Phuket

  • Crime NewsThai cops uncover British man’s drug stash in Phuket

    Thai cops uncover British man’s drug stash in Phuket

    A British man is facing a lifetime behind bars after Thai cops swooped on his hotel room and reportedly found a significant stash of illegal drugs. The British man, Stephen Mullady, was arrested on the spot for suspected cocaine dealing. The father of one, who had been socialising with friends, was arrested by Thai police who allegedly uncovered various illegal…

  • Press RoomJungceylon’s Summer Breeze: roaming in cool savings and hot events!

    Jungceylon’s Summer Breeze: roaming in cool savings and hot events!

    Jungceylon launches the year’s greatest campaign “Summer Breeze” with the biggest sales of over 70% in collaboration with its partners. Fashionistas-Foodies, get ready to discover new outlets and the Summer Fashion Show collection. Mr Prawit Janyasittikul, Chief Executive Officer, Phuket Square Co., Ltd., and the management executive of Jungceylon, Patong, Phuket stated, “Thailand has seen tremendous numbers of domestic and…

  • Phuket NewsThai Teen surrenders, confesses to Phuket petrol station murder

    Thai Teen surrenders, confesses to Phuket petrol station murder

    The teenager suspected of murdering another Thai man at a Phuket petrol station voluntarily surrendered to the Cherng Talay Police Station yesterday. Kiattisak “Gus” Thawornphon was immediately apprehended and questioned by the police. The 18 year old was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court for the alleged murder of 21 year old Teerapat Suksrimuang,…

  • Thailand NewsNew Zealanders in hot water after assaulting Thai officer in Phuket

    New Zealanders in hot water after assaulting Thai officer in Phuket

    Two New Zealanders, who physically assaulted a Thai police officer on Chao Fah East Road in Phuket on Saturday were charged with five offences and face a lifetime ban from entering Thailand. The incident occurred when a traffic officer from the Chalong Police Station, Somsak Noo-iad, asked two foreign men, later identified as 36 year old Hamish Day and 38…

  • Tourism NewsVisa-free policies boost international travel and economies

    Visa-free policies boost international travel and economies

    The international travel industry experienced a significant rebound last year, following the implementation of visa-free policies by various governments. These policies aimed to rejuvenate their ailing economies through the influx of spending by foreign tourists. Thailand, for instance, witnessed 28 million arrivals in 2023 largely due to the strong performance in the last quarter. This surge was precipitated by visa…

  • Thailand NewsDSI to probe Phuket businesses over potential labour law evasion

    DSI to probe Phuket businesses over potential labour law evasion

    The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has disclosed that a rigorous probe will be undertaken into nine Phuket-based businesses suspected of employing Thai nominees to evade labour laws limiting specific industries to Thai nationals only. Among these organisations is the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, managed by Urs Fehr, a 45 year old Swiss national known for an incident last month…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket mayor guarantees drought-proof supply for dry season

    Phuket mayor guarantees drought-proof supply for dry season

    The Phuket Town mayor confirmed that the Phuket City Municipality has a sufficient water supply to sustain residents throughout the remainder of the dry season. However, he is encouraging residents to be mindful of their water consumption. Currently, the municipality’s water reserves are 80% full, according to Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas. This supply is anticipated to be ample for producing tap…

  • Thailand NewsSingaporean motorist lashes out at Thai police officer over fine

    Singaporean motorist lashes out at Thai police officer over fine

    A Singaporean man attacked a Thai police officer after he was fined for riding a motorcycle without a license and a helmet in Phuket. The incident occurred when traffic officers from the Cherng Talay Police Station stopped the Singaporean man, 37 year old Lim Jia Jie, at the Cherng Talay Intersection checkpoint on March 13. Lim was riding a motorcycle…

  • Thailand NewsThai police hunt Tajik suspect in Russian man’s murder in Phuket

    Thai police hunt Tajik suspect in Russian man’s murder in Phuket

    Thai police identified a Tajik man as a suspect in the murder of a Russian man at a cannabis farm in Phuket. The accused foreigner already left Thailand on March 12. A 34 year old Thai man, Burin, filed a report on the missing Russian man, 42 year old Artur Mkhitarian, at Chalong Police Station yesterday, March 13. Burin explained…

  • Phuket NewsBrief burglary: Panty thief evades Phuket police pursuit

    Brief burglary: Panty thief evades Phuket police pursuit

    An underwear thief who managed to steal over 20 items of women’s underwear in one swoop is being pursued by the Patong Police in Phuket. The audacious theft, which was captured on CCTV, has been circulating widely across local social media channels since yesterday. The victim of the theft, a 42 year old woman who requested to be referred to…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s annual Heroines Festival honours historical defenders

    Phuket’s annual Heroines Festival honours historical defenders

    Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officiated a ceremony yesterday at Wat Mueang Komaraphat, in Tambon Thepkrasattri, Thalang, in honour of Phuket’s revered Heroines, Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, who were instrumental in defending the island against Burmese intruders in 1785. Initiated at 5.30pm, the ceremony was marked by a procession that kicked off from the Ban Khian shrine and…

  • Thailand NewsFarang mafia: Phuket businesses welcomes Thais, sometimes

    Farang mafia: Phuket businesses welcomes Thais, sometimes

    Businesses in Phuket have denied favouring foreign tourists over Thai residents and visitors. Business operators in the popular seaside resort of Thailand, particularly entertainment venues and vehicle rental shops, expressed pleasure in welcoming Thai tourists but acknowledged that they might encounter being turned away from certain businesses or during specific times. The controversy unfolded as Thai and foreign netizens shared…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket governor inspects Laem Nga beach reclaiming plans for public use

    Phuket governor inspects Laem Nga beach reclaiming plans for public use

    Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket, undertook an inspection of Laem Nga Beach, situated at Koh Siray’s northern end yesterday. The primary objective was to evaluate plans for reclaiming the beach for public use. Last Thursday, local villagers assembled at the site to oppose the beach access’s closure by a private landowner. The protest sparked immediate action from officials who…

  • Thailand NewsTranscending trouble: Thai transwomen tussle with tourists in Phuket

    Transcending trouble: Thai transwomen tussle with tourists in Phuket

    A video has gone viral in Thailand of two Thai transwomen physically assaulting some foreign men in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket. Police admitted that the transwomen may be sex workers, and the attack may have been sparked over a service fee dispute. The video fracas was shared by the Instagram account @phuketinsta last week with a caption in Russian…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket authorities seek dissolution of Swiss man’s Green Elephant Foundation

    Phuket authorities seek dissolution of Swiss man’s Green Elephant Foundation

    Phuket‘s provincial authorities, led by Governor Sophon Suwannarat, are seeking the dissolution of the Green Elephant Wildlife Foundation. Swiss expat Urs Fehr registered the foundation, which is now under investigation after a series of controversies. The announcement came after Governor Sophon’s return from promoting Phuket at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB Berlin 2024). His first official action was a meeting…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket authorities given 3-day deadline to investigate beach access blockage

    Phuket authorities given 3-day deadline to investigate beach access blockage

    The Phuket authorities face a three-day deadline to probe the ownership of a land plot belonging to a private company in Phuket that obstructs public access to Laem Nga Beach. This directive was given by Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham on Friday following a demonstration by approximately 500 individuals at the blocked beachfront property the previous day. The protesters demanded that…

  • Thailand NewsSwiss scandal sparks crackdown on unruly farangs in Thailand

    Swiss scandal sparks crackdown on unruly farangs in Thailand

    The scandal involving a Swiss man assaulting a Thai doctor in Phuket prompted authorities to initiate a massive crackdown on illegal foreigners and farangs behaving badly in Thailand. In total, nearly 30 foreigners were arrested during the past weeks. Following the physical assault on a Thai doctor outside the luxury villa of a Swiss man, locals in Phuket demanded that…

  • Phuket News2 foreigners in Phuket caught running businesses without licences

    2 foreigners in Phuket caught running businesses without licences

    Phuket Provincial Tourist Police arrested two foreigners for running their businesses, a money exchange shop and a travel agency, without licences. The arrests stem from a crackdown on illegal foreigners and their businesses following the Swiss man scandal. Prompted by the conflict between the Swiss man and the Thai doctor, as well as complaints from locals, all Phuket police departments…

  • Thailand NewsSwiss man’s visa revoked after physical assault on Thai doctor

    Swiss man’s visa revoked after physical assault on Thai doctor

    The Immigration Bureau revoked the visa of the Swiss man involved in the physical assault on a female Thai doctor near Yamu Cape in Phuket last week. The Thai doctor, 26 year old Tarndao Chandam, filed a complaint against Urs Fehr after the Swiss man attacked her on Saturday, February 24 when she and her friend sat on the steps…

  • Thailand NewsRestaurant encroachment threatens Hua Hin’s sandy shores

    Restaurant encroachment threatens Hua Hin’s sandy shores

    Yamu Beach in Phuket may have just played second fiddle to an encroachment crisis engulfing the pristine sands of Hua Hin. Evidence surfaced on the Prachuap News Facebook page, showcasing a long line of eateries and guesthouses that have sunk their claws deep into Hua Hin’s main beach. Witnesses describe a scene akin to invasion, with some structures extending a…

  • Thailand HotelsFour Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort wins highly prestigious International Hotel Award 2023-24

    Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort wins highly prestigious International Hotel Award 2023-24

    Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, which is nestled just steps from the sea on Phuket’s sunset coast, is thrilled to announce that it has been honoured with a prestigious title at the International Hotel Awards 2023-24. In a glittering ceremony staged at The Savoy, the iconic London hotel, on February 22, 2024, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket…

  • Thailand NewsRussian roulette: Cops put brakes on illegal workers at Phuket car shop

    Russian roulette: Cops put brakes on illegal workers at Phuket car shop

    Officers from the Provincial Police Region 8 yesterday continued the recent crackdown on illegal foreigners by charging two Russian men for working at a car rental shop in the Cherng Talay sub-district in the Talang district of Phuket province. The Russian business owner also faced a charge for hiring foreigners without work permits. The investigation is on the back of locals…

  • Thailand News2 Russian women arrested for providing sex services in Phuket

    2 Russian women arrested for providing sex services in Phuket

    Police arrested two Russian women at a hotel in the Katu district of Phuket on March 4 for illegally providing sex services. Officers from Patong Police Station investigated the illegal activities being offered by foreigners in the area. Upon discovering that these illicit sex services were being provided by Russian women, the officers proceeded to search for their contact details.…

  • Thailand NewsForeign man kicks up a storm over discriminatory bike rental policy in Phuket

    Foreign man kicks up a storm over discriminatory bike rental policy in Phuket

    A foreign man brought to light a discriminatory practice at a foreign-owned motorcycle rental shop in Phuket. The shop refused to serve his Thai wife and other Thai customers, justifying their decision by alleging that Thais frequently engage in motorcycle theft, complain excessively, and are unable to meet the necessary deposit requirements. The foreign man, using the account BlacksmithSolid2194, took…

  • Thailand NewsForeign man caught on CCTV stealing Thai flag in Phuket (video)

    Foreign man caught on CCTV stealing Thai flag in Phuket (video)

    A CCTV camera caught a foreign man stealing a Thai flag from outside an office in Phuket. Thai netizens urged the police to take the case seriously as the Thai flag is highly respected by locals. The Jootee Tin Dredging Company shared CCTV footage of the theft to the Facebook page, Phuket Hotnews, today, March 5. The video shows a…

  • Phuket NewsSwiss national’s visa status under review following Phuket assault

    Swiss national’s visa status under review following Phuket assault

    The visa status of a Swiss national, embroiled in an assault case in Phuket, is set to undergo review by the immigration police, according to Deputy Phuket Governor, Adul Chuthong. The Swiss national, known as Urs Fehr or David, whose visa is due to expire on March 13, is the operator of several Thai businesses and has a registered foundation…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket road tragedy: Two vendors killed by speeding car

    Phuket road tragedy: Two vendors killed by speeding car

    A road tragedy in Phuket claimed the lives of two street vendors when a car, driven at high speed by an airline employee, collided with their motorcycle. The incident happened early in the morning on a local road in Thalang district. At approximately 6.16am today police and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene of a fatal collision on the road…

  • Thailand NewsChinese tourist’s beach drive ends in Phuket sand trap (video)

    Chinese tourist’s beach drive ends in Phuket sand trap (video)

    A Chinese national on holiday ignored a warning sign advising against driving on the beach and subsequently ended up getting his car stuck in the sand at Kamala Beach in Phuket province. A local posted a video on his Facebook account, อามิตร อามอ อิสลาม, at about 8am yesterday, March 3, showing a green Jeep partially submerged in the water at…

  • Thailand NewsSwiss man targeted by Phuket locals demanding beach access restoration

    Swiss man targeted by Phuket locals demanding beach access restoration

    A Swiss man living in Phuket has been the target of a protest by over 500 locals and activists who gathered on Yamu beach in Thalang district. The protest took place on Sunday, following an incident in which the Swiss man allegedly assaulted a doctor. The masses demanded that the man be expelled from Phuket and that public access to…

  • Phuket NewsForeign mafia concerns raised in Phuket by UTN deputy

    Foreign mafia concerns raised in Phuket by UTN deputy

    In the stunning tourist hotspot of Phuket, a concerning situation has surfaced. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, the Deputy leader of the United Thai Nation, has brought to light allegations of foreign mafia gangs operating within the area. This revelation comes after a recent visit to Phuket, during which Thanakorn conducted an inspection and collected information about the matter. Phuket, known for its…