Phuket

  • Phuket News

    Drumming up excitement: Phuket’s Surin Beach beats to the rhythm of tourism’s future with groundbreaking Glass Terrace project

    The sound of ceremonial drums echoed across Surin Beach, Phuket, early this morning marking the start of construction on a project of substantial tourism potential – the Glass Terrace. With an estimated completion time of two years, this 198 million baht project is anticipated to become a significant tourist attraction along the island’s west coast. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony was…

  • Phuket Travel

    Fun Phuket facts: history, culture, and natural beauty

    With its immaculate beaches, abundant palm trees, and warm blue waters, Phuket, the biggest island in Thailand, entices tourists with the beauty of a tropical paradise. There is more to this picture-perfect getaway than first meets the eye, though. Phuket boasts an extensive and varied past that captivates both residents and visitors, from its mountainous terrain to its cultural events and historical…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket’s fungicide frenzy: Patong crackdown on magic mushrooms keeps the tourist hub trippin’ free

    The bustling tourist hub of Patong, Phuket, is witnessing a relentless crackdown by local law enforcement against the illicit trade of hallucinogenic fungi, commonly known as magic mushrooms. This campaign was further intensified with the recent apprehension of two individuals on the vibrant Bangla Road. The duo was detained in the wee hours of November 8 at the popular “Puff…

  • Phuket News

    Whale of a time: Holidaymakers treated to rare sea spectacle near Phuket

    Holidaymakers on a leisurely boat tour around the Racha Islands, located south of Phuket, yesterday were privy to a thrilling spectacle: the rare sight of a whale in its natural habitat, a relatively unusual occurrence in these parts. The Star Sailing Club’s head, Ilya Saldaev, captured and shared footage of the majestic creature breaking the water’s surface on social media.…

  • Phuket News

    Seven-coloured lobster launch: Phuket’s splashy conservation effort

    Halfway between Cape Panwa and Koh Lone, on the small island of Koh Thanan under the jurisdiction of Wichit, a conservation effort unfolded yesterday. The Phuket Fisheries Office, alongside local farmers and fishing groups, released a staggering 700,000 larvae of a local delicacy, the seven-coloured lobster, along with 500,000 black tiger shrimp into the waters off Phuket, Thailand. This massive…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket man found dead in apparent suicide, mental health issues suspected

    The tranquillity of a peaceful neighbourhood in Kathu, Phuket was shattered in the early hours of yesterday as a gunshot echoed through the narrow lanes of Soi Si Kor, Moo 6 and a Thai man was found dead. The victim was identified as a 62 year old former school janitor from Patong. His lifeless body was discovered in a two-storey…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket’s Safety Sandbox: Island paradise prepares for full-scale safety drill

    Phuket, a tropical paradise best known for its white sandy beaches, is gearing up for a comprehensive safety drill. Dubbed the Safety Phuket Island Sandbox, the exercise is slated for November 26 and will unfold in three different locations across the island. The initiative will showcase the readiness of emergency services while providing hands-on experience for the island’s emergency responders.…

  • Phuket News

    Russian tourist’s iPhone odyssey: Close call on Phuket taxi

    A Russian tourist had a close call when he inadvertently left his iPhone in a taxi on his way to Phuket International Airport last Friday. The tourist, whose identity remains undisclosed, was able to retrieve his phone in a nick of time before his flight back to Russia took off, all thanks to the combined efforts of the Phuket Tourist…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket blood shortage plea: Paradise in peril seeks tourists’ rescue

    The tropical island paradise of Phuket, usually a favourite destination for tourists and expats alike, now urgently calls for their help. As the high tourism season kicks off, the island is faced with a critical blood shortage, particularly for the RH-Negative type, prompting an island-wide blood donation drive throughout this month. The plea for blood donations was made public by…

  • Sponsored

    How Phuket’s once tourism-reliant Greater Bangtao is tranforming into an international ‘Gold-Coast’ community

    Phuket’s once-quiet beachside west coast community of Bangtao is experiencing an unparalleled surge in real estate development. According to new research from C9 Hotelworks, there are currently 7,842 condominium units (click to see upcoming project map). Added to the supply influx are just over 2,400 upscale and luxury homes, which equate to a pipeline of more than 10,000 residential units…

  • Things To Do

    Top 5 beaches to visit in Phuket

    One of the best things about visiting Thailand is, indeed, its beaches, which are some of the most beautiful in the world. Phuket, in Thailand’s south, is one of the most popular areas to be a beach bum. Located off the Andaman Sea, the islands surrounding it provide day trips galore. But, a few of those beaches seem to provide…

  • Phuket News

    Phra Mettha Road in Phuket reopens after four-month closure

    Phuket’s Phra Mettha Road, which had been sealed off for approximately four months, once again welcomed the hustle and bustle of traffic on November 1. The artery of Patong, this road spans 1 kilometre behind the Jungceylon shopping mall, stretching from Soi Banzaan to Soi Nanai Ruamjai. The closure, which began on June 20, was necessary for the construction of…

  • Things To Do

    Top 5 wedding planners in Phuket

    Achieving your dream wedding is all about organisation, details, style, taste levels and logistics. At first, this may seem daunting and can often lead to a fair share of stress. This is further intensified when executing a destination wedding, like in the tropical haven of Phuket, as unique obstacles can arise. Thus, to ensure maximum ease and effect, we’ve compiled…

  • Phuket News

    22-wheeled truck mayhem: Woman’s lucky escape in Phuket smash

    An early morning encounter between a car and a 22-wheeled truck resulted in a shocking crash in the Samkong Underpass, in Phuket today. Miraculously, the car’s driver, a woman, managed to avoid grave injuries despite her vehicle being severely crushed in the accident. Phuket City Police, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Udom Phetcharat, received the distress call at 4.15am. On…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket police’s drug sweep bags 49,000 meth tablets and 4.43 grammes of crystal clear success

    In a sweeping crackdown against narcotics in Phuket Town, the Phuket Provincial Police successfully confiscated a hefty amount of illegal drugs, totalling over 49,000 methamphetamine tablets and 4.43 grams of crystal meth. The street value of the seized drugs is estimated to be more than 800,000 baht. This operation targeted various drug dealers across the city and resulted in multiple…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket advances new road project to ease traffic and boost disaster resilience

    The working group tasked with overseeing the proposed new road project linking Kathu and Srisoonthorn in Phuket confirmed that it will proceed with the required surveys and inspections. The group will also create maps delineating the land boundaries, thus paving the way for the road’s construction. The working group, led by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan, convened at Phuket Provincial…

  • Phuket News

    Court sentences man to 27 months for defamation against former Phuket governor

    A 27-month jail term has been handed down to Aiya Phetthong by the Phuket Provincial Court, following his guilty verdict for defamation. The charges stemmed from his online posts alleging that former Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew was involved in an illegal operation smuggling Muslims into Phuket in 2021. The formal complaint against Phetthong, who is a registered resident of the…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket’s nightlife venues to stay open till 4am boosting tourism and economy

    Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat called upon local authorities to prepare themselves for the island’s nightlife venues, which remain open until 4am. This directive was issued during a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall, where officials were instructed to identify the precise areas or zones where the late-night operations would be applicable. The urgency for Phuket’s officials is palpable. Deputy Prime Minister…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket City gears up for debut of Chartered Walking Street market

    Phuket City Municipality issued an advisory to residents and visitors alike, informing them of the forthcoming closure of Phang Nga Road this coming Sunday, November 5. The thoroughfare will be shut down from 1pm to midnight to pave the way for the debut of the Chartered Walking Street Market. The Chartered Walking Street Market’s geographical footprint will extend along Phang…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket drivers protest against new baht bus service threatening livelihoods

    Around 50 tuk tuk and taxi drivers swarmed the Patong Municipality offices in Phuket yesterday to express their discontent about a proposed baht bus circular service that could potentially disrupt their livelihoods. Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri, along with other officials, received the formal complaint as the officers of the Patong Police maintained order. The complaint predicted a significant impact on the…

  • Press Room

    As Phuket tourism market recovers, a potential “carmageddon” infrastructure crisis looms

    Phuket hotels experienced promising momentum for the first half of 2023, which has set an optimistic path for the remainder of the year. At the mid-year juncture, international and domestic flight volume was already up 75% over total flights in 2022. Russia and China led the way as the two top tourism source markets in the first six months of…

  • Phuket News

    Foreign man found dead with 4 stab wounds at hotel in Phuket

    A maid discovered the dead body of a foreign man with stab wounds to the neck in a hotel room in Phuket. There were no signs of theft or struggle. A substance similar to crystal meth was found in the bathroom. The hotel maid reported her shocking discovery to officers at Cheng Talay Police Station at around 9.30am yesterday, October…

  • Events

    Four Points by Sheraton Phuket hosts “Junior Chef Competition” to unearth future culinary talents

    Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort has discovered the culinary stars of the future in its inaugural “Junior Chef Competition”! Staged at the hotel’s glamorous Akara Grand Ballroom on September 29, 2023, this contest saw 22 up-and-coming commis chefs and internship students showcase their culinary skills. The contestants were challenged to craft one delectable dish that showcases one…

  • Thailand News

    6 overstaying foreigners clash violently with Thai cops in Phuket

    More than 30 Thai police officers clashed violently with six overstaying foreigners at a luxury villa on Bang Tao Beach in Phuket during an arrest operation. Four Thai officers were injured in the incident. Four officials from the Phuket Provincial Immigration Office, accompanied by officers from the Cheng Talay Police Station, conducted a raid on a luxury villa armed with…

  • Thailand News

    Roaring opportunity: Phuket zoo seeks lionhearted caretakers

    Phuket Zoo has two vacancies for lion caretaker positions, giving priority consideration to applicants with experience in lion or tiger care, according to a recent post on the Phuket Work Facebook group. The job advertisement quickly garnered attention and sparked a wave of online speculation, with many netizens questioning what had happened to the previous lion caretakers and where one…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket’s spirit sobered: 24-hour alcohol ban for Wan Org Pansa holiday

    Popular Thai tourist destination Phuket will observe a strict 24-hour ban on alcohol sales starting from midnight on Saturday, as part of the country’s observance of the Buddhist religious holiday, Wan Org Pansa. This event, which takes place on Sunday, October 29, marks the culmination of the three-month season known as the Rains Retreat, often referred to as Buddhist Lent.…

  • Phuket News

    Patong Baywatch resumes night patrols, enhancing safety at popular Thai beach

    Patong Surf Life Saving has re-initiated the nighttime beach patrols to boost the safety measures at Patong Beach. Despite the details of the resumption of nighttime patrols still being under wraps by Patong Municipality and the Patong Development Fund, the initiative named Patong Baywatch has been put back into action. The precise number of night watchmen designated for the beach…

  • Phuket News

    Investigation underway as Russian man falls to death from Phuket condo

    The death of a 25 year old Russian man who plummeted from an eight-story condo building in Phuket, near Prince of Songkla University, is currently being investigated by local authorities. The unfortunate event transpired in the early hours of today. Local enforcement was alerted at around 5.10am and promptly arrived at the scene, led by the Deputy Inspector of Kathu…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket’s waste crisis and eco-tourism plans discussed by Pita Limjaroenrat

    Pita Limjaroenrat, the former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader, yesterday paid a visit to Phuket to assess some ongoing projects in the seaside resort and discuss the key issues with the residents and officials. The respected former MFP leader was accompanied by three local MPs affiliated with the MFP, namely Somchart Techathavorncharoen, Chalermpong Saengdee and Thitikan Thitipruekthikul. The first stop…

  • Phuket News

    Rain doesn’t dampen spirits at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival

    The Phuket Vegetarian Festival, a grand spectacle of Chinese culture, witnessed another round of street processions today. Despite the heavy downpour, the processions, featuring devotees from the Sapam Shrine and the Bang Khu Shrine, kicked off with fervour. These processions were a part of the ongoing celebrations which have taken the streets of Phuket by storm. Photographs capturing the essence…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket shopping mall stages active gunman drill in preparation for Vegetarian Festival

    Central Phuket shopping mall became the stage of an active gunman training emergency-response exercise spearheaded by officers from Region 8 Police yesterday before the mall opened its doors to the public. The joint leaders of the active gunman training response scenario were Police Lieutenant General Suraphong Thanomchit, the Region 8 Police Commander, and Police Major General Sermphan Sirikong, the Phuket…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket Vegetarian Festival begins with traditional Go Teng pole raising

    The Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicked off yesterday with the traditional ceremony of raising the Go Teng poles at each participating shrine. The act is a symbolic invitation to the Jade Emperor and the Nine Emperor Gods to descend from the heavens and spend the subsequent nine days on Earth. The golden Go Teng pole was hoisted at the Guan Yu…

  • Phuket News

    Jungceylon boosts public safety and confidence through enhanced security measures

    On 10 October, Mr. Sanya Armeen, Manager of Building & Engineering at Jungceylon, Patong, Phuket, in collaboration with the Patong Police Station, hosted a training session on “Step up Public Safety and Emergency Response.” This initiative equips our security personnel and Jungceylon staff to effectively handle various emergency situations, thereby ensuring the safety and confidence of both Thai and international…

  • Phuket News

    Lost in Phuket: Stranded British man seeks help as wife takes passport and sails away

    A stranded British man, faced with the loss of his passport and funds after a family disagreement, found himself stranded in Phuket. Assistance from the Tourist Police was sought after his wife, following the dispute, left with his travel documents and a portion of their belongings. The public became aware of the British man’s plight through a report by the…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket motorists urged to avoid roads for King Maha Vajiralongkorn tribute procession

    Phuket City Municipality issued an appeal to motorists, asking them to steer clear of Phuket Road and its surrounding areas in Phuket Old Town next Monday. This comes in anticipation of a street procession set to pay tribute to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). The street procession, honouring King Maha Vajiralongkorn, is not part of the traditional Iw…

  • Environment News

    Phuket’s deep cleanup: 800 kilogrammes of marine waste netted in underwater mission

    An underwater cleanup operation near Racha Noi Island, Phuket, yielded 800 kilogrammes of discarded fishing nets and other marine debris last Friday. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) organised the cleanup after local divers alerted them about the marine trash accumulating on an artificial reef in Ran Gai Bay. The debris posed a significant threat to marine wildlife…

  • Thailand News

    Phuket car accident: Retired officer’s wife crashes into vegetarian festival stalls

    A severe car accident in Phuket’s Talat Nuea district left one person dead and eight others injured. The incident involved a Mercedes Benz, driven by the wife of a retired senior police officer, who claimed she experienced dizziness and a blackout and mistook the accelerator for the brake, leading to the fatal crash. The Phuket car accident occurred on Ranong…