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 The Four Twenty experience: From seed to sale at one of the most famous cannabis dispensaries in Thailand
Four Twenty is already a household name in Thailand’s relatively new legal cannabis scene, and for good reason. Their meteoric rise can be attributed to a combination of factors, mainly their top-quality cannabis and their dedication to providing a unique...
-
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…
-
Myriad of drug raids in Phuket yields over 4,000 meth pills
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived in Phuket yesterday to news that the local police declared a series of detentions in recent anti-drug operations, with raids leading to the capture of over 4,000 methamphetamine pills, also known as Yaba. One such operation by the Phuket City Police dismantled a significant drug network leading to the arrest of nine individuals. Among these,…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
Shock delay: Phuket’s electrifying free bus service hits a roadblock
The eagerly awaited launch of Phuket’s electrifying free bus service has been put on hold until May 17, as revealed by the local business consortium, Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD). This unexpected detour stems from licensing procedures that have hit a few bumps in the road, causing the delay. PKCD, in conjunction with the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, expressed…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
British expat killed in Phuket traffic accident
A tragic traffic incident claimed the life of a 65 year old British woman in Kamala, Phuket. A white passenger van, careening through a red light at the main intersection, struck the long-term British resident on Sunday, May 5, ending her life abruptly on the spot. The brutal force of collision hurled her body over 20 metres down the road…
-
Man mistakenly shot as mouse deer in Phuket jungle
Phuket’s Karon View Point jungle was the scene of a tragic and unusual death when a 40 year old man was mistakenly shot by his friend, who mistook him for a mouse deer. The body was discovered late on May 5. Responding to the alert around 11.30pm, police arrived at the area, which was situated behind the Sabai Corner Restaurant.…
-
Uzbekistan tourist dies after ignoring rip current warning in Phuket
A strong rip current at Kata Noi Beach in Phuket claimed the life of a 41 year old Uzbekistan tourist. He was declared dead at Chalong Hospital yesterday afternoon following his encounter with the deadly current. His death was reported to Karon Police around 3.30pm. An investigation into Sadullo Tashtemirovich Saidov’s unfortunate demise revealed that he, along with a group…
-
Fatal accident on Patong Hill Phuket claims two lives
A fatal accident occurred last night on Phra Baramee Road on the Kathu side of Patong Hill, Phuket, claiming the lives of two individuals and leaving several others injured. The incident involved a pickup truck, which had been transporting workers, veering off its lane and colliding with a motorcycle. The accident, which transpired in front of the popular Tiger Kingdom…
-
Man’s body discovered in Phuket jungle: No signs of foul play
The body of 40 year old man was discovered at the base of a hill by the coastline near Karon View Point, Phuket on the evening of May 5. The authorities were notified of the discovery of the man, Haschai Khaokhem, at approximately 11.30pm. Upon arrival at the location, which was in the jungle behind the Sabai Corner Restaurant, police…
-
British man arrested at Phuket Airport for possession of cocaine
Police arrested a British man at Phuket International Airport on May 2 after discovering cocaine hidden within his passport. The arrest of the 29 year old British man, Jamie Louise Swain, was made at the immigration checkpoint of Phuket Airport at around 7pm on May 2. Swain arrived in Phuket on Etihad Airways flight EY 432. Police Corporal Prawwadee Suphasit,…
-
British man lost in Thailand, family issues SOS appeal
The family of a British man issued an SOS after he went AWOL while on holiday in Thailand. Scottish man David Goldthorpe has vanished in Thailand after booking a holiday in the Land of Smiles to celebrate his retirement. The 65 year old Edinburgh-born retiree was supposed to fly home Sunday, May 5, but never boarded his flight, leaving his…
-
Phuket governor inspects aerator for canal odour control
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently examined the aerator installed in Klong Pak Bang, Kamla, as part of a broader effort to combat the unpleasant odour emanating from the canal. The governor’s visit took place over the weekend, joined by the likes of Phuket MP Chalermphong Saengdee, Advisor to the Governor of Phuket Province, Dr Somkid Chokong, and several local officials,…
-
Bangkok maintains top spot as tourist hotspot
Thailand’s vibrant capital of Bangkok retained its crown as the top tourist hotspot for the month of March, with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports‘ data revealing an impressive 4,459,579 visitors. The city, known for its bustling markets, opulent shrines, and vibrant street life, saw international tourists making up 49.60% of the visitors, leading to a hotel occupancy rate of…
-
Myanmar man ignores swimming warning, drowns at Phuket beach
Tragedy unfolded as a 20 year old Myanmar man drowned at Kalim Beach in Phuket. Despite the presence of a red no swimming flag, Nay Myo Zaw and his friends decided to swim in the area. The incident transpired around 12.23pm yesterday, May 5, with local authorities promptly informed. Nay Myo Zaw arrived at the beach with three of his…
-
Patong police increase beach patrols to curb illegal activities
Patong police and officials from Patong Municipality ramped up their patrols on Patong Beach to clamp down on violations such as the illegal sale of fireworks and night-time alcohol vending. The increased surveillance, which began on May 3 at 11pm, also seeks to enforce restrictions on the setting up of tables and chairs on the beach. The raid was directed by…
-
French tourists arrested in Phuket for damaging police chain
Phuket police recently apprehended two French tourists in Patong, Loma Circle, who were caught damaging a police chain used to secure their illegally parked motorbike. The arrest took place on May 2 and was publicised by Patong Police Station only two days after the launch of the You Cut, I Catch campaign by Phuket City Police Chief, Pratuang Pholmana. The…
-
Phuket man narrowly escapes as electric motorcycle bursts into flames
A 28 year old man, Wichuthat Chotchuang, narrowly avoided harm when his electric motorcycle ignited into flames mid-ride on Thepkrasattri Road, Phuket, yesterday afternoon, May 3. Wichuthat, a resident of Moo 1, Thepkrasattri, was headed north on Thepkrasattri Road at around 5.20pm when he observed smoke emanating from his motorcycle. Acting quickly, he managed to pull over near the entrance…
-
Woman jumps off bridge in Phuket due to chronic depression
A 32 year old woman contending with chronic depression jumped off the Thepsrisin Bridge in Phuket early this morning. The bridge, a link between Saphan Hin and Sakdidet Road, was the location of this distressing event. The woman, who resides on Montri Road in Phuket Town, was swiftly transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital for her sustained injuries. The police were…
-
Thaksin Shinawatra’s leisure trip to Phuket sparks controversy
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra stirred controversy following his recent visit to Phuket, which was initially presented as a casual leisure trip. The trip has come under scrutiny as Thaksin was observed mingling with various business figures and local administrative authorities on the island. Local reports stated that this incident prompted speculation about the actual intention behind Thaksin’s trip…
-
Tourist allegedly assaulted by group of ladyboys in Phuket
A tourist became the centre of an unpleasant incident on Bangla Road, Phuket, when he was allegedly assaulted by a group of transgender women, widely referred to as ladyboys in Thailand, in the early hours of yesterday morning. The event is currently under investigation by the Patong Police. Patong Police reported yesterday that they had called in multiple witnesses to…
-
Fatal motorbike crash in Phuket raises road safety concerns
A fatal accident occurred in Phuket early today when a Honda Wave 110 motorbike crashed into a roadside concrete table, claiming the life of a 45 year old passenger. The 44 year old motorbike driver, Nikorn Srirod, reportedly fell asleep at the wheel, leading to the unfortunate event. Emergency responders arrived on the scene, in front of Mueang Mai City…
-
Growing drug problem grips Phuket as arrests increase by 6.21%
Phuket, an island mainly known for its tourism, is grappling with an escalating drug problem, according to the Phuket Provincial Narcotics Prevention and Suppression Centre committee. The drug issue has seen a 6.21% increase between October last year and March this year, with 1,335 arrests made in 78 drug-related cases, excluding kratom and marijuana. The report, presented during a recent…
-
Unidentified foreign woman’s body found on Phuket beach
In Phuket, a foreign woman’s body was discovered floating in the waters off Freedom Beach yesterday. Karon police received word of the grim find around 2.45pm. A subsequent recovery mission was swiftly assembled, with Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers utilising a rubber dinghy to retrieve the body and transport it ashore near Nong Harn Lake in Karon. The deceased is thought…
-
Phuket tourism industry hit by escalating water shortage
Phuket‘s tourism sector is grappling with an escalating water shortage crisis, as hotel operators face rising costs due to the scarcity. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, the Phuket Tourist Association President, yesterday, May 1, called on the government for a sustainable solution to the annual water deficits. He cited that the primary reservoirs, Bang Wad, Klong Kata, and Bang Neow Dum, are currently…
-
Patong police intensify crackdown on drink driving in Phuket
Patong Police, located in Phuket’s prominent tourist town, ramped up their efforts against drink driving, arresting nine people over the past five days for their reckless behaviour. Among those detained were a mix of Thai and foreign nationals, including 34 year old Spanish man Cabria Gonzales, who was charged for drink driving last Thursday after he was stopped between 1am…
-
Turkish man in Phuket cuts chain on illegally parked motorbike
A Turkish national has been apprehended and charged by the Phuket City Police after he used pliers to sever a police chain on his motorbike. The motorbike was parked illegally in a no-parking zone in Phuket Town, and the police had secured it with a chain to prevent removal. The incident unfolded last Friday, April 26, and came to public…
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.