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.

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  • Young man found dead in Patong home in suspected suicide

    Young man found dead in Patong home in suspected suicide

    Patong police are investigating the death of a 29 year old man found unresponsive in his home on Pisit Gorani Road early this morning. The grim discovery was made by the victim’s mother, leaving a community in shock. Officers arrived at the scene around 7.30am, today, January 10, to find the man, identified as Ritthakiat Petchploy, lying shirtless on his…

  • Vapes on a plane: Tourists nabbed for vape on Nok Air flight (video)

    Vapes on a plane: Tourists nabbed for vape on Nok Air flight (video)

    Three unruly tourists caused quite a stir aboard a Nok Air flight when they audaciously started vaping mid-flight, leaving fellow passengers astounded. The high-altitude hijinks happened on Sunday, January 5 on flight DD-532, winging its way from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport to Phuket. One passenger’s quick-thinking video capture shows the offbeat antics, with one man brazenly puffing away and…

  • Phuket Airport tourist cries fowl over 3,000 baht Subway sarnies

    Phuket Airport tourist cries fowl over 3,000 baht Subway sarnies

    A foreign woman took to TikTok to accuse a Subway store at Phuket International Airport of overcharging her after she bought three sandwiches for 3,000 baht. (£72). The TikTok user, @naynaysully, posted a video on Wednesday, January 8, while standing in front of the Subway store at the airport. In the video, two security guards can be seen intervening, while…

  • PM pledges to polish Phuket into a top-tier tourist hotspot

    PM pledges to polish Phuket into a top-tier tourist hotspot

    Phuket is turning up the glamour stakes as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra unveils ambitious plans to transform the island into a premier tourist magnet. On her whirlwind visit to the sun-drenched southern province, the Thai premier set out a bold vision to tackle key issues facing the beloved getaway, from sorting out traffic snarls to bolstering its allure as a…

  • Phuket’s healthcare crisis: PM pushes for cancer centre

    Phuket’s healthcare crisis: PM pushes for cancer centre

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra spotlighted healthcare as a critical issue for Phuket, amid public outcry and fundraising efforts to improve cancer treatment facilities on the island. At a high-level meeting held at Phuket International Airport this morning, the 38 year old Thai PM addressed the urgent need to upgrade state hospitals like Vachira Phuket Hospital to better handle diseases such…

  • British drug dealer arrested after his suspicious behaviour in Phuket

    British drug dealer arrested after his suspicious behaviour in Phuket

    Police arrested a British drug dealer in Phuket after observing him behaving suspiciously while meeting traffic officers on a road. Traffic officers from Kamala Police Station stopped the British man, whose identity remains undisclosed, in the Kamala area of Phuket yesterday, January 8. The officers reported that they were conducting routine patrols when they noticed the man, who appeared nervous…

  • Phuket kicks off bold campaign for clean politics and fair elections

    Phuket kicks off bold campaign for clean politics and fair elections

    Phuket is making waves in political reform, launching a high-profile campaign to ensure fair and transparent elections across the island. The Phuket Provincial Election Commission Office unveiled its Honest Political Reform on the Basis of Elections project at a lively event held at the Bhukitta Boutique Hotel & Residence Phuket yesterday, January 8. Presiding over the ceremony was Phuket Vice…

  • Sand wars settled: Kata Noi Beach reclaims its shores

    Sand wars settled: Kata Noi Beach reclaims its shores

    The sandy battle for Kata Noi Beach appears to be over, with beachgoers celebrating their newfound space. What was once a sprawling battlefield of beach chair vendors has been transformed into a haven for snorkellers and sunbathers alike. One local reported that the long-standing “sand grab” has been resolved, with clear and accessible spaces now available along the beach. “I…

  • Kazakh man reports Phuket investment scam run by Ukrainian and Thai men

    Kazakh man reports Phuket investment scam run by Ukrainian and Thai men

    A Kazakh businessman filed a complaint with the Phuket Governor after being tricked by Ukrainian and Thai men into investing in a real estate project in the province. However, he has not received any profits from the investment. The Kazakh victim, Takhir, initially reported the investment scam to Choeng Thale Police Station. He and his legal team subsequently met with the Phuket Governor,…

  • Ruble ruckus: Russian suspect nabbed in Phuket hotel heist

    Ruble ruckus: Russian suspect nabbed in Phuket hotel heist

    Police yesterday arrested one of two Russian suspects for stealing approximately US$5,000 (nearly 200,000 baht) in cash from a fellow countryman at a hotel in Phuket on Sunday, January 5. The 31 year old Russian victim, Zelimkhan Iusupov, rushed to Karon Police Station at around 3.30am on Sunday after being physically assaulted and robbed by one of the suspects, later identified…

  • PM Paetongtarn to inaugurate International Boat Show in Phuket

    PM Paetongtarn to inaugurate International Boat Show in Phuket

    Phuket is bracing for a high-profile visit as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra lands on the island tomorrow, January 9 to tackle critical local issues and boost tourism. With an ambitious agenda in tow, the 38 year old PM is set to chair key meetings and launch a glamorous luxury lifestyle event, according to the Phuket Public Relations Department. Touching down…

  • Lifesaving heroine: Student performs CPR on elderly man in Phuket

    Lifesaving heroine: Student performs CPR on elderly man in Phuket

    A female high school student was praised for her quick response in assisting an elderly man whose heart had stopped while riding a motorcycle with a sidecar. The incident took place yesterday, January 6 at 2pm near the Cherng Talay Shrine on Srisoonthon Road in Cherng Talay subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket province. Upon receiving a report of an unconscious person…

  • Foreign woman allegedly assaults Thai woman over seat dispute at Phuket airport

    Foreign woman allegedly assaults Thai woman over seat dispute at Phuket airport

    A Thai woman is seeking justice after an alleged physical assault by a foreign woman during a dispute over a seat at Phuket International Airport. The 22 year old Thai woman, whose name has not been disclosed, shared her story with the Phuket Times yesterday, January 6. The incident occurred on the night of January 3 in Phuket Airport’s boarding lounge…

  • Ruble trouble: Russian tourist robbed and roughed up in Phuket

    Ruble trouble: Russian tourist robbed and roughed up in Phuket

    A Russian man is seeking justice after a fellow countryman physically assaulted him and stole approximately US$5,000 (nearly 200,000 baht) from him at a hotel in Phuket. The theft reportedly had ties to the victim’s rival. The Russian victim, 31 year old Zelimkhan Iusupov, filed a complaint at Karon Police Station today, January 6, following the theft, which occurred at a…

  • Kuwaiti tourist faces charges after drunken tantrum in Phuket

    Kuwaiti tourist faces charges after drunken tantrum in Phuket

    A violent outburst by a Kuwaiti tourist at Karon Beach, Phuket, resulted in multiple charges after he assaulted locals and caused public disorder on January 3. It was reported that he was heavily intoxicated at the time. The Kuwaiti tourist, later identified as 26 year old Ali Ashkanani, was detained following reports of aggressive behaviour near Karon Beach. Several residents…

  • Drunk tourist clashes with Phuket bikers over massage ride

    Drunk tourist clashes with Phuket bikers over massage ride

    A drunken tourist attacked three Thai app-based motorcycle taxi riders in Phuket, allegedly because he wanted a lift to a massage parlour. However, the riders declined to serve him, citing that they were fully booked. Several news agencies shared a video of the foreign man attacking three Thai men on a footpath yesterday, 5 January. In the video, the foreigner, wearing…

  • Grim discovery: Tourist found dead off Patong Beach

    Grim discovery: Tourist found dead off Patong Beach

    Holidaymakers were left in shock yesterday, January 3, as police launched an investigation into the death of a foreign tourist found floating lifelessly off Patong Beach in the morning. The grim discovery was made near the iconic Dolphin Circle at approximately 10am yesterday. Traiphop Buakhai, a local parasail speedboat operator, was the first to notice the tragic scene—a body face…

  • Phuket boosts marine safety with smart pier inspection

    Phuket boosts marine safety with smart pier inspection

    Phuket Vice Governor Ronnarong Tipsiri spearheaded an inspection at Ao Por Pier in Pa Khlok yesterday, January 2, as part of efforts to enhance marine safety and instil confidence among tourists during the busy new year season. Joining him were officials from both government and private sectors, who evaluated the safety protocols and the ongoing transformation of the pier into…

  • Foreign men attack Phuket taxi driver over fare dispute (video)

    Foreign men attack Phuket taxi driver over fare dispute (video)

    A viral video showed two foreign men attacking a Thai taxi driver outside a supermarket in Phuket, allegedly over a fare dispute. Several Facebook news pages in Phuket shared the video of the physical assault today, December 3. In the video, one of the two foreign men, both wearing white T-shirts, is seen kicking the taxi driver, who was standing…

  • High ambitions: Air India Express introduces new Phuket flights

    High ambitions: Air India Express introduces new Phuket flights

    Air India Express is making waves with its latest announcement: direct flights from Hyderabad to the tropical paradise of Phuket. Launching on January 31, these flights will initially operate thrice weekly—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—before ramping up to six times a week from February 15, skipping only Tuesdays. This move comes hot on the heels of the airline’s new Bangkok route,…

  • Phuket ushers in new year with traditional almsgiving ceremony

    Phuket ushers in new year with traditional almsgiving ceremony

    Phuket officials marked the new year with a traditional almsgiving ceremony, drawing prominent figures and residents from across the province. The event took place yesterday morning outside the Government Savings Bank on Phang Nga Road in Phuket Town, setting the tone for a year filled with aspirations for unity and prosperity. The ceremony began at 6am, featuring offerings of food…

  • Thai-foreign couple lose 3 million baht in Phuket home robbery

    Thai-foreign couple lose 3 million baht in Phuket home robbery

    A Thai woman and her foreign husband in Phuket sought help from the police after losing 3 million baht in cash and gold during a home robbery on New Year’s Eve, December 31. The local news Facebook page Phuket Hotnews reported the robbery yesterday, January 1. The theft reportedly occurred in a village on Soi Nayai in the Chalong sub-district,…

  • Phuket horror: Tourist bludgeoned by rider over route dispute (video)

    Phuket horror: Tourist bludgeoned by rider over route dispute (video)

      A Norwegian tourist’s dream holiday turned into a nightmare when he was viciously attacked by a ride-hailing driver in Phuket. The shocking incident, which occurred in the early hours of December 30, left the tourist battered and bruised, sparking a heated debate about passenger safety. A Thai woman, 44 year old Thanatphon Khongcharoen, accompanied her friend, 57 year old…

  • Fireworks mishap sparks panic among Patong tourists (video)

    Fireworks mishap sparks panic among Patong tourists (video)

    A dramatic New Year’s Eve incident unfolded in Patong, Phuket, when fireworks unexpectedly veered into a crowd of tourists. Footage shared on the Newshawk Phuket Facebook page captured the moment during the countdown celebration in Kathu district. As the clock struck midnight, fireworks were being launched to usher in the new year, but suddenly, one fell dangerously close to where…

  • Russian man arrested for rampage and knife attack at Phuket hotel

    Russian man arrested for rampage and knife attack at Phuket hotel

    Police arrested a Russian man who went on a violent rampage at a hotel in the Choeng Thale area of Phuket, physically assaulting other hotel guests and Thai police officers. Officers from Choeng Thale Police Station were called to the hotel to contain the situation after the Russian man, identified only as Sharapov, attacked other guests with a knife. Fortunately,…

  • Two Chalong Pier boat operators test positive for methamphetamine

    Two Chalong Pier boat operators test positive for methamphetamine

    Two boat operators from Chalong Pier have been found positive for methamphetamine use during a safety campaign screening in Phuket. This effort, part of the new year safety initiative, was led by Phuket Marine Chief Natchapong Pranit and took place on the morning of December 28. A total of 34 boat operators and crew members underwent the random drug tests,…

  • Thai man arrested for stabbing Danish tourist in Patong

    Thai man arrested for stabbing Danish tourist in Patong

    A 27 year old Thai man has been apprehended by Patong Police after allegedly stabbing a Danish tourist early on December 28. The swift action by senior officers at Patong Police Station led to the arrest following the incident which left the tourist injured. The suspect was detained at a residence on Soi Kralim 6, located off Phra Barami Road…

  • Phuket man demands justice after brutal attack on mother and girlfriend

    Phuket man demands justice after brutal attack on mother and girlfriend

    A shocking incident of violence in Phuket has prompted a man to turn to social media to demand justice following a brutal attack on his mother and girlfriend in Srisoonthorn. This assault, captured on CCTV around 3am on December 26, has been brought to the public eye by a family member seeking accountability for the perpetrators. The incident unfolded as…

  • Phuket communities recognised for innovative food waste reduction project

    Phuket communities recognised for innovative food waste reduction project

    Phuket’s Cherng Talay Tambon Administrative Organisation and Baan Haad Surin Community have earned recognition as model communities for their exceptional work in the Raksa Food project, commonly known as Food Banks. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat awarded certificates during a ceremony at Phuket Provincial Hall on Christmas Day to honour their achievements. The Raksa Food project, led by the Phuket Provincial…

  • Gridlock crisis: Phuket’s billion-baht boom sparks urgent action

    Gridlock crisis: Phuket’s billion-baht boom sparks urgent action

    Provincial officials have vowed to tackle Phuket’s surging traffic chaos as the island’s tourism industry hits record-breaking highs. Governor Sophon Suwannarat chaired a high-stakes Zoom meeting with key stakeholders on Thursday, December 26, to address infrastructure challenges threatening the paradise’s reputation. With over 10 million visitors in 2023 generating a staggering 388 billion baht in revenue—an astounding 100.38% increase from…

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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