Phuket

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s traffic revolution: New roads to transform island travel

    Phuket’s traffic revolution: New roads to transform island travel

    Phuket is gearing up for a major infrastructure facelift with a slew of secondary road developments aimed at easing traffic woes and boosting tourism. Officials unveiled the ambitious plan at a press conference chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwanarat at Provincial Hall on Friday, December 20, showcasing a roadmap for smoother travel and economic growth. Jakkrapong Thamuntree, Director of Phuket’s…

  • 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…

  • Thailand NewsThailand eyes Phuket for bitcoin sandbox experiment

    Thailand eyes Phuket for bitcoin sandbox experiment

    Thailand is edging closer to cryptocurrency adoption, with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira dropping hints about extending the bitcoin sandbox experiment in Phuket. This bold move could position Thailand as a regional leader in digital currency innovation. “We are not suggesting replacing existing currencies with bitcoin.” Pichai emphasised the controlled nature of the trial. Under the sandbox model, bitcoin would be…

  • 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 NewsPhuket ramps up efforts to prevent norovirus amid regional outbreaks

    Phuket ramps up efforts to prevent norovirus amid regional outbreaks

    Phuket officials are intensifying efforts to prevent a norovirus outbreak, particularly after a significant rise in cases in China and a recent outbreak in Rayong with over 1,400 infections. In response to these threats, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), along with the Department of Disease Control and the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, conducted a workshop titled Phuket is…

  • 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 News2 foreigners caught pulling police-seized motorcycle in Phuket (video)

    2 foreigners caught pulling police-seized motorcycle in Phuket (video)

    A viral video surfaced yesterday showing two foreigners ignoring a Thai police wheel clamp and legal consequences, as they pulled a police-seized motorcycle along a road in Phuket. The video, shared on Facebook by a Thai man named Somsak Lerchai, quickly gained attention. In his caption, Somsak sarcastically remarked, “Wheel lock doesn’t work with Grade A tourists. #OneDayButThousandsSituations.” In the…

  • 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 NewsPhuket driver faces charges after fatal hit-and-run incident

    Phuket driver faces charges after fatal hit-and-run incident

    A driver involved in a tragic hit-and-run incident in Phuket turned himself into the police. Police confirmed that the driver will face charges for his actions following the fatal accident that occurred in the early hours of December 14. The unfortunate event took place around 3.20am along Srisoonthorn Road, near the Bang Jo Intersection in Srisoonthorn. The 22 year old…

  • 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…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket launches youth justice programme for safer communities

    Phuket launches youth justice programme for safer communities

    Phuket has taken a proactive step towards cultivating a safer community with the launch of the School of Youth Justice project, aimed at educating local youth on crime prevention. This initiative was unveiled yesterday, December 14 at Srinagarindra the Princess Mother School in Wichit, under the supervision of Governor Sophon Suwannarat. The event saw the participation of Wichian Chaisorn, Director…

  • Thailand NewsMotorcyclist dragged 800 metres in Phuket hit-and-run

    Motorcyclist dragged 800 metres in Phuket hit-and-run

    A white saloon car collided with a motorcycle in Thalang district, Phuket, early this morning, dragging the rider’s lifeless body for 800 metres before fleeing the scene. Police have identified the vehicle’s owner and are preparing to launch an investigation. A white saloon car, with an unregistered number plate, was reported to have left Bang Jo Alley and turned right…

  • Phuket NewsBeach wars: Kata’s shores overrun by chair chaos

    Beach wars: Kata’s shores overrun by chair chaos

    Kata and Kata Noi beaches, once postcard-perfect stretches of Phuket paradise, are now under siege—by a sea of sunbeds and umbrellas. Locals are outraged as beach chair operators sprawl unchecked, with one resident calling Kata Beach “the world’s ugliest beach” and lamenting over 10,000 umbrellas crammed from the road to the waterline. The infamous “10% rule,” meant to cap commercial…

  • Phuket NewsBusted: Police nab drug queenpin in Phuket

    Busted: Police nab drug queenpin in Phuket

    Kamala Police scored a major victory in their war on drugs, arresting a 35 year old woman described as a central figure in a sprawling drug distribution network. Marina Prabphet, also known as Ja Lek or Teua Lek, was apprehended at her residence in Village 8, Ban Phru Samphan, Thepkrasattri subdistrict, on Wednesday, December 11. The dramatic bust, part of…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket celebrates Disabled People’s Day with empowering event

    Phuket celebrates Disabled People’s Day with empowering event

    Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat led the 29th Disabled People’s Day celebration on Wednesday, December 11 at Phuket Rajabhat University, with the theme, Promoting Disabled Leaders for a Sustainable Future. The event spotlighted the incredible potential of people with disabilities and underscored the province’s commitment to equality and opportunity. In his opening remarks, Governor Sophon declared, “This event reflects our dedication…

  • Thailand NewsIllegal jet ski crackdown in Phuket sees 17 more rentals shut down

    Illegal jet ski crackdown in Phuket sees 17 more rentals shut down

    Phuket’s relentless battle against illegal jet skis has made another big splash. A daring raid led by marine officials uncovered 17 unlicensed jet skis being used for illegal tourist rentals in the popular tourist spot of Laem Nga, Ratsada. The operation also extended to the picturesque islands of Koh Mali and Koh Pae, off Phuket’s east coast. Senior officials including…

  • Thailand NewsTragedy on Phuket bridge: Motorcyclist killed in late-night crash

    Tragedy on Phuket bridge: Motorcyclist killed in late-night crash

    A tragic late-night collision on Phuket’s notorious Kojan Bridge claimed the life of a motorcyclist just before midnight yesterday, December 11. The crash occurred on Rattanakosin 200 Pi Road in Phuket Town, prompting police to rush to the scene at 11.54pm. Arriving officers found a white Toyota Hilux Vigo, registered locally, stopped in the middle of the road. The driver,…

  • Thailand NewsPier Pressure: IIlegal boat operator nabbed in Phuket crackdown

    Pier Pressure: IIlegal boat operator nabbed in Phuket crackdown

    A 21 year old Myanmar man found himself in hot water after being arrested at Chalong Pier for running an illegal tourist boat operation. The Marine Police pounced during a routine inspection, uncovering a string of violations that landed him in custody. The arrest is part of an ongoing clampdown on unlicensed activities in the popular tourist hotspot. “The Marine…

  • Things To DoWhere to celebrate Christmas in Phuket 2024

    Where to celebrate Christmas in Phuket 2024

    Cue in Mariah Carey because it’s time… Christmas is arriving soon! If you’re celebrating in Phuket, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of lavish dinners, leisurely brunches, and festive lunches all through the island. Want a classic Christmas menu like roast turkey and log cakes? The island has it. Looking to celebrate in a true island style…

  • Phuket NewsDrunk Belarusian man attacks police in Phuket rampage (video)

    Drunk Belarusian man attacks police in Phuket rampage (video)

    A drunk Belarusian man, naked only for his underwear, went on a rampage in Phuket yesterday, physically assaulting Thai police officers. Locals criticised the police for their ineffective response. At approximately 3.10am, yesterday, December 11, two officers from Karon Police Station arrived at the road along Karon Beach, outside The Emerald Hotel, to deal with the disturbance caused by the…

  • Phuket NewsSyrian woman and Afghan men nabbed in Phuket passport scam

    Syrian woman and Afghan men nabbed in Phuket passport scam

    Phuket International Airport turned into a hotspot for international intrigue on Monday as immigration officers caught three travellers attempting to pass through with forged passports. In the first bust, a 27 year old Syrian woman, whose name was withheld, was apprehended trying to enter Thailand with a fake Italian passport. The arrest occurred in the international arrivals hall at about…