All Articles

The Phuket branch of the Red Cross has announced a special blood donation campaign in celebration of Songkran. Donors are invited to give blood from April 7 to April 15 at the regional blood center, Phuket RBC, as well as at various mobile donation units across the island. As a token of appreciation, participants will receive commemorative T-shirts—perfect for joining in the traditional water festivities during the Thai New Year. The main donation center operates on the follo

A vibrant three-day kite festival has kicked off on Karon Beach in Phuket, bringing color, entertainment, and family-friendly activities to the island. The Phuket Kite Festival opened on April 3 and will run through April 5 at Nong Harn Park, located near the lake in the northern part of the beach. At the same time, the Kata Karon Season Sound fair has begun in the same area, offering visitors a lively mix of shopping, food, and entertainment. The event program features a wid

A new electric bus route will begin operating in Phuket on May 15, expanding the island’s growing eco-friendly public transport network. The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) announced the upcoming launch earlier this week, highlighting that the initiative comes at a time of rising fuel prices across Thailand. Like the three existing routes, the new line will be fully served by electric buses. The route is being introduced as a “school line,” connecting Phu

Fuel prices in Thailand have surged dramatically over the past month, with diesel and gasoline costs rising by nearly 50% compared to early March. The latest increase took effect on April 2, following a government-approved adjustment. According to official figures, diesel prices have climbed by approximately 48% since March 2, while gasohol E10 has risen by around 42%, bringing overall retail fuel costs close to one-and-a-half times higher than a month ago. The decision was f

Transport costs for sea travel from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi are set to rise starting April 5, as ferry and speedboat operators received approval to increase fares in response to higher fuel expenses. The decision followed a meeting on April 2 between Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, officials from the Provincial Marine Department, and local transport operators. During the discussion, companies explained that they had been covering rising fuel costs for some time and could

Authorities in Phuket have detained six foreign women following an inspection at a kindergarten catering to Russian-speaking families in the Rawai area. The facility, known as Litti Kids, was among several businesses checked during a broader operation targeting companies suspected of using Thai nominees to bypass restrictions under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act. However, the arrests were primarily linked to possible violations of labor regulations rather than ownership stru

Electricity prices in Thailand are set to increase slightly beginning in May 2026, with the adjustment kept at a modest 1.8% compared to current rates. For residential consumers, the new tariff for the May–August period will be fixed at 3.95 baht per kilowatt-hour. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) reached this decision after reviewing public feedback and ultimately selected the least impactful option among three proposed scenarios. The approved structure includes a fuel

A charity running event will take place in Phuket on May 1, organized to support Chalong Hospital. The initiative was announced by the provincial office of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, with the event scheduled at Bang Wad Reservoir. The run is timed to coincide with Labor Day, which in Thailand is observed as a public holiday and is traditionally marked by nationwide activities highlighting workers’ rights. Details about the “May Day Run” were shared on Ma

Thailand’s Minister of Culture, Sabeeda Thaised, has praised the outstanding success of the Thailand Biennale held in Phuket, highlighting its major contribution to both the cultural and tourism sectors. According to official figures, the event attracted more than 2.4 million visitors and generated over 28.9 billion baht in economic activity. This includes spending by international tourists, domestic travelers staying overnight, and day visitors, demonstrating the event’s bro

Thai authorities have issued a public warning after a large concentration of venomous “fire jellyfish” was discovered in the waters around Koh Aeo in Phuket. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin announced the alert on March 30, urging residents, tourists, and marine operators to exercise caution and avoid contact with the jellyfish. High concentration detected According to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR

The expat community in Phuket has launched an urgent appeal for blood donors with type O-negative to help save the life of a foreign tourist seriously injured in a road accident. The call for help began circulating on March 29 across Russian- and English-speaking Facebook groups. The patient, identified as Gert Geers, is currently awaiting surgery at Bangkok Hospital Phuket. Critical shortage of rare blood type The hospital relies on supplies from the regional Red Cross blood

Authorities in Phuket are stepping up measures to keep consumer prices under control as increasing fuel costs begin to affect the local market. The Phuket Provincial Commerce Office has urged businesses to raise prices responsibly, only when justified by actual cost increases, and to avoid unjustified markups. At the same time, officials are expanding support programs aimed at easing the financial burden on residents. Monitoring and transparency According to Provincial Commer

Thailand has officially introduced standardized sobriety tests that allow shop and bar staff to assess whether customers are intoxicated before selling alcohol. Although selling alcohol to intoxicated individuals has long been prohibited in the country, only recent amendments to the Alcohol Control Act have clearly defined how such checks should be carried out in practice. The Ministry of Public Health published the official guidelines on March 28, and they have already come

Thailand is preparing to introduce a new digital system that will automatically screen applicants for commercial driving licences against police records. Starting from around July 2026, individuals applying for or renewing licences for public and commercial transport will undergo automatic background checks. The initiative is part of a data integration project between the Department of Land Transport (DLT) and the Royal Thai Police (RTP). Digital integration of databases Foll

Phuket’s Immigration Bureau and other government offices will operate on a reduced schedule in early April, with more non-working days than working ones. According to an official announcement released on March 25, government agencies will be closed for eight days during the first half of the month, while remaining open for only seven days. Holiday schedule The extended closures are linked to two national holidays — Chakri Memorial Day on April 6 and the Songkran festival from

Phuket is entering the peak of the dry season with its highest water reserves in recent years, easing concerns about potential shortages ahead of the Songkran festival. Although temperatures are expected to continue rising in the coming weeks, provincial authorities have reassured residents and businesses that a severe drought is unlikely. According to official statements and data from the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), current water levels remain sufficient

Phuket is preparing to host the fourth edition of the Peranakan cultural festival, which will take place earlier than usual this year. The Phuket Peranakan Festival 2026 is scheduled for April 3–5. This year’s theme, “BLOOM – The Blooming of Peranakan Culture,”  highlights both the visual beauty and cultural revival of Peranakan heritage. Floral elements, traditionally associated with Peranakan identity — especially in clothing — will play a central role. Organizers also conn

Authorities in Phuket have released a new warning about venomous jellyfish after a large concentration was discovered near Racha Yai Island, raising safety concerns for tourists and marine operators. The advisory was issued by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) on March 23, just days after a similar alert regarding Maiton Island. In both locations, officials identified jellyfish from the Pelagidae family, commonly known as “fire jellyfish.” According to rep

Thailand’s Ministry of Energy has adjusted subsidies from the Oil Fuel Fund (OFFO) to encourage drivers to switch to gasohol E20, making it more affordable while increasing the price of standard E10 fuel. E20 contains 20% ethanol — double the amount found in E10 — and since the second half of March, the price gap between E20 and regular 95-grade gasohol has widened to about 5 baht per liter. The move is aimed at reducing reliance on petroleum amid rising global oil prices. Ac

The Rawai Sabai Dee fair recently took place at Promthep Cape, offering visitors a blend of scenic sunsets, live entertainment, and seaside dining over three consecutive evenings. Held from March 20 to 22, the event brought together locals and tourists at Phuket’s southernmost point. Guests had the chance to enjoy ocean views at sunset while listening to live music and sampling a variety of food. The fair was organized alongside the Rawai Sabai Run 2026, adding a festive atmo