Phuket

  • Thailand NewsWednesday Covid Update: Record high of 20,200 new cases and 188 deaths

    Wednesday Covid Update: Record high of 20,200 new cases and 188 deaths

    A record high of 20,200 new Covid-19 cases and another high of 188 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Thailand now has 211,076 active Covid-19 cases. In the latest and most severe wave of the virus, first recorded on April 1, the CCSA has recorded 643,522 Covid-19 cases. In 24 hours, the CCSA says 17,975 Covid-19 patients were…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket lays on Suvarnabhumi bus service for stranded sandbox tourists

    Phuket lays on Suvarnabhumi bus service for stranded sandbox tourists

    The governor of Phuket has announced that a special bus service will transport stranded sandbox tourists from the southern island to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. As a result of the cancellation of domestic flights, sandbox visitors who had plans to visit elsewhere in Thailand after their 14 days on Phuket now find themselves stuck. Governor Narong Wunsiew says a dedicated bus…

  • Things To Do5 most family-friendly resorts in Phuket

    5 most family-friendly resorts in Phuket

    If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination that caters to every age group, Phuket is the perfect getaway spot. From beaches and water sports to amusement parks and cultural excursions, there is no shortage of activities for families to enjoy. And, to make your stay even more enjoyable, Phuket offers a range of family-friendly resorts that are sure to provide…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket bans alcohol sales at restaurants, issues order amid rise of Covid cases

    Phuket bans alcohol sales at restaurants, issues order amid rise of Covid cases

    The ban on alcohol sales and consumption at restaurants has been reimposed in Phuket and will be in place until at least August 16. Certain “social activities,” like parties at public places, are also now prohibited for the next two weeks. The order, Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew yesterday, could be extended longer if the Covid-19 situation does not improve. Phuket…

  • Things To DoPhuket’s best day trips and tours

    Phuket’s best day trips and tours

    By far one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, Phuket offers lots to explore, both in and around the island. From excellent cultural experiences and delicious traditional cuisines to beautiful beaches and bizarre islands, Phuket has something for everyone. Since the island is so diverse, a great way to experience the many facets and spice up your vacation is…

  • Tourism NewsThailand’s foreign tourist numbers expected to plummet during 2021

    Thailand’s foreign tourist numbers expected to plummet during 2021

    Tourism officials have repeated a bleak prediction that international arrivals in Thailand are likely to drop to an all-time low this year. According to a Bangkok Post report, Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says foreign visitors to the Kingdom may only number 500,000 this year. “If the ongoing outbreak continues past September, the total number of foreign tourists this year might…

  • Thailand NewsPhang Nga reopening and “Phuket Sandbox” island hop extensions postponed

    Phang Nga reopening and “Phuket Sandbox” island hop extensions postponed

    The Phang Nga’s reopening to travellers from overseas has been postponed until August 15, and the “7+7 Island Hopping” extension to the “Phuket Sandbox,” which includes a sealed route to Phang Nga, has been postponed indefinitely. The province’s reopening to foreign tourists under the “Phang Nga Prompt” campaign was initially set for August 1, but the scheme has not yet…

  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | More Dark red zones, ‘coup rumour’ quashed | August 2

    Thailand News Today | More Dark red zones, ‘coup rumour’ quashed | August 2

    You can donate to our “I Am Strong Campaign” here…. https://gogetfunding.com/the-thaigers-i-am-strong-campaign/ Starting off with an extended report on the new restrictions in Dark Red Zones, and exactly how the new zonings may affect you. Down south, and Phuket has been re-categorised, going from a “yellow” zone to an “orange” zone. Following a rumour that a military coup to remove PM…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket sealed off from tomorrow in bid to curb virus spread, save sandbox

    Phuket sealed off from tomorrow in bid to curb virus spread, save sandbox

    From tomorrow, the southern island of Phuket shuts its doors to all but essential delivery services, in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19. A provincial order states that a ban on all domestic travel to and from the island will remain in place until at least August 16. “Phuket needs to come up with measures that aim to…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Sandbox Covid-19 infections: 35 today, 209 this week

    Phuket Sandbox Covid-19 infections: 35 today, 209 this week

    35 new Covid-19 infections pushed rolling 7-day total in Phuket to 209, more than doubling the feared 90 per week that would trigger Sandbox reconsideration according to the original official plans. When the total first passed the 90 infection threshold and surpassed 100, the Department of Disease Control declared that the overall situation was still far from critical and the…

  • Phuket NewsPrecarious Phuket: open internationally, closed domestically

    Precarious Phuket: open internationally, closed domestically

    Phuket has become like one island but 2 different worlds, depending on your vantage point. A look at the news over the past few days has been a dizzying mix of the Phuket Sandbox pushing forward, some successes in statistically low Covid-19 infection and death, especially compared to the rest of Thailand, a green light for the Sandbox to continue…

  • Things To DoTop 5 shopping malls Phuket

    Top 5 shopping malls Phuket

    Shopping malls in Phuket are as great as the ones in Bangkok. The malls feature both international and local brand names, top-quality supermarkets, restaurants serving delicious cuisines from all around the world, and entertainment venues. You can watch a movie, escape the heat of the day, sample great food, or simply go on a shopping spree at the best shopping…

  • Phuket NewsDomestic travel to Phuket all but banned starting August 2

    Domestic travel to Phuket all but banned starting August 2

    The Phuket government has found itself in a precarious predicament, caught between domestic and international tourism. While walking a tightrope between local and international, authorities have just announced what essentially amounts to a domestic lockout with new travel restrictions into Phuket going into effect on August 3. The Sandbox scheme is a critical step for international tourism to finally return…

  • Covid-19 NewsDespite Covid-19 Phuket Sandbox continues at least 2 weeks

    Despite Covid-19 Phuket Sandbox continues at least 2 weeks

    With Covid-19 infections surging in Phuket, many have questioned if the Phuket Sandbox scheme would continue or be shut down as the original provisions of the Sandbox said that thresholds like over 90 infections a week could trigger revisions or cancellation of the programme. Now the Deputy Director of the Department of Disease Control has confirmed that, despite the rise…

  • Tourism NewsExperience Phuket’s Islands with 5 Star Marine

    Experience Phuket’s Islands with 5 Star Marine

    Phuket and Krabi’s seascapes are famous for a reason. Boasting serene white beaches and untouched limestone karats, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. With 5 Star Marine, its surrounding islands are easier to explore than ever. In the comfort of your own VIP speedboat, take in hidden bays, caves and lagoons, or visit deserted beaches off the beaten track. Luxury and…

  • Covid-19 NewsThursday Covid Update: Record high of 17,669 cases and 165 deaths

    Thursday Covid Update: Record high of 17,669 cases and 165 deaths

    A new record high of 17,669 new Covid-19 cases and 165 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Since April 1, in the latest and most severe wave of cases, the CCSA has reported a total of 532,167 Covid-19 infections since the start of the pandemic. The number of daily new cases hit a new…

  • Covid-19 NewsWednesday Covid Update: Record high of 16,533 new cases

    Wednesday Covid Update: Record high of 16,533 new cases

    A record high of 16,533 new Covid-19 cases were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. In the latest and most severe wave of infections in Thailand, first recorded on April 1, the CCSA has reported 514,498 Covid-19 cases. Today, the CCSA also recorded another 133 coronavirus-related deaths. Out of the new cases, 202 were found in correctional…

  • Phuket News“Phuket Sandbox” still on, provincial restrictions set after uptick in Covid-19

    “Phuket Sandbox” still on, provincial restrictions set after uptick in Covid-19

    The “Phuket Sandbox” is still on, but the uptick in coronavirus infections pose a threat to the tourism experiment. Before the July 1 reopening, the government said it would reconsider the travel scheme if cases exceeded 90 Covid-19 infections. Over the past week, the island reported 125 new infections. With the weekly case count exceeding the government’s threshold, new restrictions…

  • Covid-19 NewsPhuket officials add new layers of restrictions, Central closed for 7 days

    Phuket officials add new layers of restrictions, Central closed for 7 days

    It’s starting to get real in Phuket. New measures have been announced to further restrict the gathering places for people. Meanwhile, for now, the Sandbox continues unabated. The new restrictions are effective until at least August 2. The province has already surpassed its threshold of 90 cases in a week, earlier cited as the upper limit before the government would…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket vice governor says “Sandbox” tourists aren’t scared off by Covid situation

    Phuket vice governor says “Sandbox” tourists aren’t scared off by Covid situation

    Thailand’s latest and most severe wave of Covid-19 isn’t scaring away potential “Phuket Sandbox” tourists… at least that’s what the island province’s vice governor says. The official recently shot back claims that around a third of tourists who entered under the new reopening scheme decided to return home because of the continuous rise of Covid-19 infections and deaths. Under the…

  • Things To DoTop 5 best island tours in Phuket

    Top 5 best island tours in Phuket

    Phuket is surrounded by numerous islands waiting to be explored. Some destinations can be reached easily by boat, but others need a little planning and effort. Therefore, taking part in the best Phuket island tours will undoubtedly make your vacation more memorable and easier. With so many places to explore and activities to do, it can be hard to decide…

  • Tourism NewsHotels hope for increase in foreign tourists to offset slump in domestic demand

    Hotels hope for increase in foreign tourists to offset slump in domestic demand

    Hotels in Thailand’s normally busy tourist hotspots are hoping that a further re-opening to foreign travellers will offset the drop in domestic demand. The Bangkok Post reports that travel curbs have decimated domestic tourism in places like Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga. Kongsak Khoopongsakorn from the Thai Hotels Association says the Phuket sandbox scheme welcomed around 10,000 tourists in its…

  • Phuket NewsNew Covid-19 infections drop, still worrisome for Phuket Sandbox

    New Covid-19 infections drop, still worrisome for Phuket Sandbox

    Following a concerning spike in Covid-19 cases this weekend, the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office reported that cases dropped today to 11, still worrisomely high. Of the 11 new infections, one was from a Phuket Sandbox international traveller, bringing the total number of Sandboxers infected to 22. The 11 new Covid-19 infections push Phuket past the 900 mark with a…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket “car mob” protest demands the removal of PM, calls for mRNA vaccines

    Phuket “car mob” protest demands the removal of PM, calls for mRNA vaccines

    Hundreds of cars and motorcycles drove through Phuket in a so-called “car mob” rally, calling for the resignation of PM Prayut Chan-o-cha and the procurement of mRNA Covid-19 vaccines. Many have criticised the Thai government as it grapples with the most severe wave of Covid-19, a limited supply of vaccines and the emergence of the highly transmissible Delta variant. Earlier…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket company plans to pitch “Diving Sandbox” for liveaboard trips

    Phuket company plans to pitch “Diving Sandbox” for liveaboard trips

    A local diving company is working on a project to offer liveaboard dive excursions to travellers entering Thailand through the “Phuket Sandbox” travel scheme. Under the plan in the works by Seafarer Divers, travellers would get picked up directly from the airport after arriving in Thailand and be transferred to a dive tour boat. While on board the boat, the…

  • Thailand NewsFormer Phuket tour guide suspected of drowning in Phuket

    Former Phuket tour guide suspected of drowning in Phuket

    A former Phuket tour guide, who was previously denied entry onto the island, is believed to have drowned after he slipped and fell into the water next to the Sarasin Bridge, yesterday. Police were called to the scene at half-past 2. Then, police and rescue workers attempted to save the former tour guide, 42 year old Sutep Sae Man. By…

  • Phuket News“Sandboxers” can travel to specified islands and beaches after 7 days in Phuket

    “Sandboxers” can travel to specified islands and beaches after 7 days in Phuket

    A new rule for the “Phuket Sandbox” was passed allowing visitors under the reopening scheme to travel to specified islands after spending 7 days in Phuket. The rule goes into effect on August 1. The islands include Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao, which are off the coast of Surat Thani in the Gulf of Thailand. The trio…

  • Thailand video newsGood Morning Thailand | Vaccinologist AP Helen – Part 2, Bodies in BKK streets, alternative flights

    Good Morning Thailand | Vaccinologist AP Helen – Part 2, Bodies in BKK streets, alternative flights

    Second part of an interview with Associate Professor Helen Petousis Harris – Vaccinologist and Director of the Vaccine Data Link and Research Group at the University of Auckland. Nok Air come up with a way of getting around the Dark Red Zone flight issue, Chon Buri in virtual lockdown, getting on and off Phuket. Your comments and questions.

  • Thailand video newsGood Morning Thailand | Interview with vaccinologist, Andaman Sandbox, Covid updates

    Good Morning Thailand | Interview with vaccinologist, Andaman Sandbox, Covid updates

    Click the link to watch… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYVl2S0zg24 Today Tim and Jay speak with Associate Professor Helen Petousis Harris – Vaccinologist and Director of the Vaccine Data Link and Research Group at the University of Auckland. The Andaman sandbox, Stephanie Update and the latest covid updates. Plus all your comments and questions. https://covid-19.in.th/en

  • Phuket NewsUPDATE: Details from woman who escaped Phuket Sandbox

    UPDATE: Details from woman who escaped Phuket Sandbox

    In an update to a story that broke yesterday, more details have emerged about the still-unnamed person who escaped from the Phuket Sandbox on Tuesday. Reports now state that it was an 18 year old woman who disappeared from the mandatory 14-day stay upon arrival in Phuket and was picked up Tuesday night in Chonburi after authorities were about to…