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.
-
Sponsored This Christmas, give the gift of health: essential options for expats in Thailand
The holiday season is here, bringing warmth, joy, and a chance to reflect on the year gone by. As an expat in Thailand, this Christmas is a great time to invest in something that truly matters: health. Whether for you...
-
High hopes: Phuket Cannabis Association rolls towards streamlined weed trade on the island
The Phuket Cannabis Association, in a recent display of solidarity and commitment towards refined weed business practices, expressed its intention to streamline the cannabis trade across the island. This pledge, it believes, will enhance overall consumer safety as well as the quality standards of cannabis goods. An official meeting took place yesterday at the Andaman Conference Room, the strategic hub…
-
Elderly man and young woman severely injured in Phuket accident
A tragic biking accident occurred yesterday on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket involving an elderly man and a young woman. Seventy-three year old Anek Amnuaychokchai was eagerly boarding a songthaew when he was struck by a motorbike riding at high speed. The 25 year old woman operating the motorbike, identified as Acting Sub Lieutenant Fadiya Munoh, was hurled into the back…
-
Endangered hawksbill turtle saved at Patong Beach now rehabilitating
An endangered hawksbill turtle, found stranded at Patong Beach earlier this week, has been taken into the care of the Siritharn Rare Marine Life Rescue Centre, at Ao Makham on the eastern coast of Phuket. Responding to an alert by the beach lifeguards, officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) quickly arrived on the scene. Marine biologists…
-
SIM-ply unstoppable: Phuket Police SIM card crusade leads to arrest of suspect
The Phuket Provincial Police intensified their crusade against the unlawful sale and distribution of SIM cards, leading to the arrest of a suspect identified as Korn. Police reported that the 38 year old man was apprehended yesterday at about 1pm, in the Phuket Wittayalai area. During the arrest, 20 activated SIM cards along with two Thai ID card readers were…
-
Verbal abuse of Singaporean tourist leads to Phuket van driver being fined 1,000 baht
In a show of justice for tourists in Phuket, a 47 year old van driver who verbally abused a tourist last Sunday has been legally reprimanded. The driver was imposed with a fine of 1,000 baht by the local court for frightening others with the use of threat (intimidation). In an online statement, Phuket Provincial Police revealed that the driver, Poramet,…
-
Mini bus driver caught on viral video threatening to hit foreigner with iron bar in Phuket
A video has gone viral of a Thai minibus driver threatening to strike a foreigner with an iron bar in Phuket. The case is under investigation by the police. In the video shared yesterday, July 2, a white minivan is seen parked on a roadside in front of a coffee shop on Ratsada Road in Phuket. The driver, dressed in…
-
Thalang crash: Drunken driver miraculously survives collision despite wreckage
A roadside dwelling in Thepkrasattri, Thalang, was destroyed as the result of an out-of-control Isuzu pickup truck veering off the Don Jom Thao Road. Thalang Police have yet to announce any charges against the driver who miraculously survived unscathed in this severe Thalang crash. The Thalang crash incident occurred in the wee hours of the morning, around 2.10am, near the…
-
Phuket infrastructure projects face potential delays after expo bid loss
Delays are predicted for the initiation of several significant infrastructure projects in Phuket, including the much-anticipated Patong Tunnel. Local authorities concede that these plans may not manifest as swiftly as planned following the province’s failure to secure hosting rights for the Specialised Expo 2027/28. Governor Narong Woonciew voiced this concern, despite Phuket demonstrating strong prospects during the bidding process. Governor…
-
Phuket airport escalators declared safe after alarming accident at Don Mueang
Phuket International Airport recently completed safety checks on all escalators, following a disturbing accident at Don Mueang Airport. The General Manager of the Phuket branch of the Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), Monchai Tanode, confirmed that the airport’s 31 escalators and 27 elevators had been thoroughly inspected by certified technicians, and found to be safe for public use. In an…
-
US couple found dead in Phuket hotel
In a tragic turn of events in the tropical paradise of Phuket, a couple from the United States were found dead in a hotel on Thursday. Their bodies were discovered at a prominent hotel in proximity to the stunning Surin Beach on the west coast of Phuket. Local police believe it was a case of double suicide by lethal injection.…
-
Phuket yacht sweeps ashore amid severe weather, safety warnings reiterated
In an unforeseen turn of events earlier this morning, a sailing yacht near Ao Yon in the northern part of Chalong Bay, Phuket, was reported to have been forced onto the shore due to wave action. The yacht is understood to have been detached from its mooring and was seen adrift prior to being swept ashore. This unexpected incident occurred…
-
Tourist police bust illegal Chinese tour guide in Phuket
Phuket Tourist Police busted a Chinese man for allegedly working as a tour guide without the necessary permits and licenses. According to the Tourist Police, 43 year old Wang Kua Cheng was arrested this week in front of the Mongkol Nimit Temple on Dibuk Road in Phuket Old Town, The Phuket Express reported. Officers brought Wang to Phuket City Police…
-
Kamala faces nine-hour power outage for high-voltage network maintenance
A lengthy nine hours power cut is expected today in southern Kamala, Phuket. This is a result of maintenance being undertaken on the local high-voltage power distribution network. A decree about the upcoming power outage, posted by the Kamala OrBorTor, the local Tambon Administrative Organisation, featured that the interruption is scheduled to begin at 9am and go on until 5pm. Though…
-
Foreign nationals in Phuket donate blood amid Rh-negative shortage
In an uplifting gesture of community unity, the Immigration Department of Phuket extended heartfelt appreciation to the 121 foreign nationals who donated blood at a special drive held at the Central Floresta shopping complex today. The blood donation event was jointly orchestrated by the Phuket Immigration Department and the local chapter of the Red Cross Society. The primary motivation behind…
-
Chinese nationals arrested at Phuket Airport for illegal employment
Immigration officials recently apprehended two Chinese women at Phuket International Airport’s car park over accusations of illegal employment. The specifics concerning the women’s identities have not been publicly disclosed, with authorities opting to cover their faces in the released photographs. The arrest, which took place around 1.30pm yesterday, was spearheaded by Lt. Col. Akkaraphon Kaewkiat from the airport’s Immigration Checkpoint.…
-
Drug awareness in focus as Phuket initiates anti-drug events
In commemoration of World Drug Day, a series of events unfolded yesterday in Phuket, supervised by government authorities to fortify global standing against drug abuse. World Drug Day, also known as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is a global observance brought to light by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, held every year on June…
-
Phuket’s crypto firestorm: Faulty wiring sparks blazing inferno, exposing illegal crypto-mining operation
Firefighters were called to handle a blaze in Phuket Town exacerbated by faulty wiring. The cause was believed to be illegal crypto-mining. Surprisingly, the fire took place on the third floor of a building near the Thailand Post branch on Bangkok Road. It reportedly started around 6am yesterday and was swiftly extinguished by the responding firefighters. Fortunately, no casualties were…
-
Phuket Airport tests security with a gunman simulation drill
Phuket International Airport on Friday became a hive of activity as it underwent a security drill in case of a gunman attack. A full-scale exercise of Phuket International Airport Emergency Plan (PEMEX 2023) was enacted, simulating an ‘active gunman’ scenario. The drill took place following the departure of the last domestic flight for the day and was conducted from 11pm…
-
Chinese tour group apologised after causing harm to Thai marine life
The serene waters of Ao La on Koh Racha Yai, situated south of Phuket, were recently embroiled in controversy when tourists from a Chinese tour company, Jinyang Holiday Group, engaged in activities harmful to marine life and environment. They posed for photos with seemingly innocent starfish in hand and ventured onto delicate coral reefs, drawing the ire of local marine…
-
Phuket roads to close for grand Peranakan Festival parade today
Phuket Town’s arterial ways are set to experience a temporary shutdown late this afternoon into the evening due to a grand carnival parade. The procession forms part of the Phuket Peranakan Festival ceremonies and will cover the historical Phuket Old Town region. Thalang Road, Soi Rommanee, and parts of Phang Nga Road, Yaowarat Road, and Thepkrasattri Road will remain inaccessible to…
-
Dutch suspect arrested in Phuket Airport following Interpol red notice
Police at Phuket Airport yesterday arrested a Dutchman wanted by the Spanish police for a number of fraudulent activities. The arrest took place in the Arrivals Hall of the airport’s International Terminal, around 9.15pm. Information concerning the arrest was released by the Phuket branch of the Immigration Bureau. However, the bureau refrained from disclosing the suspect’s name or age. There…
-
Phuket ramps up maritime safety ahead of tourist influx
In an effort to reassure tourists and prevent local boat and ferry accidents, maritime safety and disaster officials in Phuket have initiated an intensified campaign for water transport safety. Recent visits from Phuket marine officials to scrutinise boats for safety compliance suggest a strengthened emphasis on stringent adherence to safety measures. These measures were fleshed out during a meeting presided…
-
Phuket undeterred by Expo bid loss, invests in 5.1 billion baht project
Phuket’s development as an International Medical Hub remains steadfast and promising following the unsuccessful bid for the World Specialised Expo 2027/28. Phuket, a top tourist destination, is undeterred and continues with its ambitious government-backed project to carve a niche as an ‘International Medical Hub’. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri showed optimism for Phuket’s development amidst the loss, articulating gratitude on behalf…
-
Phuket loses World Specialised Expo bid but remains hopeful for future
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew expressed gratitude to all who supported Phuket’s bid for hosting the World Specialised Expo 2027/28, despite Thailand failing to win the hosting rights. The event’s organiser, the Bureau International des Expositions, announced the winner as Belgrade, Serbia during their 172nd general assembly, which was held in Paris. Governor Narong addressed the public in a Facebook post,…
-
Phuket road closure: Temporary shutdown for flood-prevention works disrupts traffic
Police have released a map indicating alternative routes to help reduce traffic disruptions after the temporary closure of a 1-kilometre stretch of road for flood prevention works in Patong. The section affected from Soi Banzaan to Soi Nanai Ruamjai (Soi Nanai 8) has been closed since Tuesday. The road closure was originally scheduled until August 26, although recent notices from…
-
Barbecue restaurateur receives 500,000 baht donation for stray animal care + community support
Yutthaphum Kaewkhem, also known as Boom, owner of the Teay Ka Ta pork barbecue page and restaurant, received a surprising half a million baht from a fan during an event in Phuket. The generous fan wanted to support Boom’s efforts in helping stray dogs and cats, and the money will contribute to these charitable causes, among others. Yesterday, during an…
-
Thai navy warns of demolishing illegal structures near Phuket Airport
The Commander of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, Vice Admiral Arpakorn Yookongkaew, has given a stern warning to individuals occupying land illegally in the Bang Khanun Forest near Phuket International Airport, stating that their structures will be demolished. The Royal Thai Navy intends to develop facilities in the protected area, including the 22nd Anti-Aircraft Battalion, the 2nd Anti-Aircraft…
-
Facebook fraud: Lavish lifestyle of Thai duo results in arrest for 20 million baht scam
A fraud scheme operated through Facebook has led to the arrest of a Thai couple in Phuket. The couple, a 37 year old man and a 34 year old woman, allegedly attracted victims to their deception by posting images of piles of cash and flaunting a luxurious lifestyle on their Facebook page. The couple cleverly executed a Facebook fraud scheme,…
-
World blood donor day celebrated at Phuket Red Cross
Phuket’s branch of the Red Cross Society of Thailand and associated authorities recently organised a World Blood Donor Day event to express their gratitude to blood donors. This global event on Wednesday (June 14) recognised the importance of donating blood, ensuring that life-saving medical procedures can be performed when required. Taking place at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, Vice President…
-
Old man posing as religious leader arrested for assaulting teen in Phuket
Officials apprehended a 60 year old man, Ismael Todting, who posed as a religious leader to deceive and assault a 16 year old girl in a Phuket hotel. He planned and lured the victim by gaining her trust before forcing himself on her and fleeing. Authorities tracked him down to Yala province, where he was participating in a group activity,…
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.