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 This Thai food can cause serious kidney problems and cancer
Everyone loves delicious food, but sometimes our favourite dishes can be harmful to our health if we eat too much of them. Processed foods, especially meats like sausages, are popular in Thailand, but eating them too often can lead to...
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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…
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Five injured in Kamala pickup vs tuk tuk smash
A dawn disaster struck the steep, winding road between Kamala and Patong when a pickup truck with faulty brakes collided with a tuk tuk, leaving five people injured, including a Russian tourist. The crash happened at 4.45am yesterday, December 17 just south of the notorious Khuan Yak Curve. When police and rescue teams from Kamala Rescue and the Kusoldharm Foundation…
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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…
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10 year old dies in football goal accident in Phuket school
A 10 year old Thai boy tragically died after an old rusty football goal crossbar fatally struck him on the head at his school in the Wichit sub-district of Phuket . Facebook page Phuket Info Center reported the schoolboy’s death, identified as Thanakrit, yesterday, December 17. The page shared pictures of the broken goal at the school in Phuket, accompanied by…
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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…
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Copy-paste tourism: Phuket Airport owns up to Singapore snap
Phuket International Airport today announced that the use of images of buildings from Singapore’s old town to market its own tourism were intentional and not a mistake. Phuket Airport yesterday, December 16, found itself in the eye of a social media storm after they used some pictures of Singapore to promote the popular holiday resort. Netizens took to social media…
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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…
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Singapore-sling blunder leaves Phuket Airport officials red-faced
Phuket International Airport is facing a social media storm after using a photo of Singapore’s iconic Peranakan Houses to promote the island, leaving locals scratching their heads and critics raising eyebrows. Facebook user Ejijum Phuket didn’t hold back, spotlighting the public relations gaffe on his page, today, December 16. He shared a post about a friend’s perplexed inquiry after spotting…
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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…
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Chinese murder suspect caught at Phuket Airport
A Chinese national, wanted in his home country for murder, was apprehended at Phuket Airport. The suspect, identified as Qian Guofeng, arrived on a flight from Shanghai to the popular Thai resort island. On the night of December 13, immigration police revealed that they received orders to intercept Qian, who became a suspect following a fatal altercation in China. Chinese…
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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…
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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…
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Phuket noise dispute turns violent with two injured in gunfire
A noise complaint at a rental property in Phuket Town erupted into violence, resulting in injuries to both the landlord and tenant after a gun was discharged during a scuffle. The incident unfolded yesterday, December 12, drawing attention to the ongoing tensions between the two parties. Phuket City police responded to the disturbance on Phatthanakan Soi 2 around 5pm, yesterday,…
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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…
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Man shoots mother-in-law in Phuket bar after verbal abuse
A tragic incident unfolded in Koh Kaew, Phuket, when a 27 year old man shot his mother-in-law in a well-known bar and restaurant. The event occurred last night, with the suspect later surrendering to the police. The altercation, which led to the shooting, was reportedly the result of long-standing verbal abuse. Police and emergency services responded to the scene around…
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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…
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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…
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Bangla Road brawl: Taxi driver and tourist clash in viral showdown (video)
A shocking street brawl between a tourist and a Patong taxi driver has sent social media into overdrive, leaving Bangla Road’s infamous nightlife under scrutiny once again. The 18-second video, shared by the Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต captures a chaotic scene of men punching and grappling at the bustling end of Bangla Road. Titled Fighting hard #BanglaRoad, Patong, the clip…
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Krabi man caught with over 6,000 meth pills at Phuket checkpoint
A significant drug bust unfolded as a 41 year old Krabi resident was arrested at a primary checkpoint leading to Phuket. The arrest occurred early yesterday morning, December 11, when police discovered a substantial stash of methamphetamine (meth) pills concealed in the man’s vehicle. The suspect, Wutthachai Klapkhong, was detained at a Phuket Chatchai Checkpoint following a search of his…
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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…
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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…
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Phuket exhibition showcases skills of rehabilitated inmates
The 18th Southern 14 Provinces Corrections Products Exhibition started at Saphan Hin, Phuket, highlighting the skills and potential of rehabilitated inmates aiming to reintegrate into society. This annual event highlights the significance of second chances and the empowerment of individuals through skill development for a sustainable future. Yesterday evening, December 10, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat officially opened the exhibition, accompanied…
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High stakes: Phuket cops bust illegal gambling ring with big names
Phuket police apprehended 14 individuals involved in an illegal gambling operation in Ratsada. Among those arrested were the wife of a local politician, the wife of a police officer, and a lawyer. Police acted on a tip-off, leading them to the property at 64/16 Soi Karn Keha 5. Officers arrived at 6.30pm yesterday, December 10 and surrounded the single-story house.…
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Bodyslam singer hits the right note for cancer care in Phuket
The lead singer from popular Thai band Bodyslam is set to headline a charity concert in Phuket, aiming to raise 290 million baht for a new cancer-treatment centre at Vachira Phuket Hospital. This announcement was made during a press conference at the Phuket Merlin Hotel, with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and the singer, Artiwara Kongmalai, present. The concert is scheduled…
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Singaporean tourist dies allegedly due to oil massage in Phuket
A 52 year old Singaporean man died at a massage shop in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket after an oil massage. The cause of his death remains undetermined. Officers from Patong Police Station were called to Patong Hospital on Saturday, December 7, to investigate the death of the Singaporean man, identified as Lee Mun Tuck. Upon their arrival, they found…
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Phuket tourist criticised for reckless behaviour near Patong Beach (video)
Tourists in Phuket are drawing criticism after a video surfaced showing a foreign male tourist standing beside a moving car while drinking beer and smoking a cigarette in Patong Beach, Kathu district. Social media users have been quick to condemn the behaviour, questioning whether the driver was aware of the actions taking place. The incident, reported yesterday, has sparked a…
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Patong Festival traffic warning: Road closures from 4pm to 8pm
Patong Municipality is urging motorists to steer clear of Prachanukroh Road and Patong Beach Road, also known as Thaweewong Road, from the Patong Hill Intersection to Soi Bangla this afternoon. These routes will be closed from 4pm to 8pm to accommodate the grand parade that heralds the start of the annual Patong Festival, a key event in Phuket’s calendar. The…
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Phuket residents oppose Nebu Resort over traffic and privacy concerns
Residents of the Pasak Soi 6 area in Cherng Talay, Phuket, have intensified their opposition to the proposed construction of the Nebu Resort Bangtao, a seven-storey hotel. The development has been met with significant criticism from locals who fear the influx of tourist traffic on roads too narrow for such high volumes, potentially disrupting their tranquil neighbourhood. Protests erupted at…
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Phuket hospital gets cancer care cash to kickstart cure (video)
Phuket’s medical scene is on the brink of a major transformation, thanks to two hefty contributions that have been earmarked for the region’s first government-run cancer treatment facility at Vachira Phuket Hospital. The Vachira Phuket Hospital is set to welcome a brand-new Radiation Therapy Building, funded by donations ringing in at a staggering 1.5 million baht. In a formal affair…
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Phuket tragedy: US man electrocuted near restaurant
A tragic incident unfolded in Phuket as a long-separated couple, having reunited after years apart, faced an unimaginable misfortune. A man, who had travelled from the United States to meet his partner, tragically lost his life after being electrocuted. The tragic event occurred yesterday, December 5, at approximately 9.30pm near a grilled fish restaurant on Don Jomthao Road, Thepkasattri subdistrict,…
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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