Phuket
- Thailand News
Phuket pickup truck road mishap kills three, injures seven
A tragic road accident occurred on Southern Road when a pickup truck travelling from Phuket to Nakhon Si Thammarat for a religious ceremony veered off the road and overturned, resulting in seven injuries and three fatalities. Early this morning, an unfortunate incident unfolded on Southern Road, Highway 44, near the entrance to the village of Ban Marueat, in the district…
- Thailand News
Phuket governor endorses special administrative status transition
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat openly endorsed the move for Phuket to acquire special administrative status. Governor Sophon conveyed his support during a speech at the 2024 Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) Annual General Meeting, held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel. Sophon’s vision for the province’s future governance entails transitioning to a special administrative status, akin to those currently in place…
- Thailand News
Outrage as foreign couple crash car, leave injured rider in Phuket
Thai netizens are outraged at a foreign couple who crashed their luxury car into a motorcycle in Phuket but ignored the injured rider and focused only on the damage to their vehicle. The CCTV footage of the incident was shared widely on several social media platforms yesterday, April 25, showing a white Mercedes Benz sedan making a right turn without…
- Thailand News
Phuket firefighters avert potential disaster at fried ice cream shop
A potential disaster was averted in the wee hours of today when a fire, which could have engulfed a fried ice cream shop in Phuket, was swiftly contained by firefighters. The incident took place in Soi Paniang, Samkong, a neighbourhood in the bustling city of Phuket. Firefighters from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation branch at Phuket City Municipality…
- Crime News
Phuket tattoo artist arrested for sexually assaulting minor
A prominent tattoo artist was finally apprehended at a Phuket lodging house today, in a raid by law enforcement marking an end to a nationwide manhunt. The charges against him included sexually assaulting a 13 year old girl, whose injuries were so severe that she had to undergo a hysterectomy. The harrowing ordeal began when the young girl visited the tattoo…
- Thailand News
Australians in Phuket gain easy access to visa services
From Monday, April 29, Australians residing in Phuket can access visa services and provide biometrics within the city, according to a statement released by the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald. The service, which was previously only available in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, is now available in Phuket through the Australian Biometric Collection Centre, operated by VFS Global. “The Australian…
- Phuket News
Myanmar man tasered after threatening Thai police following crash
A Myanmar national, following a motorcycle collision on the Bang Tao Beach Road, threatened police officers with a knife, leading to the use of a taser to subdue him, according to Cherng Talay Police Chief, Police Colonel Weeraphong Rakkhito. The incident unfolded at midday on Tuesday, April 23, when two motorcycles collided. The Myanmar man, who remains unnamed in police…
- Phuket News
Phuket crackdown on organised crime seizes over 500 million baht
Phuket became the centre of a significant crackdown on organised crime, as a Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) Special Operations Team seized more than 500 million baht (US$13.5 million) worth of illegal goods yesterday. The confiscated items included untaxed cigarettes, alcohol, and prohibited electronic cigarettes. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat unveiled the results of the operation at a press conference held…
- Thailand News
PM Srettha reveals ‘Phuket Model’ to boost tourism and safety
Srettha Thavisin unveiled the Phuket Model which aims to revolutionise tourism management and social security in the tourist hotspot. Addressing a gathering of consular mission heads and law enforcement officials from 12 countries, PM Srettha highlighted the urgent need to prevent Phuket from descending into a haven for safety tourism. “Phuket was the first province I visited after taking office…
- Thailand News
Phuket gets new Australian Consul-General
Following an announcement made by Penny Wong, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kirsten Fletcher was named the new Australian Consul-General for Phuket and its nearby provinces. Fletcher’s appointment was confirmed yesterday. Fletcher, known for her active involvement in sustainability and tourism, was recently seen at an event in Phuket last month, where locals shared ideas on reducing plastic waste. Angela…
- Phuket News
Phuket model: Thai govt’s innovative approach to tourist safety
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the acting Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police, Police General Kittirat Panphet, convened with local consuls to discuss the Phuket Model – an innovative approach to law enforcement. The meeting took place yesterday at the Banyan Tree Hotel in Phuket. The Phuket Model, a comprehensive strategy aimed at safeguarding the interests of tourists, was unveiled…
- Thailand News
Thai fans press couple to return diamond pendant to Jackson Wang
Thai fans of Hong Kong singer and rapper Jackson Wang put pressure on a Thai couple to return a lost segment of his diamond-encrusted Buzz Lightyear pendant after they discovered it in Phuket and tried to sell it. Wang visited Phuket to celebrate his birthday at a beach club in the province on March 27. During his birthday party, Wang…
- Phuket News
Russian to respect: Phuket hospital calls for law-abiding visitors
Vachira Phuket Hospital called upon the Russian community in Phuket to respect Thai laws and hospital regulations following a string of incidents involving Russian nationals. Recent episodes include a Russian man refusing to settle his medical bills, and a woman threatening hospital staff with a baseball bat. A man of Russian nationality was arrested on April 19 for intimidating the…
- Business News
Phuket anticipates one million Chinese tourists post-Songkran
The popular tourist resort island of Phuket is gearing up to welcome an additional influx of 1 million Chinese tourists this year. This forecast comes in the wake of a targeted tourism promotion that took place across three Chinese cities. Anupab Vejwanichsanong, who occupies the role of the vice president for the Phuket Administration Organisation, revealed today, April 22, that the roadshow’s…
- Phuket News
Phuket car rentals must verify tourist driving licenses
Phuket’s vehicle rental businesses received a first-hand reminder about the importance of verifying tourists’ driving licenses. The National Tourist Police Commander, Lieutenant General Saksira Phueakam, paid them a visit on Saturday, April 20. This personal visit was part of an initiative to regulate the growing vehicle rental industry in the popular tourist destination of Phuket. Lt. Gen. Saksira embarked on…
- Phuket News
Thai man dies in motorcycle crash near Chalong school
A Thai man died in a tragic motorcycle crash in Chalong shortly after midnight today. The accident, which involved a single vehicle, occurred in front of Ban Chalong School on Chao Fa West Road, a notoriously dangerous intersection. The Chalong Police Station and the Ruamjai Phuket Foundation were alerted of the incident around 12.45am. Upon reaching the scene, they found a…
- Crime News
Teenager detained following stabbing at Patong’s OTOP Market
A 17 year old man is in police custody following a stabbing incident at OTOP Market in Patong that left a 20 year old injured. The event took place just past 1am on April 19. The 20 year old victim, Ariyath Kaewnao, suffered an abdominal injury during an altercation between two local youth groups. Immediately after the incident, Ariyath was…
- Thailand News
Thai woman found dead at Phuket’s Kalim seaside
A tragic event unfolded in Phuket yesterday afternoon as a 23 year old Thai woman from the Isaan region lost her life by drowning. The unfortunate incident took place on the seaside rocks in Kalim, a northernmost part of Patong. The Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation of Patong branch received a call at around 5.40pm. The foundation’s rescue workers promptly responded, rushing…
- Phuket News
Fatal Ducati motorbike crash adds to Phuket road fatalities
A fatal accident involving a Ducati motorbike and a roadside barrier claimed the life of a 29 year old man yesterday in Kalim, north of Patong on the scenic Phuket coastal road. The unnamed victim, a resident of Moo 7, Mai Khao, suffered catastrophic head trauma in the collision, leading to his untimely demise. The crash was reported to Police…
- Phuket News
Phuket man escapes major harm as car collides with electricity pole
A Thai man narrowly avoided significant harm when his car collided with an electricity pole and subsequently caught fire in the early hours of this morning in Phuket Town. Phuket City Police received notification of the accident, which occurred close to the juncture of Phang Nga Road and Surin Road, at 1.55am today, April 19. On arrival at the scene,…
- Phuket News
Phuket Airport rescue department tackles local fires
Phuket International Airport’s Fire and Rescue Department was summoned to tackle two challenging fires in the nearby areas yesterday. The areas affected included an abandoned section opposite Thalang Technical College and Baan Mak Prok locality in Mai Khao. Both fires had rapidly spread across extensive plots of land, posing a considerable challenge to the firefighters. However, the airport rescue personnel,…
- Thailand News
Phuket officials explore technology collaboration on Chengdu visit
Phuket officials recently concluded a three-day visit to Chengdu, in China, focusing on potential collaborative ventures in trade, investment, and tourism. One of the key discussions centred on the application of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, to tackle various challenges in Phuket, including traffic management and tourist assistance. The delegation, led by the President of the Phuket Chamber…
- Thailand News
Fare fight: Phuket tuk tuk driver attacks Thai woman
A Thai woman took to social media to accuse a tuk tuk driver on Bangla Road in Phuket of overcharging her foreign friend and attacking her after they refused the service. The Thai woman, Kanyasiri Sisuwan, shared the story about the tuk tuk driver on Facebook on April 15. She said she wanted to seek justice for herself and for…
- Phuket News
Thai PM’s Phuket visit focuses on traffic projects and foreign mafia
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to visit Phuket tomorrow, where he will be updated on the local police’s efforts to combat the so-called foreign mafia. Chai Watcharong, a spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, revealed the agenda for the prime minister’s Phuket visit yesterday, which will primarily revolve around progress reports on construction projects designed to ease traffic congestion…
- Road deaths
Russian tourist dies in Phuket motorbike crash near Big Buddha
A Russian tourist tragically lost his life in a motorbike accident near Kata School on Patak Road in Karon, Phuket. The incident occurred at 5.50am today, April 17, when the tourist, Pavel, lost control of his Honda PCX and plunged into a ditch. His wife, who was riding a pillion, sustained minor injuries. They were en route to visit the…
- Thailand News
Couple caught having sex in sea at Patong Beach in Phuket
A video and pictures showing a horny foreign couple having sex in the sea at Patong Beach in Phuket quickly went viral, sparking criticism and hilarious comments across Thai social media platforms. The Phuket Times shared footage and images of the incident yesterday, April 16. The couple’s identities and nationalities have not yet been confirmed. Thai netizens pointed out that…
- Road deaths
Phuket’s seven days safety campaign shows zero fatalities
Phuket’s Seven Days safety campaign for Songkran 2024 continues to make its impact as the island remains free of any road fatalities since the commencement of the initiative on April 11. Over the past four days, 39 incidents have been recorded by officials, resulting in the same number of people being hospitalised due to injuries. The report compiled by the…
- Phuket News
Four arrested in Phuket with over 12,000 meth pills seized
Four individuals have been apprehended by Thalang Police in Phuket on charges related to drugs, with over 12,000 methamphetamine pills, locally known as Yaba, confiscated in the process. The arrests were carried out across three distinct operations yesterday. Among those apprehended was Duean Jarachit, a 42 year old resident of Moo 1, Mai Khao. She was taken into custody on…
- Phuket News
Phuket house fire leaves residents reeling: Investigation heats up
A destructive house fire yesterday ravaged a residence in Srisoonthorn, Phuket, leaving devastation in its wake. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. An electrical short circuit is believed to have ignited a fire that caused extensive damage to a house in Srisoonthorn last night around 9.30pm. Firefighters from Srisoonthorn Fire Station rushed to the scene, located in…
- Thailand News
Youth stabbed in violent confrontation at Phuket’s Saphan Hin
A violent confrontation at Saphan Hin in Phuket resulted in a youth being stabbed in the early hours of this morning. The conflict arose between two factions early this morning near the Phuket Extreme Sports Stadium. Phuket City Police were notified and arrived at the scene at 4.13am, today, April 11. The aftermath of the conflict was apparent. A damaged Honda Wave…
