompanied by his wife and daughter, arrived in Phuket yesterday, ready to assume his new role as the Vice Governor of Phuket. The family made their debut in the city by paying tribute to the statue of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) at the historic former Phuket Provincial Hall, situated on Narisorn Road in Phuket town. The venerable structure…
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Whale of a time: Holidaymakers treated to rare sea spectacle near Phuket
Holidaymakers on a leisurely boat tour around the Racha Islands, located south of Phuket, yesterday were privy to a thrilling spectacle: the rare sight of a whale in its natural habitat, a relatively unusual occurrence in these parts. The Star Sailing Club’s head, Ilya Saldaev, captured and shared footage of the majestic creature breaking the water’s surface on social media.…
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Phuket transport twist: Anytime car caught in green-plate pickle, faces regulatory roadblock
Bright and early yesterday morning, representatives from the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) descended upon Patong. Their mission? To probe into an Anytime car-sharing vehicle found parked in a spot earmarked for green-plate taxis and tourist rental vehicles. This inspection was initially reported by the Phuket Info Center. It was noted that the PLTO, in conjunction with police and other…
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Phuket Airport’s rain-check: Dampening floors lead to a slip-up
Phuket International Airport, managed by Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), recently experienced a minor slip-up. A leaky roof in the arrivals hall of the domestic terminal led to some disruption, leading the airport to extend a public apology and caution to those visiting the terminal about the possibility of a dampening experience on the floor. The apology from AoT Phuket…
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Patong: Boosting tourist safety on Bangla Road with new STC project
Major General Saksira Phueakam, Commissioner of Tourist Police, recently embarked on a tour of the bustling Bangla Road in Patong, a hotspot for tourists, as part of a new initiative aimed at enhancing safety and security for visitors in the forthcoming high season. This came on the heels of Maj. Gen. Saksira’s launch of the Strong Tourism Community (STC) project,…
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Seven-coloured lobster launch: Phuket’s splashy conservation effort
Halfway between Cape Panwa and Koh Lone, on the small island of Koh Thanan under the jurisdiction of Wichit, a conservation effort unfolded yesterday. The Phuket Fisheries Office, alongside local farmers and fishing groups, released a staggering 700,000 larvae of a local delicacy, the seven-coloured lobster, along with 500,000 black tiger shrimp into the waters off Phuket, Thailand. This massive…
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Phuket man found dead in apparent suicide, mental health issues suspected
The tranquillity of a peaceful neighbourhood in Kathu, Phuket was shattered in the early hours of yesterday as a gunshot echoed through the narrow lanes of Soi Si Kor, Moo 6 and a Thai man was found dead. The victim was identified as a 62 year old former school janitor from Patong. His lifeless body was discovered in a two-storey…
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Phuket’s peace shattered: 36,000 methamphetamine pills ‘Yabandoned’ by arrested suspect
The tranquillity of Phuket‘s streets was shattered when local law enforcement apprehended a single suspect, seizing a staggering 36,000 pills of methamphetamine, colloquially known as Yaba. The main protagonist in this unexpected drama was Chanaphon Bamrungwong, also known as Suea, a 36 year old resident of Moo 7, Ratsada. Phuket’s Provincial Police reported his arrest yesterday evening, after intercepting him…
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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