Phuket News
Phuket news, politics, business, tourism, and nightlife—stay updated with breaking stories, events, and expat updates from Thailand’s top island destination. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Phuket news source.
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Thailand is a popular destination for expats due to its affordable lifestyle and excellent healthcare system. However, settling in a new country often brings health concerns. To ensure you’re covered for the most common medical needs, understanding what expat health...
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Chalong Bay luxury yacht goes up in flames
A 34.2-metre luxury yacht yesterday suffered extensive damage in a dramatic blaze, which left its towering mast levelled. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) sprang into action around 3pm, dispatching two boats, Tor 111 and Tor 272, to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the yacht, Obsession II, anchored and continuously burning. The yacht’s crew, who…
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Cash clash: Temple abbot stabbed over 20-baht in Phuket
A suspected drug addict stabbed an abbot from the Phra Thong Temple in Phuket after the monk delayed giving the attacker 20 baht in cash. Officers from Thalang Police Station investigated Phra Thong Temple after being notified of the stabbing at around 11pm on May 19. The temple’s abbot, Phra Kru Suwan Phuttapiban, was the victim. He sustained a stab…
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Phuket cracks down on illegal jet-ski operations in Yamu Bay
Phuket police cracked down on illegal jet-ski operations in Yamu Bay and the neighbouring areas of Ao Por, Koh Rang, Koh Rang Noi, and Naka Island, all situated off the east coast of the island. Natchapong Pranit, Director of the Marine Department Region 5 office (Phuket Marine Office), revealed that the operation was initiated following numerous complaints from locals. They…
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British tourist stabbed in gang assault on Bangla Road, Patong
Patong police are currently pursuing a group of men responsible for a gang assault on Bangla Road that left a British tourist injured early yesterday morning. The incident took place near a 7-Eleven close to Soi Sea Dragon at 4.40am. Charlie Faulkner, a British tourist, was found with a stab wound on his lower left side when officers arrived at…
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Patong: Intoxicated tourist causes chaos on Thaweewong Road
Authorities in Patong had to intervene when a foreign tourist, heavily intoxicated, caused a disturbance on Thaweewong Road early Tuesday morning, May 14. Despite the incident occurring four days prior, details were released today, underscoring that officers adhered to standard police protocols. At approximately 2.30am on Tuesday, Patong Police Station received multiple alerts from concerned citizens and tourists about a…
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Thailand unveils Phuket monorail plan to improve transport
The government unveiled an ambitious plan to enhance Phuket’s transportation infrastructure, featuring a new monorail system linking the airport and Phuket Town. This initiative arises from the island’s robust economic performance, with over 300 billion baht in circulation last year. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recognised Phuket’s potential, aligning with the government’s strategy to…
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Taxi dispute disrupts tourists at Phuket’s Cafe del Mar
Taxi drivers in front of Cafe del Mar in Kamala have once again caused a disturbance that has negatively impacted tourists’ experiences in Phuket. A complaint was lodged at Kamala Police Station following an incident on Wednesday night. A metered taxi driver, 40 year old Chalermphon Kwanyuen, received a booking via the Bolt app to pick up passengers from Cafe…
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Israeli girl dies in tuk tuk accident on Patong Beach Road
A tragic accident claimed the life of a young Israeli girl on Patong Beach Road last night. Patong police received a report at 10.40pm that a five year old girl, Nbaa Bahnasi from Jerusalem, had fallen from a tuk tuk while travelling with her family on Thaweewong Road. The tuk tuk driver, 51 year old Bunyang Kaewaksorn, explained to the…
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Palm tree lands on car during thunderstorm in Phuket
A palm tree fell onto a passing car on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket during a thunderstorm yesterday evening, prompting officials to urge motorists to drive cautiously in such weather. Thalang Police received reports of the incident around 6pm. Upon arrival, police and rescue workers found a heavily damaged white Suzuki car registered in Phuket. The car, which had also collided…
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Phuket man arrested for illegal firearms, ammo possession
Thalang Police in Phuket apprehended a man in Srisoonthorn for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The arrest took place yesterday evening after law enforcement received a tip-off regarding suspicious activities at an unregistered house. Officers arrived at the residence at 8pm, where they found Amarin Khanitthanam standing near the open front door. After identifying themselves, the police questioned…
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Shell-abrate: Phuket releases baby leatherback turtles into Indian Ocean
Eleven baby leatherback sea turtles have been released into the Indian Ocean off the coast of Phuket, Thailand. Marine conservationists are hopeful these turtles will thrive in the wild and return to lay eggs in approximately two decades. These young turtles, each around the size of a rugby ball and a year old, are the result of an intensive conservation…
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From Russia with blow: Cocaine bust nets three Nigerians
A Russian man‘s arrest in Wichit for cocaine possession has led to the apprehension of three Nigerian nationals, identified as significant drug dealers in Phuket. The Immigration Bureau announced these arrests during a press conference held yesterday in Bangkok. The operation began in early April following a tip-off regarding a 38 year old Russian national, referred to as Denis (not…
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Phuket: International gang nabbed for selling illicit drugs
In a crackdown on an international drug ring, Phuket police have arrested one Russian and three Nigerian men for allegedly selling a cocktail of illicit drugs including cocaine, ecstasy, and crystal meth. Police Major General Phanthana Nutchanart, Deputy Chief of the Immigration Bureau, detailed the dramatic arrests to reporters yesterday. “Three suspects were found distributing cocaine last weekend.” The suspects,…
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Phuket gears up for unique senator selection process
Phuket prepares for senatorial selection with Governor Sophon Suwannarat at the helm. Phuket’s approach to selecting its next senator takes an unorthodox turn, as the process described in official notices by the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) Phuket oddly employs the term elected for what is essentially an appointment. The process, outlined in the Royal Gazette on May 13, allows…
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Taste triumph: Macao’s gastronomic diplomacy takes Phuket by storm
Macao’s delectable journey towards gastronomic greatness hit new heights as the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) graced the inaugural UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Annual Conference in Phuket. From May 10 to 12, the conference acted as a culinary cauldron, bringing together gastronomic geniuses from across the globe under one roof. Hosted by Phuket, the conference served up a three-day…
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Trans-tussle: Video captures fight between Pattaya and Phuket transwomen (video)
In a scene straight out of a Russ Meyer movie, a video recently went viral depicting a violent clash between a group of ladyboys in Soi Bangla, Phuket, and a squad of transwomen from Pattaya. Pictures and videos of the altercation were shared widely on Thai social media. In one video, a group of transgender women confront another transgender woman…
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Thai Vietjet halts Phuket-Chiang Rai flights
Thai Vietjet has abruptly cancelled its direct flights between Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, and Phuket, a favourite destination on the Andaman Sea coast. The budget airline remained tight-lipped about the sudden suspension. However, the timetable for May 1 to 31, filed with Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport and posted on its Facebook page, indicates that the final…
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Phuket’s Sarasin Bridge to remain amid new construction plans
Phuket’s iconic Sarasin Bridge is set to remain untouched amid plans to construct a new bridge connecting the island to the mainland, according to Yutthana Phitak, the Chief of Phuket Highways Office. The announcement was made at a meeting held yesterday to address concerns over the Sarasin Bridge’s future, sparked by social media rumours of its potential demolition. The Sarasin…
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Alcohol fuelled Phuket man arrested for axe attack on wife
A Chiang Mai native was arrested yesterday in Srisoonthorn, Phuket, following a violent domestic incident. During a heated argument fuelled by alcohol, 56 year old Insorn Bousai reportedly attacked his 52 year old wife, Boonjun Buasai, with an axe, causing severe injury to her foot. Thalang police, led by Police Lieutenant Thitiwat Asasingh, were informed of the distressing event at…
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Phuket gears up for Discover Phuket Pride 2024 to boost tourism
Phuket City Municipality, in its drive to bolster tourism and uphold inclusivity, is preparing for the forthcoming Discover Phuket Pride 2024 @ Old Town festival. Set to take place on Saturday, June 29, the event is designed to commemorate the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to the urban area’s economic expansion. The announcement of the event by Saroj Angkhanapilas, the Mayor…
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Russian woman dies in tragic Phuket’s bypass road accident
A fatal accident occurred early this morning on Phuket’s bypass road when a 23 year old Russian woman was hit and killed by a pickup truck. The unfortunate event happened on the southbound lanes, near the Samkong Underpass. Phuket City Police responded to the distress call at 2.17am. Upon arriving at the scene, alongside Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers, they discovered…
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Phuket targets Middle Eastern market to counter seasonal tourism slump
Phuket’s tourism industry has set its sights on the affluent Middle Eastern market to counterbalance the seasonal slump in arrivals from Russia and Europe. Over 30 Phuket hospitality businesses presented their offerings at the Arabian Travel Market 2024 (ATM 2024) held in Dubai, aiming to attract high-spending tourists from the region. The ATM 2024, conducted from May 6 to May…
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Thai policeman accused of brutally abusing cat in Phuket
A Russian couple holidaying in Phuket were left reeling in horror after witnessing a Thai policeman abusing a cat, captured in shocking video footage. The couple, Stanislav and Gromova, recounted the gruesome scene that unfolded in the Chalong subdistrict of Phuket, where a Thai man, suspected to be a policeman, subjected a defenceless cat to a vicious assault, leading to…
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British man nabbed for souring Phuket eatery’s reputation
Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a British man for allegedly defaming an Italian restaurant in Phuket with negative reviews on Google after a two-year long conflict with the restaurant owner. The restaurant owner filed a complaint with the Sakhu Police Station officers after noticing a sudden drop in their Google Maps rating, from 4.9 stars to 3.1…
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Phuket power play: Deputy PM aims to dismantle influential figures
A campaign to dismantle the influence of Thai and foreign powerful figures in Phuket has been launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul. The initiative was announced before an assembly of 550 officers yesterday at the Phuket Provincial Police Station, aiming to disrupt any criminal networks promoted by said figures. As the campaign’s primary aim…
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Free electric buses spark hope in Phuket’s traffic chaos
In the heart of Phuket’s Old Town, where tourists flock to soak in the community’s charm, a groundbreaking project has taken flight to combat congestion and pollution. Led by local businesses, the Phuket Smart Bus EV initiative promises a greener, smoother journey for all. To tackle the notorious traffic gridlock plaguing Phuket’s picturesque Old Town, a group of local businesses…
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Thailand’s silver screen success with ‘Mother of the Bride’ in Phuket
Thailand’s tropical gem, Phuket, steals the spotlight in the upcoming Netflix rom-com Mother of the Bride, set against the stunning backdrop of Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. Directed by Mark Waters and featuring Hollywood heavyweights including Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove, and Benjamin Bratt, this film not only showcases Thailand’s natural beauty but also cements its…
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Phuket authorities to tackle pollution for tourism and ecosystem
In a bid to protect the local environment and maintain the tourist appeal of Phuket, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan urged local authorities to take firm action against pollution. The concern comes amid an increasing accumulation of fishing net waste and monsoon debris in Phuket and its adjacent marine areas,…
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Phuket governor and British ambassador discuss tourist safety
Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket, hosted Mark Gooding, the British Ambassador to Thailand, in a meeting on May 7, focusing on the safety of tourists. The meeting, which took place at the Phuket Provincial Hall, aimed to foster relations between Phuket and the British Government. Governor Sophon emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of tourists, particularly by reducing…
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Russian arrested in Phuket for illegal mushroom possession
A 29 year old Russian national was arrested in Phuket for possessing hallucinogenic buffalo dung mushrooms, a substance classified under Thailand’s Type 5 narcotics, without permission. The arrest occurred today, May 9, during a coordinated operation by police in Patong, a district in the Kathu area of the island. The operation, led by police chiefs Chalermchai Hernsawat and Sompron Surin,…
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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