Phuket

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s waste crisis worsens with tourist surge

    Phuket’s waste crisis worsens with tourist surge

    Phuket grapples with a mounting waste crisis as tourism surges post-pandemic. The island’s waste disposal plant now receives 1,100 tonnes of garbage daily, a significant rise from 742 tonnes in 2022 and 961 tonnes last year, according to deputy governor Norasak Suksomboon. Norasak highlighted these challenges at the 25th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum, where 150 global tourism leaders and policymakers…

  • Phuket NewsPizza the action: Foreign man wreaks havoc at Phuket pizzeria

    Pizza the action: Foreign man wreaks havoc at Phuket pizzeria

    An unidentified foreign man went on a rampage in the Thalang district of Phuket in the early hours of this morning and physically assaulted the Thai owner of a pizza shop near Phuket International Airport. The Phuket Times reported on the incident today. The report included pictures of the injured Thai pizza shop owner, a damaged car and restaurant, as well…

  • GuidesFlooding in Phuket what you need to know (Updated)

    Flooding in Phuket what you need to know (Updated)

    Phuket, a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, isn’t immune to the forces of nature. Flooding, particularly during the monsoon season, can disrupt travel plans and pose serious risks to both locals and tourists. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful island, understanding the flooding situation is crucial for your safety and convenience. However, as…

  • Phuket NewsGypsy cash dash: Phuket locals swarm ATMs for 10k baht handout

    Gypsy cash dash: Phuket locals swarm ATMs for 10k baht handout

    Hundreds of sea gypsies in Phuket flocked to ATMs at Laem Tukkae, Koh Sirey, Ratsada subdistrict on Wednesday, September 25, as part of the Thai government’s 10,000 baht handout scheme for vulnerable citizens. The scheme, aimed at state welfare cardholders and disabled individuals, is part of a broader economic stimulus programme. A national report noted that the sea gypsies, still…

  • Phuket TravelPhuket Vegetarian Festival’s ritual schedule 2024

    Phuket Vegetarian Festival’s ritual schedule 2024

    If you’re heading to Phuket for the Vegetarian Festival, don’t miss the powerful rituals! Watch the intense fire-walking, witness the spiritual bridge crossing, and experience the vibrant street processions from every shrine. Here’s the full schedule to make sure you catch it all. Timetable of Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2024 Shrine Fire-walking Ritual Bridge-crossing Ritual Street Procession Kathu Shrine 11 Oct…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket water supply halted for essential repairs

    Phuket water supply halted for essential repairs

    Phuket residents face a water supply disruption in central areas from 9am to 5pm today, September 26 due to essential repairs, the Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) announced. The disruption is necessary to address reduced water pressure caused by a malfunctioning water pump raft. Affected areas include Srisoonthorn, Cherng Talay, Pa Khlok, Kamala, and Ratsada. Residents in these regions may…

  • Phuket Travel39 Phuket shrines to visit during the Vegetarian Festival

    39 Phuket shrines to visit during the Vegetarian Festival

    The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a wild, colourful event that’s all about cultural traditions and spiritual vibes. A big part of the action takes place at different shrines around the island, where ceremonies and rituals come alive. If you’re planning to join in, here are the must-visit shrines you’ve got to check out. Shrines to visit during the Phuket Vegetarian…

  • Phuket NewsAmerican man denies sexually assaulting 3 year old Thai girl in Phuket

    American man denies sexually assaulting 3 year old Thai girl in Phuket

    An American man, suspected of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl in the Rawai area of Phuket, firmly denied the accusations against him. However, police are adamant they have gathered enough evidence to warrant his arrest. The child sex abuse case came to light when a Thai man named Bao found the three year old girl crying in pain outside her…

  • Phuket NewsJealous ex stabs man to death in Phuket horror

    Jealous ex stabs man to death in Phuket horror

    A late-night romance ended in tragedy after a 22 year old man was brutally stabbed to death by his girlfriend’s jealous ex-boyfriend in a house in Kathu district in Phuket. Police were called to a blood-soaked scene at a residence on Soi Namtok Kathu at around 5.20am today, September 25. They found 22 year old Anukun Ketkaew lying unconscious in…

  • Phuket News3 year old Thai girl sexually assaulted by foreign man in Phuket

    3 year old Thai girl sexually assaulted by foreign man in Phuket

    An unidentified foreign man allegedly sexually assaulted a three year old Thai girl at her home in the Rawai district of Phuket in the early hours of Monday, September 23. The young victim suffered severe injuries to her private parts. A Thai man who lived near the victim’s home shared the story of the three year old victim with the…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s tourism boom set to break records this year

    Phuket’s tourism boom set to break records this year

    After a rocky few years post-Covid, Phuket is poised to smash its highest-ever revenue records in 2024, even if tourist numbers don’t quite hit pre-pandemic levels. Longer stays, higher spending and a shift in visitor profiles are key to this tourism boom, according to Rangsiman Kingkaew, Vice President of Strategy and Planning at the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA). Speaking at…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s roads get a makeover in time for Vegetarian Festival

    Phuket’s roads get a makeover in time for Vegetarian Festival

    Phuket Town is in a race against time to ensure its roads are smooth and festival-ready before the Phuket Vegetarian Festival kicks off next week. The city’s top brass is pulling out all the stops, with Deputy Mayor Suphot La-ongphet leading the charge on a series of urgent road resurfacing projects across key streets. Suphot was spotted inspecting Yaowarat Road…

  • Phuket NewsMonsoon leaves Patong Beach littered with trash and plastic waste

    Monsoon leaves Patong Beach littered with trash and plastic waste

    Patong Beach has become heavily littered with trash and plastic waste as the southwestern monsoon continues to batter Phuket’s west coast. A large section of the beach was found covered in debris on Sunday afternoon, September 22, highlighting an ongoing environmental issue. A local expatriate, having lived in Phuket for approximately five years, described the situation along the northern part…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket flea market feud turns fiery: Shooting leaves two injured

    Phuket flea market feud turns fiery: Shooting leaves two injured

    The owner of the Koh Beng Ban Pon Flea Market in the Thalang district of Phuket engaged in a fierce argument with his former business partner, resulting in a shooting that left two people injured. Officers from Thalang Police Station investigated the shooting at Koh Beng Ban Pon Flea Market at approximately 7.30pm yesterday, September 23. The two injured individuals…

  • Phuket NewsWashed up: Risso’s dolphin meets tragic end on Kata Noi Beach

    Washed up: Risso’s dolphin meets tragic end on Kata Noi Beach

    Tragedy struck the shores of Thailand as officials confirmed yesterday the discovery of a rare Risso’s dolphin carcass, tragically entangled in a pile of rubbish on Kata Noi Beach in Phuket. Residents and lifeguards sounded the alarm around 7am, yesterday, September 22, alerting the Rare and Endangered Marine Animals Group, part of the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research…

  • Phuket NewsYoung Thai artists’ exhibition opens in Phuket today

    Young Thai artists’ exhibition opens in Phuket today

    Trapped on an Island, an art exhibition curated by young artists, opened yesterday at the Phuket Contemporary Art Gallery at Provincial Hall. Running from today until September 30, the exhibition features works by 45 artists from across Thailand, all under the age of 35. Part of the TIDKOR Young Contemporary Art and Exhibition, this event is held under the 3rd…

  • AutomotiveCan foreigner drive cars in Thailand

    Can foreigner drive cars in Thailand

    Thinking of exploring Thailand by car? If you’re a foreigner, you might be wondering if you can legally drive in this beautiful country. Navigating the rules and regulations can be a bit daunting, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Understanding whether you can drive in Thailand as a foreigner involves knowing about international driving permits, local laws, and insurance…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket health officials warn of dengue crisis after floods

    Phuket health officials warn of dengue crisis after floods

    Phuket is on high alert after a dengue fever advisory was issued by the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO), warning residents of a potential surge in infections following a week of relentless rain, flash floods, and landslides. The advisory, released yesterday, September 19, comes with no detailed explanation but the timing is telling as stagnant water, a breeding ground…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket’s prison break: Drug rehab programme promises new life

    Phuket’s prison break: Drug rehab programme promises new life

    Phuket is shaking up the prison scene with a groundbreaking initiative aimed at turning drug dealers into model citizens. The revamped Prison Scout Volunteers for Social Development programme officially launched its fourth edition, with bold ambitions to reform inmates, shape positive mindsets, and offer a way out of their criminal past. With the Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat notably absent, Vice…

  • GuidesIs it safe to travel to Phuket during Flooding

    Is it safe to travel to Phuket during Flooding

    Phuket, Thailand’s largest island and a renowned tourist destination, has recently faced significant challenges due to heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding. As travellers consider their plans, the question arises: Is it safe to visit Phuket during this time? This comprehensive article will explore the current situation, safety measures, travel advisories, and what visitors can expect while navigating the island amidst…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket teleconference reviews disaster plan for southern provinces

    Phuket teleconference reviews disaster plan for southern provinces

    Royal Volunteer Command Center Region 4 held a teleconference yesterday with representatives from 14 southern provinces to review the 2015 National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan. The meeting, chaired by Major General Anusorn Ourai, Deputy Commander of Army Area 4 and Deputy Director of the Royal Volunteer Command Center Region 4, aimed to improve coordination and ensure systematic disaster relief…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket: Lifeguards rush to save turtle washed ashore in Thalang

    Phuket: Lifeguards rush to save turtle washed ashore in Thalang

    Lifeguards at Bang Tao Beach in Thalang district, Phuket, faced an unexpected rescue mission this morning when a 30-kilogramme sea turtle, too weak to swim, was found washed ashore. The beach patrol team, led by Wirun Chuea-saman, head of the Surin-Bang Tao Beach lifeguards, quickly sprang into action. “We spotted the turtle during our routine patrol. It wasn’t injured but…

  • Thailand NewsThai woman killed in head-on collision with taxi in Phuket

    Thai woman killed in head-on collision with taxi in Phuket

    A tragic accident occurred in Cherng Talay subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket early today when a 33 year old woman lost her life after her motorbike was struck head-on by a green plate taxi on the wrong side of the road. Police responded to the incident on Srisoonthorn Road, near the Party Party Store, approximately 230 metres north of Soi Bang…

  • Phuket NewsRoyal Thai Navy rescues 143 tourists stranded on island off Phuket

    Royal Thai Navy rescues 143 tourists stranded on island off Phuket

    Sailors from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Third Area Command successfully rescued 143 tourists stranded on Racha Yai Island due to severe weather conditions and returned them safely to Phuket. Heavy rain and strong winds had created waves up to 4 metres high, making it impossible for tourist boats to reach the island, according to the Third Area Command based…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket drug suspect nabbed in mangrove forest hideout

    Phuket drug suspect nabbed in mangrove forest hideout

    A Thai man wanted on serious drug charges was finally captured today after being tracked down to a remote mangrove forest in Pa Khlok subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket. A police investigation team from Thalang Police, supported by local patrol officers, swooped in on the suspect’s hideout. The high-stakes raid, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchart Luecha, Inspector of Investigation at…

  • Phuket NewsBurmese binman killed in horrific Patong crash

    Burmese binman killed in horrific Patong crash

    A Burmese binman tragically lost his life in a three-vehicle crash in front of Wat Suwan Kiriwong School in Patong in the early hours of yesterday morning. The incident unfolded around 5am, yesterday, September 17 on Phra Barami Road, just 370 metres from Wat Patong. The victim, identified as Myanmar national Aung Aung, was a garbage collector employed by Patong Municipality.…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Airport skips memorial for One-Two-Go crash victims again

    Phuket Airport skips memorial for One-Two-Go crash victims again

    The Airports of Thailand (AoT) once again dodged the chance to hold an official memorial service in Phuket for the 90 victims of the One-Two-Go Flight OG269 disaster. This marks the 17th consecutive year that local officials have avoided organising any remembrance ceremonies for one of Thailand’s deadliest air crashes. On the anniversary of the tragedy, Monchai Tanode, General Manager…

  • LifestyleHow tailors in Phuket make getting a bespoke suit worth it

    How tailors in Phuket make getting a bespoke suit worth it

    Thinking about getting a bespoke suit in Thailand? You’re not alone. In fact, you should go to Phuket which isn’t just famous for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife but it’s also a hotspot for custom tailoring. In fact, Phuket boasts hundreds of tailor shops which makes it one of the top destinations in Asia for bespoke suits. Why Phuket?…

  • Tourism NewsPhuket plans sustainable tourism overhaul to boost economy

    Phuket plans sustainable tourism overhaul to boost economy

    Phuket’s sustainable tourism took centre stage yesterday, September 15, as the House of Representatives Tourism Committee held a seminar to explore new directions for the island’s tourism sector and delve into the creative economy. The event, Transforming Phuket’s Future, was held at Dara Hotel and saw participation from significant figures in government, the private sector, and civil society. Phuket Vice…

  • Phuket NewsStorm alert: Phuket’s rain game is just getting started

    Storm alert: Phuket’s rain game is just getting started

    Hold onto your umbrellas, folks, the driving rain that drenched southern parts of Phuket this morning is just a taste of what’s to come, warns Wirote Lewcharoenthrap, Director of the Southern Meteorological Centre (west coast). Thanks to a vigorous southwest monsoon hammering the Andaman Sea and the west coast, southern Thailand is bracing for heavy downpours and choppy seas from…