Phuket Governor

  • Phuket NewsAustralian ambassador visits Phuket to discuss tourist safety

    Australian ambassador visits Phuket to discuss tourist safety

    Australian Ambassador to Thailand Angela McDonald visited Phuket on Thursday, November 28, to engage in discussions with Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri. The meeting focused on strengthening economic, political, and safety ties between Australia and Phuket, underscoring the importance of maintaining robust bilateral relations. During the meeting, held at the Phuket Provincial Governor’s Reception Room, McDonald, along with key officials, explored…

  • Phuket NewsBus-ting with green energy: Phuket’s smart bus takes fresh direction

    Bus-ting with green energy: Phuket’s smart bus takes fresh direction

    All aboard the eco-friendly Phuket Smart Bus express. Phuket’s transport scene is getting a high-voltage makeover with the launch of the spanking new Phuket Smart Bus service, and it’s already steering the island’s travel scene in a new direction. Connecting Phuket Town and Patong with ease and style, this service is run by Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD) and…

  • Phuket NewsNew Russian Consul General Ivanov meets with Phuket Governor

    New Russian Consul General Ivanov meets with Phuket Governor

    Egor Ivanov, the newly appointed Russian Consul General for Phuket, met with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat yesterday to formally introduce himself after his credentials were accepted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the meeting, Ivanov expressed his gratitude to Governor Sophon and his team for their efforts in looking after Russian tourists. He also conveyed his readiness to support…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket governor celebrates SDG localisation at Bangkok event

    Phuket governor celebrates SDG localisation at Bangkok event

    Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat participated in the closing ceremony of the SDGs Localisation: Thailand’s Journey Towards Sustainability project orchestrated by the United Nations in Bangkok yesterday. The event, held at the ESCAP Hall meeting room at the United Nations Conference Centre on Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, served as a platform to spotlight Thailand’s initiatives in integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket governor endorses special administrative status transition

    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 NewsMonkey mayhem: Phuket officials tackle trespass trouble and rampaging macaques in Khao Toh Sae

    Monkey mayhem: Phuket officials tackle trespass trouble and rampaging macaques in Khao Toh Sae

    The Phuket vice governor chaired a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the issue of trespassing on Khao Toh Sae, Phuket, and the increasing cases of macaques attacking tourists and locals alike. Held at the offices of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO), government officials including those from the Phuket Provincial Ombudsman’s Office and Phuket Forestry were in attendance. Complaints have…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket to host Thailand Biennale 2025 boosting local economy

    Phuket to host Thailand Biennale 2025 boosting local economy

    Phuket is set to host the Thailand Biennale 2025 festival next year, which is expected to inject fresh vitality into the island’s economy. The announcement was made by the local authorities and it has sparked a wave of anticipation among the residents and businesses alike. Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket, confirmed that the decision was taken by Sermsak Phongpanich, the…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket greets third Vice Governor, Norasak Suksomboon

    Phuket greets third Vice Governor, Norasak Suksomboon

    The tropical island of Phuket welcomed its third Vice Governor, Norasak Suksomboon, who has recently taken up the mantle of his duties. Norasak is part of a three-member team assigned to assist Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat in managing the island’s affairs. Norasak, whose primary area of responsibility is Social Affairs at the Phuket Provincial Office, isn’t a stranger to administrative…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket governor casts first vote in General Election

    Phuket governor casts first vote in General Election

    Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew kicked off the General Election process on the island by casting the first vote at the Phuket Auditorium in Phuket Town today. The Phuket Auditorium, located at the government administration centre on Tha Kraeng Road, is one of 22 polling stations established throughout the Talad Yai sub-district of Phuket Town. Candidates are vying for Constituency 1…

  • Phuket NewsGovernor cancels plan to allow all night drinking in Phuket on New Year’s Eve

    Governor cancels plan to allow all night drinking in Phuket on New Year’s Eve

    The Phuket News is reporting that plans to allow the sale of alcohol throughout the night during New Year’s Eve on the southern island have been scrapped. Governor Narong Woonciew had recently issued an order confirming that the sale of alcohol would be extended from 11pm on December 31 until 6am on January 1. However, a notice posted last night…

  • Thailand video news3 categories allowed back in Thailand, Updates on re-opening | Good Morning Thailand | Ep. 115

    3 categories allowed back in Thailand, Updates on re-opening | Good Morning Thailand | Ep. 115

    In today’s episode Jay and Tim talk about the 3 categories of tourists allowed back into Thailand, Updates on reopening and an increase in the no. of countries allowed to enter Thailand without quarantine starting November 1st, Joe Ferrari update and the full moon party.

  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Thai PM sued, 4 phase Reopening plan | September 28

    Thailand News Today | Thai PM sued, 4 phase Reopening plan | September 28

    Jett goes through all the main headlines across Thailand that include: The Thai Prime Minister is being sued for alleged mismanagement of Covid-19 pandemic, CCSA has announced its plan to gradually reopen the country in 4 phases and the governor of Phuket has lodged a formal appeal for the resumption of nightlife and alcohol sales in the island province.

  • Phuket NewsVaccinated domestic travellers allowed to enter Phuket starting next week

    Vaccinated domestic travellers allowed to enter Phuket starting next week

    Domestic travellers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to enter Phuket starting on September 8, Phuket Governor Narong Woonsiew announced. Travellers from overseas have been able to enter the island province under the “Sandbox” model, but with the rise of Covid-19 cases, Phuket officials imposed tight restrictions on domestic entry. Travellers will need to book and pay for…

  • Thailand NewsCovid UPDATE: 18,027 infections, provincial totals

    Covid UPDATE: 18,027 infections, provincial totals

    Today the public health department has announced an additional 18,027 infections and 133 Covid-related deaths from the past 24 hours. 374 of the new cases were found in Thai prisons. 13,402 patients have been released from hospital. Yesterday there were 18,912 new infections announced, a record high. 4,691 patients are still under care in ICU with 1,012 people on ventilators. Vaccines……

  • Thailand NewsCovid UPDATE Sunday: 18,027 infections, expat vaccine registration

    Covid UPDATE Sunday: 18,027 infections, expat vaccine registration

    Today the public health department has announced an additional 18,027 infections and 133 Covid-related deaths from the past 24 hours. 374 of the new cases were found in Thai prisons. 13,402 patients have been released from hospital. Yesterday there were 18,912 new infections announced, a record high. 4,691 patients are still under care in ICU with 1,012 people on ventilators. Thai…

  • Tourism NewsFull text of Phuket Sandbox order released in English

    Full text of Phuket Sandbox order released in English

    Today, Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew signed Phuket Province Order No. 3491/2564 officially detailing the rules of the Sandbox reopening. While most provisions have been widely discussed – fully vaccinated travellers coming from at least 3 weeks in a low- to medium-risk country, negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours, US $100,000 Covid-19 insurance, 14 days in an SHA+ hotel, tests on…

  • Tourism NewsPhuket governer reviews rules, new details for July 1 arrivals

    Phuket governer reviews rules, new details for July 1 arrivals

    In announcing what is expected for the first arrivals in the Phuket Sandbox plan on July 1, Governor Narong Woonsew mostly reconfirmed the rules set out, though a few details and additions came to light. Thailand will welcome back international travellers with the first international flights arriving next Friday. The first arrivals to Phuket will be fully vaccinated Europeans from…

  • Covid-19 NewsUPDATE: Phuket extends current Covid restrictions from June 1 “until further notice”

    UPDATE: Phuket extends current Covid restrictions from June 1 “until further notice”

    UPDATE: Today’s planned vaccination of foreign staff and teachers at Phuket Headstart International School was cancelled last night at 9pm without explanation. Also information about kids travelling to Phuket with parent from July 1 HERE. ORIGINAL STORY: On one hand Phuket officials are extending restrictions to control the Covid situation, and on the other hand the TAT is talking up the…

  • Covid-19 NewsPhuket Gov issues English letter urging Covid-19 compliance

    Phuket Gov issues English letter urging Covid-19 compliance

    This afternoon Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew issued a direct letter, apparently aimed at foreigners. The letter urged that everyone comply with the island’s Covid-19 restrictions to try to eliminate the virus. The letter is a formal request marked urgent, written in English implying that it is directed at foreigners, issued by the Directing Division of the Phuket Governor’s office at…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid-19 infections cast doubt on plan to reopen Phuket July 1

    Covid-19 infections cast doubt on plan to reopen Phuket July 1

    With surging Covid-19 infections, the original plan for Phuket to reopen the international border to tourism on July 1st without quarantine may be unlikely. The governor warned today that the plan may be in jeopardy if they don’t reach the proposed May 15 goal of reducing infections to less than 10 each day. Governor Narong Woonciew called on everyone to…

  • Crime News2 Phuket Town nightclubs shut down after allegedly violating multiple laws

    2 Phuket Town nightclubs shut down after allegedly violating multiple laws

    2 Phuket Town nightclubs are shutting down after allegedly violating multiple laws. The Maldives and H20 on Lim Sui Ju Road, on the south end of Phuket Town were ordered by the Phuket Governor to close immediately, with the Maldives being ordered to close for 5 years. The order comes after the Phuket City Police inspected the Maldives club, arresting…

  • Covid-19 NewsVisitors to Phuket from “highest risk” areas must show Covid-19 test results

    Visitors to Phuket from “highest risk” areas must show Covid-19 test results

    People arriving Phuket from the “highest risk” areas are required to take a swab test by the staff at emergency operation centres (EOC) or show the test result document endorsed by the EOC staff made within 72 hours of their arrival. The revised order is effective from now until January 31, according to the Phuket Governor. Those people who are…

  • Covid-19 NewsLate-night alcohol ban in Phuket, bars to close at midnight

    Late-night alcohol ban in Phuket, bars to close at midnight

    Bars and other entertainment venues in Phuket must close at midnight, according to an order imposed by Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Restaurants can stay open late, but are ordered to stop selling alcohol at midnight. The order is effective today until January 20, but could be extended further if the Covid-19 situation does not improve.…

  • Covid-19 NewsUPDATE: Phuket announces restrictions for travel to Phuket

    UPDATE: Phuket announces restrictions for travel to Phuket

    Thailand: ‘Real world’ versus the ‘rules’, Part 378. Arriving in Phuket this morning (Sunday), nearly 24 hours after the introduction of new restrictions for travellers back to the island from around Thailand, we’ve had 4 people contact The Thaiger saying that ‘nothing has changed’ from recent weeks. On 2 of the flights the passengers were asked, before boarding’ to download…

  • Phuket NewsUp to 20,000 baht fine for not wearing a mask in Phuket

    Up to 20,000 baht fine for not wearing a mask in Phuket

    Wear a mask or pay a hefty fine… and possibly even go to jail. Phuket governor Narong Woonciew issued an immediate order requiring people in the island province to wear a face mask while in public to control the spread of Covid-19. Those who violate the order could face a 20,000 baht fine. Those who breach the order can also…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket government plans to require quarantine for “red zone” arrivals

    Phuket government plans to require quarantine for “red zone” arrivals

    People travelling to Phuket from a province classified as a “red zone” for a high risk of Covid-19 will face a 14 day quarantine, either at a facility or at a resident’s home, according to Phuket governor Narong Woonciew. A provincial order has not been issued yet and people can still enter Phuket without a required quarantine. Travellers coming from…

  • Phuket NewsCheaper flights to Phuket a possibility to help revive the tourism industry

    Cheaper flights to Phuket a possibility to help revive the tourism industry

    Some say cheaper flights to Phuket will entice people to visit the island and get the once booming tourist destination back on its feet. Along with talk of lowering the price of tickets, those at a stakeholder meeting at the Thai Airways International headquarters in Bangkok say more direct international flights to the island also need to be reinstated. The…

  • Visa Information“Administrative issues” delayed Special Tourist Visa flight

    “Administrative issues” delayed Special Tourist Visa flight

    A senior tourism official told Reuters reporters that “administrative issues” are the reason for the delayed trip of foreigners on the Special Tourist Visa. Other officials claimed the postponement was done to help ease Covid-19 fears for Thai tourists planning on travelling to Phuket for the annual Vegetarian Festival later this month. A group of 120 to 150 foreigners on…

  • Tourism NewsPhuket’s governor calls for help in restoring island’s economy

    Phuket’s governor calls for help in restoring island’s economy

    The governor of Phuket has likened the southern province to a “patient in a coma”, as he pleads for help to restore its devastated economy. According to a report in the Bangkok Post, Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew was addressing a Public Health Association forum, where he highlighted the economic crisis caused by the ongoing ban on international tourists. The island’s…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Governor requests 38 million baht to finally finish Provincial Hall

    Phuket Governor requests 38 million baht to finally finish Provincial Hall

    The Governor of Phuket, Phakaphong Tavipatana, confirms he has requested 38 million baht for the long-awaited completion of Phuket Provincial Hall on the south side of Phuket town. Last October, he had asked for a new contractor to be appointed by December, but that never happened. It’s understood he has now filed a request with the Ministry of Interior in…