Phuket News
Phuket news, politics, business, tourism, and nightlife—stay updated with breaking stories, events, and expat updates from Thailand’s top island destination. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Phuket news source.
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Phuket seminar highlights fight against gender-based violence
The city of Phuket recently played host to a seminar aimed at combatting violence against women, children, and the LGBTQ+ community. Organised by the Phuket Provincial Prosecutor’s Office and the local branch of the Baan Sri Chumphaban Foundation, the event saw over 100 people gather to engage in meaningful discussions on the topic. The seminar, titled Equality between genders to…
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Phuket launches health certification for hotels to boost tourists’ confidence
The Department of Medical Sciences, a part of Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, has introduced a certification programme that awards hotels for their effective prevention of Legionnaires disease and Norovirus. This initiative is part of the broader Safety Phuket Island Sandbox scheme, aimed at bolstering tourist confidence in visiting Phuket and the rest of the country. The unveiling of this…
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Taxi cooperatives dispute: Phuket vice governor urges calm
Tensions have been simmering amongst taxi cooperatives in Phuket, as a recent meeting saw the island’s vice governor pleading with drivers to keep their emotions in check when dealing with mobile app taxi drivers. Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan’s plea comes in light of a series of confrontations and issues that have been escalating on the island’s roads. The gathering took…
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Phuket motorbike mayhem: Tourist Police send clear message on green book ownership
Phuket‘s Tourist Police issued a stern reminder to foreigners purchasing motorbikes, emphasising the importance of having the green registration book in their name. This advice follows a recent dispute between a Russian tourist and a local motorbike rental shop that refused to return his vehicle key. The disagreement came to light on November 18, when the Phuket Tourist Police were informed…
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Rising Zika virus cases alarm health officials in Phuket
Phuket’s Provincial Health Office (PPHO) sounded the alarm over rising cases of Zika virus, particularly in Rawai, Phuket. The warning was triggered by a long-standing expatriate, expressing alarm over the increasing number of infections in the Saiyuan area. In response to these concerns, the Rawai Municipality took swift action, testing all occupants of one house. The expatriates detailed their efforts.…
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Phuket officials accused of extorting Thai women and their foreign husbands
Multiple Thai women accused officials at district offices in Phuket of extorting money from them and their foreign husbands. The alleged malpractice involves overcharging them between 3,000 to 8,000 baht for marriage certificates, a substantial increase from the standard 200 baht fee. These complaints were brought to the attention of a Facebook news page called Phuket Info Centre, whose administrator…
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3D-printed coral islands to rejuvenate Phuket’s degraded reefs
The coastal waters of Racha Yai Island, south of Phuket, are about to witness a groundbreaking ecological restoration project. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) initiated a project to install 88 sets of 3D-printed coral larvae islands at Siam Bay, to restore the severely degraded coral reef in the area. At the helm of this inaugural installation was…
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Phuket police issue prohibitions for upcoming Loy Krathong Festival
Phuket’s Provincial Police force issued a stern reminder of the prohibitions in place for the upcoming Loy Krathong Festival celebrations. These regulations, originally announced by Region 8 Police on Monday, November 20, were communicated by Region 8 Police Commander Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomjit. Situated at the top end of Phuket, Region 8 Police headquarters oversees law enforcement activities across seven…
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Thai man arrested at Phuket Airport over computer crime charges
A 33 year old Thai man, accused of computer-related crime, was apprehended while attempting to depart from Thailand through Phuket International Airport. The arrest took place around 10.30pm on November 20, in the international departures hall, according to immigration officers stationed at the airport. The individual was sought after under arrest warrant No. 197/2566, issued by the Sisaket Provincial Court…
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Swedish consulate inaugurated in Phuket, Thailand
The vibrant island of Phuket witnessed an auspicious occasion on November 20, as the newly appointed Swedish Consulate was officially inaugurated. Gracing the ceremony with her presence was Anna Hammargren, the Swedish Ambassador to Thailand. The ambassador, along with her entourage from the Swedish embassy in Bangkok, had embarked on a two-day tour to Phuket, which wrapped up yesterday, November…
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Phuket police launches anti-crime campaign ahead of Loy Krathong Festival
Phuket City Police Station was a buzz of activity as it marked the initiation of an intensive seven-day anti-crime campaign, aimed at ensuring safety during the upcoming Loy Krathong Festival. The campaign, spearheaded by Region 8 Police Deputy Commander Police Major General Nipon Rattanasirisaengchot, kicked off yesterday, November 20 and is set to run until November 26. The Loy Krathong…
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Southern Thailand: Illegal waste dumping threatens Ratsada’s mangrove forests
Garbage dumping within the mangrove forests near the Soi King Kaew community in southern Thailand is causing concerns and disrupting the harmony of the ecosystem. Local authorities have started investigations led by Ratsada’s Mayor, Nakarin Yosaengrat who has pointed out a potential culprit and initiated legal action. Mayor Nakarin, along with an entourage of officials from the Ratsada Municipality executive…
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Swedish embassy appoints Honorary Consul in Phuket to boost Thai-Swedish relations
An Honorary Consul has been appointed in Phuket by the Swedish embassy in Thailand, aiming to amplify Thai-Swedish relations on the popular tourist island. To date this year, there have been 110,000 Swedish tourists in Thailand. Anna Hammargren, the Swedish Ambassador to Thailand, was warmly received by Deputy Governor of Phuket, Amnuay Pinsuwan at the City Hall, during her official…
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Devastating fire ravages Krischorn Health Massage Shop in Phuket Town
A devastating fire broke out at the Krischorn Health Massage Shop, an establishment located on Soi Pha-niang, Ratsada in the northern part of Phuket Town. The incident, which occurred at 10am on Friday, November 17, left the salon heavily damaged despite the swift actions of local firefighters who responded to the distress call. The Phuket City Municipality, in response to…
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Phuket man caught using fake red license plates to avoid loan payments
Phuket Highway Police apprehended a man using counterfeit red license plates on his vehicle, following his admission that he was unable to keep up with his car loan payments. The black Toyota Vios, sporting the dubious license plates, was first spotted by officers at a Highway Police rest stop. The car was parked near a restroom, its licence plates bearing…
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Gunshots shatter the rhythm on Phuket’s Bangla Road boulevard
The heart of Phuket’s nightlife on Bangla Road was jolted awake early this morning with the sharp echo of gunshots ringing through the air. In the aftermath, the President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA), Weerawit Krueasombat, swiftly took to social media to clarify the incident and dismiss the circulating rumours. In a detailed Facebook update, Weerawit lambasted the reports…
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Thai-MECC rescues Phang Nga student from perilous waters
A dramatic rescue operation unfolded yesterday in the swift waters between Phuket and mainland Thailand. A student from Phang Nga, who was seen jumping off the Sarasin Bridge, was rescued by a local fishing boat and the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (THAI-MECC). The THAI-MECC, stationed at the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command in Cape Panwa, received word of…
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Phuket rally takes a stand against violence, abuse, and human trafficking
Phuket was buzzing with a flurry of activity last night as over 250 people gathered for a rally, breathing life into the campaign against violence directed towards women and children and human trafficking. The campaign, bearing the theme Stop Violence with Love, took place in Queen Sirikit Park, under the watchful eye of Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuran. The Phuket…
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Forest faux pas: Illegal loggers caught in the act as DSI turns the spotlight on hidden tree mischief in Thailand
An unsanctioned logging operation, hidden deep within Thailand’s Bang Khanun protected forest, was inadvertently exposed during a routine inspection by officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Conducted in conjunction with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and forest protection officials, the group stumbled upon the illegal exploitation yesterday. Vice Admiral Suchart Thammapitakwet, the commander of the RTN’s Third Area…
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Phuket’s Patong beachfront to host air-sea rescue exercise
The beachfront of Patong in Phuket is set to become a stage for an elaborate display of emergency preparedness. The impending air-sea rescue exercise, initially slated to take place later this month, is part of a series of events aimed at showcasing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of tourists, announced Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat yesterday. The mock disaster scenario…
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Phuket police apprehend duo for vandalising Russian tour buses
The tranquil island of Phuket was shaken as two men were seized by police for allegedly vandalising Russian tour buses. The duo was said to be receiving a bounty of 1,000 baht for each vehicle they damaged using a slingshot and ball bearings. They managed to wreak havoc on ten buses before their arrest. The arrests were made following a…
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Police crackdown on drugs and firearms disturbs peace in Phuket
The tranquil calm of Tambon Thepkrasattri in Phuket was shattered yesterday when Thalang police executed a successful operation against illicit activities. Two individuals were apprehended in the ongoing crackdown against drugs and firearms that has been plaguing the region. The first individual, Surasak “Sak” Nakklap, a 44 year old local from Moo 11, Thepkrasattri, was arrested in the vicinity of…
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Burglary busters: Thalang police nab duo, bringing relief to southern Thailand’s crime-weary community
In a series of successful home burglary crackdowns, Thalang police apprehended two suspects in Thepkrasattri, in southern Thailand. This recent breakthrough in the investigation came as a relief to the local community, which had been plagued by a spate of break-ins and robberies. The two men, 41 year old Anon “Nont” Somphet, a resident of Moo 4, Thepkrasattri, and 44…
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Down under dilemma: Australian arrested at Phuket Airport with cocaine stash hidden in passport
A 26 year old Australian national found himself in hot water upon his arrival at Phuket International Airport. The arrest came about after a small quantity of cocaine was discovered hidden within his passport by vigilant immigration officers. The young man, whose name was conspicuously absent from the first reports released by the Phuket Immigration Checkpoint officers, was apprehended in…
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Phuket remembers road accident victims and addresses safety concerns
Phuket residents and officials yesterday took part in a poignant event to honour the memory of those lost in road accidents on the island. This gathering was orchestrated by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and forms part of the local activities acknowledging the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, although the official global recognition is slated for this coming Sunday,…
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British national jailed in Phuket for illegal firearm possession
A British national has been apprehended by Chalong Police in Phuket, Thailand, under an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court for illegal firearm possession and its public display without consent or legitimate reason. The charge against Jamaal (surname not given) stems from an incident where he reportedly dropped a black Glock 19, described by the police as a…
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Power to the pavement: Phuket’s bold move buries cables, sparks a brighter future
A significant initiative has been launched in Phuket, with the city’s Municipality signing a deal to bury power cables underground along three major roads. The undertaking is part of a broader plan aimed at enhancing safety, elevating aesthetics, and improving the quality of life for residents. Phuket Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas announced the development yesterday. The initiative, a partnership between Phuket…
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Phuket plot twist: Hotel worker arrested over violent gang attack
An unfolding story from Phuket has led to the arrest of a hotel worker in Karon, who was implicated in a violent gang-related attack that happened back in August. The hotel worker, known only as Mr USA, was apprehended by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) earlier today, in front of the hotel where he was currently employed. The report provided…
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Shade crusaders: Phuket’s Multicoloured Umbrella Group seeks sun-soaked justice from governor for beachfront comeback
The sandy shores of Phuket reverberated with a plea for help from a collective of former umbrella vendors, now united as the Multicoloured Umbrella Group. Previously engaged in setting up beach umbrellas at Karon, these individuals are now appealing for the intervention of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. Their request? A fair reinstatement to their beachfront locations, allowing them to resume…
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Phuket governor strengthens fight against rising illicit drug use
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently reinforced the region’s dedication to combating illicit drug activity, asserting that the necessary measures are already in place at the local level to make considerable headway in this battle. Governor Sophon’s reinforcement came in the wake of the most recent police report highlighting the state of illicit drug use on the streets of Phuket. The…
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.
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