Phuket News
Discover the latest news and updates from Thailand’s most famous and beautiful island, The Thaiger’s hometown, having previously operated as the Phuket Gazette.
Our team brings you breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Phuket, covering everything from local politics and business to lifestyle and tourism. Learn about the island’s stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and thriving expat community, as well as keeping updated on events, and attractions.
The Thaiger is your ultimate guide to staying connected with Phuket’s ever-evolving landscape. To keep up with the most reliable news source on the island, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.
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Sponsored Promoting sustainable tourism at Blue Tree Phuket: Initiatives and impact
Blue Tree Phuket has been offering experiences that are both fun and environmentally conscious for many years. The comprehensive entertainment hub and waterpark has implemented numerous programs to enhance the sustainability of its practices, with its most recent endeavour being...
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Phuket governor endorses special administrative status transition
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat openly endorsed the move for Phuket to acquire special administrative status. Governor Sophon conveyed his support during a speech at the 2024 Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) Annual General Meeting, held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel. Sophon’s vision for the province’s future governance entails transitioning to a special administrative status, akin to those currently in place…
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Outrage as foreign couple crash car, leave injured rider in Phuket
Thai netizens are outraged at a foreign couple who crashed their luxury car into a motorcycle in Phuket but ignored the injured rider and focused only on the damage to their vehicle. The CCTV footage of the incident was shared widely on several social media platforms yesterday, April 25, showing a white Mercedes Benz sedan making a right turn without…
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Phuket firefighters avert potential disaster at fried ice cream shop
A potential disaster was averted in the wee hours of today when a fire, which could have engulfed a fried ice cream shop in Phuket, was swiftly contained by firefighters. The incident took place in Soi Paniang, Samkong, a neighbourhood in the bustling city of Phuket. Firefighters from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation branch at Phuket City Municipality…
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Thai tattoo artist arrested in Phuket for brutal rape of 13 year old girl
Police arrested a Thai tattoo artist at his rented room in Phuket yesterday for a brutal rape of a 13 year old girl that occurred last year. The sexual assault left the young victim with severe genital injuries and led to the removal of her womb. Officers from the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) arrested the tattoo…
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Phuket authorities bust illegal kratom operation targeting teens
Authorities in Phuket apprehended a 21 year old man for his involvement in the illegal production and trade of kratom juice targeting local teenagers in the Srisoonthorn area. The operation took place in a Village 5 property where the illegal substance was being prepared on Wednesday afternoon. Officials discovered a significant volume of kratom juice being prepared for distribution. Approximately…
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Phuket tattoo artist arrested for sexually assaulting minor
A prominent tattoo artist was finally apprehended at a Phuket lodging house today, in a raid by law enforcement marking an end to a nationwide manhunt. The charges against him included sexually assaulting a 13 year old girl, whose injuries were so severe that she had to undergo a hysterectomy. The harrowing ordeal began when the young girl visited the tattoo…
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Australians in Phuket gain easy access to visa services
From Monday, April 29, Australians residing in Phuket can access visa services and provide biometrics within the city, according to a statement released by the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald. The service, which was previously only available in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, is now available in Phuket through the Australian Biometric Collection Centre, operated by VFS Global. “The Australian…
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Myanmar man tasered after threatening Thai police following crash
A Myanmar national, following a motorcycle collision on the Bang Tao Beach Road, threatened police officers with a knife, leading to the use of a taser to subdue him, according to Cherng Talay Police Chief, Police Colonel Weeraphong Rakkhito. The incident unfolded at midday on Tuesday, April 23, when two motorcycles collided. The Myanmar man, who remains unnamed in police…
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Phuket crackdown on organised crime seizes over 500 million baht
Phuket became the centre of a significant crackdown on organised crime, as a Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) Special Operations Team seized more than 500 million baht (US$13.5 million) worth of illegal goods yesterday. The confiscated items included untaxed cigarettes, alcohol, and prohibited electronic cigarettes. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat unveiled the results of the operation at a press conference held…
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Truck’s brake breakdown turns car care into car scare in Phuket
A catastrophic brake failure led to a 10-wheeled truck crashing into a car care shop in Ratsada, Phuket, yesterday. The truck, which was on its usual route, first knocked down a traffic light pole before finally stopping its destructive path at the shop. The unfortunate incident was reported to the police at 11.27am. On arrival, officers discovered the scene of…
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PM Srettha reveals ‘Phuket Model’ to boost tourism and safety
Srettha Thavisin unveiled the Phuket Model which aims to revolutionise tourism management and social security in the tourist hotspot. Addressing a gathering of consular mission heads and law enforcement officials from 12 countries, PM Srettha highlighted the urgent need to prevent Phuket from descending into a haven for safety tourism. “Phuket was the first province I visited after taking office…
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Phuket gets new Australian Consul-General
Following an announcement made by Penny Wong, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kirsten Fletcher was named the new Australian Consul-General for Phuket and its nearby provinces. Fletcher’s appointment was confirmed yesterday. Fletcher, known for her active involvement in sustainability and tourism, was recently seen at an event in Phuket last month, where locals shared ideas on reducing plastic waste. Angela…
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British tourist’s beach blunder lands him in trouble
A British tourist found himself in a sticky situation after driving onto the sidewalk and getting trapped in the sand on Kamala Beach on Monday. The mishap led to police intervention and hefty fines for the Brit’s reckless escapade. Officers from the Kamala Police Station, Phuket Province, launched an investigation into the baffling trend of tourists driving onto the sidewalk…
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Phuket Airport runway disruption due to faulty aircraft
Phuket International Airport experienced significant disruptions to inbound and outbound flights yesterday due to a faulty aircraft that remained immobile on the runway. The aircraft‘s hydraulic steering system malfunctioned, preventing it from being moved off the runway without the aid of a pushback tractor. Phuket Air Control Tower promptly communicated the issue to the ground crew at 10.32am. The incident…
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Drunk driver strikes police officer in early morning Patong collision
A drunk driver in Patong, Phuket, collided with a police officer on patrol early this morning. The incident occurred near Patong Hospital at the intersection of Phra Mettha Road and Sai Nam Yen Road. Patong Police Station officers were informed of the incident around 4.30am, today, April 23. The drunk driver was identified as 21 year old Amornlak Bunsiri from…
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Thai fans press couple to return diamond pendant to Jackson Wang
Thai fans of Hong Kong singer and rapper Jackson Wang put pressure on a Thai couple to return a lost segment of his diamond-encrusted Buzz Lightyear pendant after they discovered it in Phuket and tried to sell it. Wang visited Phuket to celebrate his birthday at a beach club in the province on March 27. During his birthday party, Wang…
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Russian to respect: Phuket hospital calls for law-abiding visitors
Vachira Phuket Hospital called upon the Russian community in Phuket to respect Thai laws and hospital regulations following a string of incidents involving Russian nationals. Recent episodes include a Russian man refusing to settle his medical bills, and a woman threatening hospital staff with a baseball bat. A man of Russian nationality was arrested on April 19 for intimidating the…
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Phuket anticipates one million Chinese tourists post-Songkran
The popular tourist resort island of Phuket is gearing up to welcome an additional influx of 1 million Chinese tourists this year. This forecast comes in the wake of a targeted tourism promotion that took place across three Chinese cities. Anupab Vejwanichsanong, who occupies the role of the vice president for the Phuket Administration Organisation, revealed today, April 22, that the roadshow’s…
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Phuket hotel boob: Portuguese guest’s topless strut causes chaos
A Portuguese woman yesterday left guests gobsmacked by walking around a Phuket hotel with her boobs out and reportedly refused to settle her accommodation bill. The Phuket Times, yesterday, April 21, issued a warning to accommodation operators in the province to be aware of the 31 year old Portuguese woman Nadiya Serivna Varshawa. “Warning for hotels in Phuket! Beware of this…
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Phuket car rentals must verify tourist driving licenses
Phuket’s vehicle rental businesses received a first-hand reminder about the importance of verifying tourists’ driving licenses. The National Tourist Police Commander, Lieutenant General Saksira Phueakam, paid them a visit on Saturday, April 20. This personal visit was part of an initiative to regulate the growing vehicle rental industry in the popular tourist destination of Phuket. Lt. Gen. Saksira embarked on…
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Motorbike taxi driver stabs colleague in Phuket over passenger
A motorbike taxi driver in Phuket Town is currently on the run after allegedly stabbing a colleague during a heated argument. The violent dispute occurred yesterday, April 22, at the fresh market on Ranong Road. The victim, a 65 year old known as “Thiwa Lo Phuket,” was discovered by officers from the Phuket City Police Station, still seated on his…
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Teenager detained following stabbing at Patong’s OTOP Market
A 17 year old man is in police custody following a stabbing incident at OTOP Market in Patong that left a 20 year old injured. The event took place just past 1am on April 19. The 20 year old victim, Ariyath Kaewnao, suffered an abdominal injury during an altercation between two local youth groups. Immediately after the incident, Ariyath was…
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PM Srettha visits Phuket Airport
PM Srettha paid a visit to Phuket International Airport, spearheading a mission to revolutionise the region’s infrastructure. The Thai premier inspected the second phase of the airport’s expansion and a novel solution to traffic woes. Srettha pledged prosperity without the pain for locals. A meticulous strategy, executed with precision by all agencies, has already yielded impressive results in just six…
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Thai woman found dead at Phuket’s Kalim seaside
A tragic event unfolded in Phuket yesterday afternoon as a 23 year old Thai woman from the Isaan region lost her life by drowning. The unfortunate incident took place on the seaside rocks in Kalim, a northernmost part of Patong. The Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation of Patong branch received a call at around 5.40pm. The foundation’s rescue workers promptly responded, rushing…
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Phuket man escapes major harm as car collides with electricity pole
A Thai man narrowly avoided significant harm when his car collided with an electricity pole and subsequently caught fire in the early hours of this morning in Phuket Town. Phuket City Police received notification of the accident, which occurred close to the juncture of Phang Nga Road and Surin Road, at 1.55am today, April 19. On arrival at the scene,…
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Phuket launches free electric bus to drive sustainable tourism
Phuket is gearing up for a greener future with the launch of a free air-conditioned electric bus service in the heart of the city. Scheduled to accelerate on May 9, this eco-friendly initiative is driven by a collaboration between local companies under the banner of PKCD and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation. The announcement for the 22-seat Smart Bus EV…
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Phuket Airport rescue department tackles local fires
Phuket International Airport’s Fire and Rescue Department was summoned to tackle two challenging fires in the nearby areas yesterday. The areas affected included an abandoned section opposite Thalang Technical College and Baan Mak Prok locality in Mai Khao. Both fires had rapidly spread across extensive plots of land, posing a considerable challenge to the firefighters. However, the airport rescue personnel,…
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Can a radical proposal save Phuket’s tourism crisis?
In a bid for autonomy, Phuket Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas is leading a daring move to transform the city into a special administrative organisation to save it from a tourism crisis. The current system, he claims, is holding back progress, leaving the island paradise struggling to keep pace with global rivals. “Tourist cities in many countries are far ahead in their…
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Fare fight: Phuket tuk tuk driver attacks Thai woman
A Thai woman took to social media to accuse a tuk tuk driver on Bangla Road in Phuket of overcharging her foreign friend and attacking her after they refused the service. The Thai woman, Kanyasiri Sisuwan, shared the story about the tuk tuk driver on Facebook on April 15. She said she wanted to seek justice for herself and for…
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Phuket tourism market edging towards recovery in 2024
Phuket’s tourism industry is undergoing an ongoing rebound, with last year’s airport passenger arrivals edging towards pre-pandemic figures according to a new report from consulting group C9 Hotelworks. While hitting 7 million, it was still short of the 9 million mark set in 2019. This year the trend is continuing with 1.62 million arrivals to date in February, compared to…
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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