Phuket

  • Thailand NewsAussie father fights to survive and heal after losing son to tsunami

    Aussie father fights to survive and heal after losing son to tsunami

    Boxing Day 2004 started as a serene tropical morning for an Australian father, his wife, and their 16 year old son in a beachfront hotel in Phuket. But in moments, tranquillity gave way to catastrophe. “We were admiring the view, and all of a sudden, the water disappeared.” What seemed like an intriguing phenomenon – fish floundering on the exposed…

  • Phuket TravelRemembering the 2004 tsunami in Phuket

    Remembering the 2004 tsunami in Phuket

    A disaster that transpired almost two decades ago, yet the wounds are still fresh for many present on the southern island at the time. Although Phuket has evolved to become a powerhouse of Thailand’s tourism as of late, for those present on the fateful day in 2004, the memories of a sunny day quickly turning deadly remain engraved in their…

  • Thailand NewsStranded on the beach: Foreign driver’s pickup gets stuck in Phuket (video)

    Stranded on the beach: Foreign driver’s pickup gets stuck in Phuket (video)

    A yellow four-door pickup truck driven by a foreign driver became stuck on Mai Khao Beach in Phuket, causing a stir among both locals and online users. The mishap was captured in a 34-second video shared on Facebook which quickly drew attention and comments online. The video shows the vehicle stuck in the sand in front of a hotel, with…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket vendor revives Italian man, but tragedy strikes in hospital

    Phuket vendor revives Italian man, but tragedy strikes in hospital

    A Thai chicken rice vendor successfully revived an Italian man who collapsed while dining at his restaurant in Phuket, but tragically, the foreign man later passed away in hospital. A viral video of a Thai man administering CPR to a foreigner was widely shared on Thai social media yesterday, December 24. The incident reportedly occurred at a renowned chicken rice…

  • Thailand NewsTsunami tributes confirmed in Phuket after public outcry

    Tsunami tributes confirmed in Phuket after public outcry

    Phuket’s long-awaited tsunami remembrance services are finally confirmed—though not without a wave of public criticism. Patong Municipality and Mai Khao Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) will host memorials to mark 20 years since the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami that claimed thousands of lives, following earlier silence from local officials. The Phuket News highlighted the conspicuous lack of announcements about events to…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket’s Nai Harn Lake revamp set for February completion

    Phuket’s Nai Harn Lake revamp set for February completion

    A significant 66-million-baht development project is currently transforming Nai Harn Lake in Phuket, with a completion target set for early February, according to local officials. The project, overseen by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), aims to enhance the lake’s surroundings with a new bike path and landscaping improvements. The initiative covers a stretch of 1,973 metres and includes the…

  • Phuket NewsHong Kong man restrained by taxi drivers after rampage near Phuket airport

    Hong Kong man restrained by taxi drivers after rampage near Phuket airport

    A group of Thai taxi drivers restrained a foreign man from Hong Kong after he went on a rampage outside Phuket International Airport yesterday, December 23. The Facebook news page Phuket Times shared pictures of the man with a caption that read, “What’s happening near Phuket Airport this afternoon? It appears to be an altercation!” The photos showed the man…

  • Phuket TravelConnect Responsibly with sustainable meetings at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket

    Connect Responsibly with sustainable meetings at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket

    Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, just a few steps away from the shorelines of Phuket’s sunset coast, is helping meeting planners to Connect Responsibly in Southern Thailand with an innovative new programme designed to maximise the business results of each event while minimising the impacts upon the planet. Launched by Marriott Bonvoy Events™, Connect Responsibly is a…

  • LifestyleAmazing deals at Chic Republic to celebrate Phuket store grand opening

    Amazing deals at Chic Republic to celebrate Phuket store grand opening

    Chic Republic, Thailand’s leading home fashion destination, is now officially open in Phuket. To celebrate the landmark grand opening, Chic Republic is offering an unprecedented series of bonus deals for its valued customers. Don’t miss out! The grand opening promotion showcases five exceptional offers that make luxury home furnishing more accessible than ever at its new flagship location. The home…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket tackles homelessness and begging with new initiative

    Phuket tackles homelessness and begging with new initiative

    Phuket officials have embarked on a significant initiative to tackle homelessness and begging in Phuket Town, with a focus on enhancing the lives of vulnerable residents. This proactive effort was spearheaded by Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, who led a field visit to Lan Nawamin, off Phuket Road, yesterday, December 23. The visit was a collaborative endeavour involving key agencies including…

  • Phuket NewsHusband strangles wife to death in Phuket tragedy

    Husband strangles wife to death in Phuket tragedy

    A tragic incident unfolded when a husband strangled his wife to death in their rented home in Pa Khlok, Thalang district, Phuket. Colleagues of the victim expressed sorrow, revealing that she had recently mentioned feeling relieved after her husband had moved out with his belongings. However, he returned and committed the heinous act early this morning, December 24, at 5.05am.…

  • Business NewsThailand considers Bitcoin payment trial in Phuket for tech tourists

    Thailand considers Bitcoin payment trial in Phuket for tech tourists

    Thailand is considering a groundbreaking initiative proposed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to test Bitcoin payments in Phuket, aiming to enhance the country’s appeal to technology-forward tourists. This proposal, however, requires the Bank of Thailand to conduct a detailed examination of the potential risks involved, as highlighted by Gulf Binance, the local division of the global cryptocurrency leader, Binance.…

  • Phuket NewsDutch tourist allegedly escapes bills and steals from many Phuket hotels

    Dutch tourist allegedly escapes bills and steals from many Phuket hotels

    A Dutch tourist reportedly evaded paying bills and stole room keys, along with other items, from several hotels in Phuket but remains at large. The Facebook page Phuket Times reported on Saturday, December 21, issuing a warning to hotels in Phuket… “Naughty tourist! He stayed at multiple hotels in Phuket and left without paying. He even stole the room key…

  • Phuket NewsHoliday turns tragic as two men drown after boat capsizes in Phuket

    Holiday turns tragic as two men drown after boat capsizes in Phuket

    Three men in Phuket, faced an untimely and tragic accident yesterday, December 22, as they set out on a borrowed boat on a leisurely paddle in a local pond while visiting relatives. Holiday spirits were cut short as their boat capsized, leading to the drowning of two men while the third managed to swim ashore, exhausted. At approximately 6pm yesterday,…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket enhances travel with US0.7 million investment in secondary roads

    Phuket enhances travel with US$190.7 million investment in secondary roads

    Phuket officials are making strides in reducing traffic congestion by developing secondary roads across the island. The initiative aims to ease transportation challenges and enhance access to key tourist destinations. Jakkrapong Thamuntree, head of the Phuket Department of Rural Roads, outlined the progress of these projects at a press conference at Phuket Provincial Hall, with the meeting presided over by…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket mayors face charges in major corruption scandal

    Phuket mayors face charges in major corruption scandal

    Three mayors in Phuket—Aroon Solos of Rawai, Panya Samphaorat of Pa Khlok, and Juta Dumlak from Kamala Tambon Administrative Organisation—are embroiled in legal battles over corruption charges. Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Thipsiri confirmed these proceedings, emphasising a broader push against corruption in the province. Panya Samphaorat faces charges from the Phuket branch of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for neglecting…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket welcomes tourists on first Bucharest flight

    Phuket welcomes tourists on first Bucharest flight

    Phuket rolled out the red carpet for the first-ever direct charter flight from Bucharest, Romania, marking a new milestone in Thai tourism. Operated by Romania’s HiSky airline in collaboration with top tour operators Dertour and Karpaten, the inaugural flight, H4 7467, landed at Phuket International Airport on Thursday, December 19. Passengers were greeted with a warm ceremony hosted by the…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket to host Thailand’s first legal same-sex marriages

    Phuket to host Thailand’s first legal same-sex marriages

    Phuket is set to make history on January 22 next year, as the island hosts a dazzling event to mark the first day of legal same-sex marriages in Thailand. Held at Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong, the celebration promises to be a landmark moment for equality and love in the country. Dubbed DOPA Day One: Equality Rings in 878 Districts,…

  • Phuket NewsExtra road safety: Phuket’s ‘7 Dangerous Days’ extended to 10

    Extra road safety: Phuket’s ‘7 Dangerous Days’ extended to 10

    In a bid to curb road carnage this new year, Phuket officials are going all out. The long-standing “7 Dangerous Days” campaign will stretch to a full 10 days this year, running from December 27 to January 5, marking the most extended safety crackdown yet. The decision was confirmed during a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Wednesday, December 18,…

  • Phuket NewsAustrian man denies killing Russian man in Phuket jet ski accident

    Austrian man denies killing Russian man in Phuket jet ski accident

    An Austrian man today denied involvement in a fatal jet ski collision with a Russian man in Phuket, which resulted in the latter’s death during the arrest. A local fisherman in the Karon area of Phuket discovered the body of 58 year old Russian man Kirill Kolovachev against a group of rocks near A Blanket & A Pillow restaurant on…

  • LifestyleChic Republic debuts landmark home fashion store in Phuket

    Chic Republic debuts landmark home fashion store in Phuket

    Chic Republic Public Company Limited proudly announces the grand opening of Chic Republic’s Phuket branch, marking a significant milestone as the Southern marquee’s first and only home fashion store. The grand opening also marks a breakthrough in retail innovation for Phuket’s home décor and lifestyle market as a whole. Located on Thepkasattri Road with an expansive 120-metre storefront, Chic Republic…

  • Phuket NewsLorry with missing wheel sparks safety fears on Phuket road (video)

    Lorry with missing wheel sparks safety fears on Phuket road (video)

    A video clip sparking safety concerns has taken social media by storm, showing a lorry missing a wheel and with a bulging tyre, driving along Thep Kasattri Road, in Thalang, Phuket. Shared by a popular local social media page, the 27-second video amassed significant attention and stirred a variety of reactions online. The incident occurred on the outbound lane of…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket police profile trans workers to boost nightlife safety

    Phuket police profile trans workers to boost nightlife safety

    Police in Phuket are actively compiling profiles of transgender people working in a bustling nightlife area of the city to bolster public safety measures. This initiative, undertaken by local police and administrative officials, is happening along Bangla Road, a popular spot near Patong Beach frequented by tourists. Head of Patong Police Station Chalermchai Hernsawat explained that this effort is primarily aimed…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket plans major disaster drill for flood preparedness

    Phuket plans major disaster drill for flood preparedness

    Phuket is set to enhance its disaster preparedness with an integrated exercise aimed at tackling potential floods and mudslides. Scheduled for January 16, 2025, the event is designed to boost the island’s readiness and response capabilities in the face of such emergencies. A significant planning session took place recently at the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket).…

  • Phuket TravelPullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort releases baby sharks

    Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort releases baby sharks

    The Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort, in collaboration with Accor Thailand and Ocean For All, last month hosted an unforgettable eco-adventure that left a lasting impact. Guests had the rare opportunity to release baby Bamboo sharks into their natural habitat, fostering awareness about marine conservation while enjoying Phuket’s stunning coastline. The initiative on November 24 celebrated the resort’s commitment to preserving…

  • Phuket NewsJet ski accident off Phuket coast leads to tourist’s tragic death

    Jet ski accident off Phuket coast leads to tourist’s tragic death

    A tragic accident involving a jet ski and a tourist took place off the coast of Karon, Phuket, leading to the tourist’s disappearance underwater. The body was discovered in the early hours of this morning and police are set to conduct an autopsy to investigate further. At 7pm yesterday, December 17, Sanya Suksawat, a police officer with the Karon Police…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket takes a bite out of food waste with food banks project

    Phuket takes a bite out of food waste with food banks project

    Phuket is stepping up to combat food waste and hunger with a groundbreaking new initiative. The Food Conservation Project: Developing Food Banks was officially launched yesterday, December 17, in the Laem Tukkae Community, Ratsada, spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) in partnership with the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS Thailand). Deputy Permanent Secretary Chatuphon Rojanaphanich…

  • Phuket News10 year old dies in football goal accident in Phuket school

    10 year old dies in football goal accident in Phuket school

    A 10 year old Thai boy tragically died after an old rusty football goal crossbar fatally struck him on the head at his school in the Wichit sub-district of Phuket . Facebook page Phuket Info Center reported the schoolboy’s death, identified as Thanakrit, yesterday, December 17. The page shared pictures of the broken goal at the school in Phuket, accompanied by…

  • Featured hotelsThe waves of change and the Bohemian spirit at the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort

    The waves of change and the Bohemian spirit at the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort

    Winter is here, and the season is jolly, but the snow and the cold weather make you feel folly. With the need to get out and fly, a lot of people come to Phuket and here is why. With beautiful beaches, warm weather, and some candy for the eye, it is time to book a hotel and make a stay…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s expressway project moves forward: EXAT

    Phuket’s expressway project moves forward: EXAT

    Phuket’s ambitious infrastructure plans took a significant step forward after Governor Sophon Suwannarat held a crucial meeting with representatives from the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) at the Phuket Provincial Hall. The discussions centred on the progress of the highly anticipated Phuket Expressway Project, commonly referred to by locals as the Patong Tunnel and Mueang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu Expressway projects. In…