Phuket
- Thailand News
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…
- Thailand News
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…
- Phuket News
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…
- Tourism News
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…
- Thailand News
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…
- Phuket News
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 News
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…
- Thailand News
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…
- Thailand News
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…
- Phuket News
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,…
- Phuket News
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…
- Crime News
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,…
- Road deaths
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…
- Phuket News
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.…
- Phuket News
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…
- Road deaths
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…
- Phuket News
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…
- Phuket News
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,…
- Expats
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 News
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,…
- Phuket News
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 News
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…
- Phuket News
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…
- Phuket News
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…
- Thailand News
Foreign man attacked after allegedly slapping Phuket transwoman
A foreign man suffered a gang assault after allegedly slapping a Thai transwoman in Soi Bangla in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket in the early hours yesterday, May 2. News Facebook page, โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต, shared a video of the physical altercation between a group of Thai transwomen and a foreign man yesterday. The page reported that the incident took place…
- Phuket News
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…
- Phuket News
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…
- Phuket News
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 News
English tourist assaults tuk tuk driver over fare dispute in Phuket
An English traveller in Phuket has been caught in a troubling confrontation with a local tuk tuk driver over a fare dispute. The incident, which has been widely shared on social media platforms, shows the tourist physically assaulting the driver after accusing him of withholding change. The video clip reveals the English traveller forcefully gripping the driver’s neck and shouting…
- Phuket News
German tourist fined 1,000 baht for parking SUV on Phuket Beach
A German tourist found himself in hot water after his Bangkok-registered Ford Everest SUV was caught sand-handed on Ley Phang Beach, Phuket. The vehicle, owned by a man known only as Simoen, was seized by authorities following reports circulated on social media and he was fined 1,000 baht. When Cherng Talay Police arrived at the scene, they found the SUV…
