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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Sponsored Infinito helps hotels in Thailand with revenue management
Maximising revenue and profit–isn’t that the ultimate goal for every business in the hospitality industry? If you run a hotel, you might have heard that revenue management is an effective way to boost your top-line revenue. It involves using data...
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Students holidaying in Phuket survive Phang Nga crash
PHUKET: Five medical students on holiday in Phuket escaped with minor injuries when the car they were traveling in struck a tree in Phang Nga yesterday.Lt Eakkapop Phuthong of Takua Thung Police received a report at 5:30pm that a vehicle had overshot a curve on Takua Thung Road at Baan Kuan, Kok Kloy.“Sidan Hayeesamadae, a 25-year-old male, was driving four…
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Phuket sports: Practice makes perfect… almost
PHUKET: One of the shortest courses ever set was organized for the second race of the Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) Irish Times Race Series. From the Ao Makham safe water mark and back, with two short loops around the Ban Nit safe water mark – the total course length was only nine nautical miles. On Saturday, David Liddell from…
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Phuket sports: Nanai Boys moving up
PHUKET: Eden FC broke their Phuket Super Six League duck with a win in the evening’s first match against Aladdin at Headstart International School’s Football Island last Wednesday. In an even game, Aladdin took an early lead with goal, but Eden FC pressed back and were soon two goals ahead from strikes by Joseph Arimathea and Zac Remboldt. Aladdin clawed…
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Phuket sports: Fair Play League heads into finals weekend
PHUKET: THE 2012 Fair Play League (FPL) held its penultimate round of matches at British International School last week with both U14 and U11 Divisions in action. All three games in the U14 section were played at the same time on three different pitches at the ground. Thailand put in a fine performance against league leaders France and romped to…
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Phuket sport: PowerPlay golf hits Phuket
PHUKET: The worldwide sport phenomenon of PowerPlay Golf has arrived in Thailand. A dynamic nine-hole format, with some twists, has been introduced to the golf-loving nation by exclusive rights and license holder Asian Golf Events Co Ltd. PowerPlay Golf was first played in the UK in 2007 and by 2011 it had expanded to 30 countries and over 600 courses,…
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Phuket sports: TSLC nets ITF event
PHUKET: PHUKET’S international tennis scene received a massive boost following the announcement that Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club (TSLC) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will host the Chang International Tennis Federation (ITF) Thailand Pro Circuit Women’s event from March 17 to 31. With a growing reputation as a top international sporting destination, this tournament is set to become…
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Transport Minister gives Bt180mn Phuket mangrove flyover green light
PHUKET: With the Thai Cabinet meeting to be held in Phuket a week away, Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan in Phuket in person yesterday promised that the 180-million-baht elevated road over a mangrove forest at Saphan Hin will be presented to Cabinet for approval. In front of the press, Mr Jarupong even guaranteed that the Klong Koh Pee road project will…
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Bee swarm invades Krabi school
PHUKET: A swarm of wild bees invaded several classrooms at Baan Tabpol School in Krabi’s Khao Phanom District on Friday, stinging 23 students and a teacher.Three of the children – aged 9, 10 and 12 – were taken to hospital for treatment for multiple bees stings, said School Director Bussakorn Hohkul.“Doctors had to inject antihistamine in one of the boys…
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Phuket Airport factored into plans for regional aviation hub
PHUKET: A high-level board delegation representing Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), including six directors of major airports in Thailand, met yesterday at Phuket International Airport to discuss strategies to place Thailand in the top 10 of Asia’s aviation hubs. In line with AOT’s aspirations for Thailand to become a regional aviation hub, the current expansion planned project to…
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Phuket OrBorJor election becomes a two-horse race
PHUKET: Registration closed yesterday for candidates to enter the April 7 Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) presidential election, with a second candidate entering the race and another withdrawing on the grounds that the election was “unfair”. Chayot Wisartpong from Pa Khlok, arrived at Phuket Community Hall with his supporters to register with the Phuket Election Commission shortly after 3pm. Mr…
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Anti-corruption probe uncovers Phuket land deals’ dirty history
PHUKET: A probe into the issuance of land title deeds in Phuket has uncovered widespread encroachment into protected forest areas and identified government officials as playing the key role in facilitating the theft of state property. Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission secretary-general Pol Col Dusadee Arayawuth, in Phuket as part of the investigation, yesterday told the press his office had identified…
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Phuket Poll: Which inbound market has highest growth potential?
PHUKET: By almost all accounts, 2011 was a banner year for Phuket tourism. With 2012 well underway, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and local tourism industry leaders continue to seek out promising new sources of tourists. Phuket tourism representatives tirelessly attend tourism trade shows at home and abroad to present the latest tourism products to the international market, and,…
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Phuket sports: Laguna pillage the Village
PHUKET: Following Laguna CC’s recent loss, the Island Furniture League season was thrown wide open with the in-form Village Cricket Team holding all the cards going into the last round of matches. The fourteenth match of this season saw an undefeated Village team up against Laguna at the ACG on Sunday with the latter still licking their wounds from their…
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Phuket Bus Terminal 2 to open ‘after Songkran’
PHUKET: The Administrative Court in Nakhon Sri Thammarat has thrown out a complaint against work on the new turning in front of Phuket Bus Terminal 2, which the Land Transport Office now hopes to have in operation shortly after the upcoming Songkran holiday. Phuket Land Transport Office [PLTO] chief Teerayut Prasertpol told the Phuket Gazette he received a telephone call…
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Phuket Heroines honored at “Battle of Thalang’ re-enactment
PHUKET: Those wanting to catch the re-enactment of the Battle of Thalang, from which the Phuket heroines “Jan” and “Mook” gained their fame, should clear their schedule from March 13 to 15. The official program of events for the annual celebrations will start on Sunday, but the re-enactment of the historic battle at Thalang Victory Memorial Field doesn’t begin until…
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QSI Phuket Fun Run all set for go tomorrow
PHUKET: Athletes across the island and families who just like enjoying walks are getting ready for the Quality Schools International (QSI) Phuket 10th Annual Fun Run on Saturday, March 10, starting at 9am and jogging on to 1pm. The traditional 1km, 6km, 12km individual and team runs are ready for the off, while food, drink and games will also be…
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Royal Thai Consul honors Krabi efforts after Chinese tourist drowns
PHUKET: The action by authorities following the drowning of a Chinese tourist in Krabi’s Than Bok Khorani National Park has drawn praise from the Royal Thai Consulate in Chengdu City, China.Chengdu Consul-General Narumit Hinshiranan on Monday visited Krabi Governor Prasit Osathanon in person to express gratitude on behalf of the people of Sichuan province for the assistance given to relatives…
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Body lotion bust uncovers Phuket motorbike, drug gang
PHUKET: Two shoplifters apprehended at a Phuket 7-Eleven store were later found to be involved in the theft of seven motorbikes and were dealers of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine), police announced yesterday. Staff at the 7-Eleven store near Phuket International Airport informed police that a man and woman were caught on the store’s CCTV system stealing items from the shop.…
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Phuket tourist electrocution brings probe, safety blitz
PHUKET: The electrocution of 45-year-old Russian tourist Fedor Samsonov at a high-end Phuket resort last night has prompted an investigation by police and a full-scale safety inspection of the resort’s electrical system. “This is very tragic and we feel very much for the family,” said Lars Ydmark of resort management company Tri-Asia, which manages the Dewa Karon Beach Resort. The…
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Phuket sports: Krabi put their talons into FC Phuket
PHUKET: FC Phuket suffered a 1-2 defeat to fellow Division 1 rivals, Krabi FC in a charity match played at Surakul Stadium yesterday evening. In essence a derby game, it was the Southern Sea Kirin’s fourth of the 2012 pre-season schedule so far. Proceeds of the ticket sales will be used to help return former Phuket player Camara Ahmed back…
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Wet Phuket: blame La Niña
PHUKET: Unseasonably heavy rains along the Andaman coast are the result of the La Niña effect, a forecaster at the Southern Meteorological Center at Phuket Airport has confirmed. The forecaster, asking that his name not be used, told the Phuket Gazette that this was the second year running that La Niña had brought heavy rainfall during what are typically Phuket’s…
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Immigration tops list of “most worn-out complaint’ in Phuket poll
PHUKET: Griping about immigration requirements is overwhelmingly the topic readers are most tired of hearing foreigners in Phuket complain about, according to the most recent Phuket Gazette Readers’ Poll. A total of 1,982 readers took part in the poll, which ran from February 17 until this morning. Readers were asked: “Which of the following topics are you most tired of…
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Phuket Police to start patrols with the “All Blacks’
PHUKET: Phuket Police will soon be patrolling the streets of Phuket in brand-new all black Mazda2 cars. The 10 new patrol cars were bought with 5.9 million baht provided by Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok, said Phuket City Police administrator Charturong Laddayam. “The new patrol vehicles are expected to improve our international image and help our relations with tourists,”…
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Phuket Gazette: Expert says Western lifestyle spawns ‘global public health disaster’
PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – World news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community UN expert says globalization of Western lifestyle spawns ‘global public health disaster’ PHUKET (News Wires): A United Nations independent expert on Tuesday said an international public health disaster persists as undernourishment and overweight problems have spawned from the globalization of western lifestyles. UN Special Rapporteur on…
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Phuket tin smelter Thaisarco under probe
PHUKET: Phuket Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkaosutthirak today led a team of local officials to investigate claims that the Thaisarco tin smelter at Cape Panwa was releasing contaminants into the air, causing lung cancer and other health issues among local residents. Prapan Kanprasang, head of the Damrongtham Center, which acts as the provincial ombudsman’s office, said his office received a letter…
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Phuket alcohol ban for Makha Bucha Day
PHUKET: Phuket Police have confirmed that a 24-hour ban on selling alcohol will come into effect from midnight tonight in respect of tomorrow being the Buddhist holiday Makha Bucha Day. Lt Col Pisit Chuenpetch, Deputy Superintendent of Phuket City Police Station, confirmed to the Phuket Gazette this afternoon that the ban will be enforced across Phuket. “This a nationwide ban…
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Laguna Phuket denies ‘wrongdoing’ in baby elephant trade
PHUKET: Laguna Phuket today issued a public statement in response to a two-year-old baby elephant being seized at the elephant camp at the resort complex late last month. The statement, marked as attributable to Mark Breit, Regional Director, Laguna Tours & Quest, read: “Laguna Phuket houses and employs domesticated Asian elephants, which, due to habitat loss and poaching, have no…
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Paiboon alone in start of Phuket election campaigning
PHUKET: On the first morning of enrollment for candidates for the position of Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) president, former president Paiboon Upatising was the first and so far only candidate to show his hand today. All other potential candidates have until Friday to register. Mr Paiboon, running for his second term as Phuket’s highest-ranking elected government official, arrived at…
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Pla-Wan attack: “Eight is enough’, say Phuket police
PHUKET: Phuket City Police are not pursuing their investigation into whether any more suspects are to be arrested in connection with the attack on Vorasit “Pla-wan” Issara. Mr Vorasit is the general manager of the Sri Panwa resort. He was brutally attacked by staff at the Rachada pub in Phuket Town in December. Phuket City Police Superintendent Chote Chidchai today…
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Phuket Customs officers seize crystal meth in Thai Post parcel
PHUKET: Customs officers seized a parcel containing ya ice (crystal methamphetamine) last week from a transportation company in Rassada, north of Phuket Town. The drugs had an estimated a street value of more than 150,000 baht. Officers from the Royal Thai Customs Investigation and Suppression Bureau (ISB) were conducting a search of the transportation company’s premises when the Thai Post…
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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