Phuket

  • Covid-19 NewsPhuket reports 3 new coronavirus cases (Wednesday)
    ThaigerWednesday, March 25, 2020
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    Phuket reports 3 new coronavirus cases (Wednesday)

    Newshawk Phuket reports 3 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus on the southern Thai island of Phuket. 2 Chinese patients have recovered and been discharged, bringing the total remaining cases to 27. 98 people are still in hospital in Phuket, with 71 awaiting test results. The new cases are… An English traveller who arrived in Phuket on March 19 via…

  • Covid-19 NewsPhuket declares ‘lockdown’ of all but essential services
    ThaigerTuesday, March 24, 2020
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    Phuket declares ‘lockdown’ of all but essential services

    A lockdown of all but essential services has been declared for Phuket, echoing the ‘lockdown’ in Bangkok and surrounding provinces over the weekend. The Thaiger has just received an English version but awaiting an internet-friendly version which we will publish ASAP. Here are the main things you need to know.

  • Covid-19 NewsAustralian consul general in Phuket confirms letters for stranded Aussie expats
    ThaigerTuesday, March 24, 2020
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    Australian consul general in Phuket confirms letters for stranded Aussie expats

    The Australian Consulate General in Phuket says it will provide visa support letters to any Australians in Thailand who can prove long-term residency in Thailand. The Australian consul general in Phuket confirms that letters for expats caught by Non-Imm O visa requirements will be provided. “Please email Consular.Phuket@dfat.gov.au with your personal particulars page of your passport and a copy of your…

  • Covid-19 NewsUPDATE: Thailand confirms 106 new coronavirus cases, 3 more deaths
    ThaigerTuesday, March 24, 2020
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    UPDATE: Thailand confirms 106 new coronavirus cases, 3 more deaths

    UPDATE: New cases announced in Phuket (below). ORIGINAL STORY: Thailand health officials have reported 106 new Covid-19 coronavirus infections today, bringing the total to 827 in the Kingdom. The number of new cases is lower than the 122 recorded yesterday. The Ministry of Public Health has also reported 3 additional deaths from the virus in the past 24 hours, bringing…

  • Covid-19 News13 cases in Phuket, official
    ThaigerSunday, March 22, 2020
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    13 cases in Phuket, official

    13 cases of Covid-19 coronavirus have now been confirmed in the southern Thai island of Phuket. 6 new cases have been announced in the past 24 hours. On Friday the Phuket Governor admitted to five cases on the island – 2 Chinese visitors in early February and 3 current cases involving a Danish family. 188 new cases have been announced…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesHot days for the North, possible thundershowers in the South
    ThaigerSunday, March 22, 2020
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    Hot days for the North, possible thundershowers in the South

    Thailand’s Meteorological Department says today that a low pressure system covers upper Thailand and will make for hot, dry days in the north of Thailand. Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket five day forecasts below. “A westerly trough covers the upper Northeast, while southerly and southeasterly winds blow humidity from the South China Sea into the Northeast, the East, the Central…

  • Covid-19 NewsThai government “in discussions” over stranded foreigners
    ThaigerSaturday, March 21, 2020
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    Thai government “in discussions” over stranded foreigners

    Thailand’s government will hold “discussions about what to do” regarding about an estimated 500,000 tourists stranded in the country by the Covid-19 coronavirus situation, and who may be facing overstaying if a reasonable solution cannot be found quickly. With many countries sealing their borders, or preparing to, options for tourists to go home or make a visa run, even retirement…

  • Covid-19 News25 Covid-19 cases awaiting test results in Phuket, 5 cases confirmed yesterday
    ThaigerSaturday, March 21, 2020
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    25 Covid-19 cases awaiting test results in Phuket, 5 cases confirmed yesterday

    At a tetchy meeting of the Provincial Communicable Diseases Committee in Phuket Town yesterday, Phuket’s Govenor Phakaphong Tavipatana finally admitted to five cases of Covid-19 on the holiday island, three of them still active. After weeks of obfuscation and denying active cases of the coronavirus in Phuket, the Governor finally came clean after repeated questions from a frustrated Phuket press…

  • Covid-19 NewsPhuket Covid-19 ‘updates’
    AnukulSaturday, March 14, 2020
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    Phuket Covid-19 ‘updates’

    The spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus prompted tourism industry leaders in Phuket this week to support moves to cancel or postpone mass events across the island. All official Songkran Thai New Year festivities in the southern resort island’s Patong district have already been cancelled, along with the annual Phuket Bike Week, usually the biggest motorcycle event in Asia. Even the…

  • Phuket NewsLost at sea: Thailand – A study from ISLA
    ThaigerMonday, March 9, 2020
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    Lost at sea: Thailand – A study from ISLA

    By Daren Jenner, Thailand Section Chief, Marine Safety Officer, International Surf Life Saving Association The International Surf Lifesaving Association has just released an alarming study it calls “Lost at Sea: Thailand”. The study highlights the stark reality of the dangers of the two-faced Andaman Sea that surrounds the famous holiday Island of Phuket, Thailand. During the dry season (November to…

  • Covid-19 NewsPhuket announces quarantine for arrivals from South Korea only
    ThaigerSunday, March 8, 2020
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    Phuket announces quarantine for arrivals from South Korea only

    Breaking with national policy, Phuket’s governor yesterday announced forced quarantine for arrivals from South Korea, but mentioned no other “risk areas” for the Covid-19 coronavirus. Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana chaired a meeting of the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee at which four quarantine zones were announced, where arrivals from South Koreans are to remain for 14 days before being allowed to mingle…

  • Covid-19 NewsMore than 2,000 stranded on cruise liner in Phuket over Italian “risk” tourists
    ThaigerFriday, March 6, 2020
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    More than 2,000 stranded on cruise liner in Phuket over Italian “risk” tourists

    Over 2,000 passengers and crew on board the Costa Fortuna cruise liner, which arrived in Patong yesterday, have been denied permission to disembark. The ban comes after official confirmation that 64 Italians onboard left Italy in the past 14 days. The move follows the Thai government’s institution of a 14 day self-quarantine on all people arriving from China, South Korea,…

  • Covid-19 News“Phuket is still open for business” Phuket Hotels Association
    ThaigerWednesday, March 4, 2020
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    “Phuket is still open for business” Phuket Hotels Association

    Below is a media release from the Phuket Hotels Association… Dear All There has been a lot of confusion today resulting from the FB page message from a Minister (later removed) saying anybody coming from the designated high-risk countries below must self-quarantine. At this time, there is no indication at any Thai airport of any enforcement and all visitors have normal…

  • Crime NewsMan arrested with 44 kilograms of marijuana in Phuket
    ThaigerWednesday, March 4, 2020
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    Man arrested with 44 kilograms of marijuana in Phuket

    A 60 year old man is in custody after he was found collecting 44 kilograms of dried marijuana, valued at about 400,000 baht, from a parcel delivery company in Phuket. Police told a press conference yesterday that officers got a tip that a large shipment of marijuana would arrive in Phuket via a parcel company on February 29. On the…

  • Tourism NewsNong Nong forced to lift weights and perform for tourists at a Phuket zoo – VIDEO
    ThaigerTuesday, March 3, 2020
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    Nong Nong forced to lift weights and perform for tourists at a Phuket zoo – VIDEO

    A monkey has been filmed lifting weights and doing other ‘tricks’ for tourists at an unnamed zoo in Phuket. Footage was shot by people recording the video for PETA, the global animal rights group, of the monkey being forced to lift weights and do press-ups as entertainment for the island’s tourists. The monkey is an indigenous Macaque species and named ‘Ning…

  • Phuket NewsAfter 32 years, legendary Phuket eatery Baan Rim Pa is on the move
    ThaigerTuesday, February 25, 2020
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    After 32 years, legendary Phuket eatery Baan Rim Pa is on the move

    But not too far! One of Phuket’s most iconic restaurants, a firm local favourite, Baan Rim Pa, is moving after 32 years. The multi-award-winning bastion of the resort island’s dining scene, long located in Patong, will be absorbed into its newer location farther north in Kalim, while its daughter outlets, Da Maurizio and Joes Downstairs will be shuttered. Baan Rim…

  • Songkran NewsTop 10 dos and don’ts for the 2020 Songkran festival
    ThaigerSunday, February 23, 2020
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    Top 10 dos and don’ts for the 2020 Songkran festival

    Heading to Thailand for the 2020 Songkran festival? Want to know the dates, where to go and the dos and don’ts for this amazing water festival in Thailand? Songkran is a single name given to a series of concurrent events – an astrological ‘new year’, a Buddhist festival, the ‘change’ from dry season to wet season and a humongous water…

  • Phuket NewsAmerican man arrested for theft at Phuket mall
    ThaigerSaturday, February 22, 2020
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    American man arrested for theft at Phuket mall

    An American man has been arrested for theft after allegedly stealing three designer wallets from a shop at Phuket’s Central Floresta shopping mall. Twenty-one year old Christopher Braman was arrested at the shopping centre in tambon Ratsada on charges of theft and overstaying his visa, police said yesterday. After the arrest, police took Braman him to his rented room in…

  • Phuket NewsUnemployment rises 34% in Phuket due to virus’s impact
    ThaigerFriday, February 21, 2020
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    Unemployment rises 34% in Phuket due to virus’s impact

    Unemployment on the resort island of Phuket is up 34% year on year due the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, according to the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO). “After Chinese government banned their citizens from travel abroad because of COVID-19, the number of people coming to register as unemployed has been rising quickly. About 80 people come to register…

  • Krabi NewsCountdown to reopening – contracts awards for new Maya Bay infrastructure
    ThaigerMonday, February 17, 2020
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    Countdown to reopening – contracts awards for new Maya Bay infrastructure

    by Sawat, Five Star Thailand Tours New plans are now being enacted which will lead to the re-opening of Maya Bay to tourism again. With a new development project in the works, it won’t be long until visitors will once again be able to visit ‘The Beach’, according to sources with knowledge of the matter. Maya Bay was shut down to…

  • Phuket NewsThailand welcomes cruise ship shunned in Vietnam over virus fears
    ThaigerSunday, February 16, 2020
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    Thailand welcomes cruise ship shunned in Vietnam over virus fears

    German cruise ship AIDAvita has been welcomed in Thailand, days after it was blocked from docking in Vietnam due to fears of the COVID-19 coronavirus spreading across the region. Authorities in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province, home to UNESCO world heritage site Ha Long Bay, barred passengers on the AIDAvita from disembarking on Thursday, according to the Vietnam News Agency. Germany’s…

  • Tourism News“Tourist arrivals to plunge 50% in first half of 2020” – Thai Tourism Minister
    ThaigerSunday, February 16, 2020
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    “Tourist arrivals to plunge 50% in first half of 2020” – Thai Tourism Minister

    Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has painted a gloomy outlook for Thailand’s previously-robust tourism industry. He says he expects tourist arrivals to plunge by 50% in the first half of 2020 because of the coronavirus outbreak. His predictions are born out by sluggish arrival numbers at the country’s main airports, hotel forward bookings and ‘landing slots’ cancelled by international…

  • Phuket NewsMore than 200 couples exchange vows on Valentine’s Day 2020 in Phuket
    ThaigerSaturday, February 15, 2020
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    More than 200 couples exchange vows on Valentine’s Day 2020 in Phuket

    Knots were tied, brooms were jumped, rings were donned and brides were kissed. All three of Phuket’s district offices, Muang Phuket, Kathu and Thalang, were packed yesterday as couples vied to get married on Valentine’s Day. 109 couples registered their marriage at the Muang District Office alone, with the island’s vice governor present as a witness. The 109 couples, of…

  • Thailand video newsWhat’s your first response when you hear the word ‘Thailand’? – VIDEO
    ThaigerFriday, February 14, 2020
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    What’s your first response when you hear the word ‘Thailand’? – VIDEO

    So what do you think of first when you hear the word ‘Thailand’? Beaches? Markets? Food? A location? Bibi headed out onto the street to pose the question to foreigners and Thais. Turn on the CC (Closed Captions) button at the bottom for translations (most of it’s in English). What would your answer be? Over to you Bibi… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljYxdsJHavw&fbclid=IwAR1e1JFko6HZ6HnKTPmCPgMu_QDzN4vpBlrv1jLLSKOfa79FgPXEGsmJVT4

  • Phuket NewsUPDATE: Phuket speedboats crash: 2 children dead, 22 injured – VIDEO
    ThaigerMonday, February 10, 2020
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    UPDATE: Phuket speedboats crash: 2 children dead, 22 injured – VIDEO

    “…both boat drivers have been charged with reckless driving causing death and injury.” Two Russian children have died and some 22 people were injured following a high-speed speedboat collision off Phuket’s east coast just before 8am this morning. The incident occurred in the channel linking Phuket’s two main east coast marinas with the Phang Nga Bay on the east side of…

  • Phuket NewsAustrian man dies in Patong condo fall
    ThaigerFriday, February 7, 2020
    1 190

    Austrian man dies in Patong condo fall

    A 68 year old Austrian man is dead after falling from his 12th floor condominium in Patong. His body was found at about 10 last night, on the ground outside the Patong Night Plaza condominium, where police say he lived alone. According to his passport he entered Thailand on December 19 on a 90 day visa. Blood pressure diabetes medications…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai hard hit over ‘palpable’ tourism drop
    ThaigerSunday, February 2, 2020
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    Phuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai hard hit over ‘palpable’ tourism drop

    The 2019-nCoV coronavirus, the official name for the Wuhan or Novel Corononavirus, is resulting in dozens of high-season flights to Thai southern beach resorts being cancelled. The virus is already deemed an international public health emergency by the World Health Organisation. “While Patong survived and thrived after SARS, the tsunami and a few army coups, this virus is stripping our…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s governor appeals for calm, issues warning over fake virus news
    ThaigerSaturday, February 1, 2020
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    Phuket’s governor appeals for calm, issues warning over fake virus news

    Amid the flurry of news stories about the Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak, Phuket’s Governor Phakaphong urged people this week to beware of fake news and reports that don’t cite their sources. “Fake news has been shared on social media, making people worried and damaging Phuket’s tourism image. Please check before believing it, reduce the panic.” One report that went viral this…

  • Phuket NewsHealth officials now checking Chinese tourists in Phuket hotels
    ThaigerSaturday, February 1, 2020
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    Health officials now checking Chinese tourists in Phuket hotels

    Health officials in Phuket are checking up and visiting Chinese tourists at local hotels over worries about the Wuhan Coronavirus. Though there are no confirmed cases on the island, officials are performing the checkups as precautions intensify to contain the spread of the virus. Phuket’s deputy governor says officials are now taking more proactive measures to combat the coronavirus, with…

  • Covid-19 NewsNo confirmed coronavirus cases in Phuket, six tourists under observation
    ThaigerSaturday, February 1, 2020
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    No confirmed coronavirus cases in Phuket, six tourists under observation

    A this stage, no one in Phuket has been confirmed as infected with the coronavirus. Director of Vachira Hospital’s Dr Chalermpong Sukontapol brought local media up to date in his media scrum at the hospital yesterday. But he announced that 6 more tourists are currently under observation but are, as yet, unconfirmed to be carrying the novel coronavirus. One of…