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A massive 6.5-meter statue of Hanuman, the Monkey King from the Thai epic Ramakien, has been installed on the seabed near Racha Yai island, marking a major step toward the creation of an underwater museum off Phuket’s coast. The installation took place in Siam Bay, about 18 kilometers south of Rawai Pier, while Songkran celebrations were underway on the island. According to Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), the process of lowering and securing the

Residents in Phuket are calling for stricter enforcement against foreign tourists following a series of disruptive incidents during the Songkran Festival. The controversy escalated after a group of foreigners was detained by police in Patong on April 14. Their arrest followed the spread of a viral video showing them opening a van door and splashing water inside, targeting the driver. Authorities charged the group with causing a public nuisance and obstructing traffic. Accordi

Phuket is set to welcome back two well-known running events this May, continuing the island’s active sports season. The calendar includes the annual Nurses Phuket Run on May 17 and the first stage of the “3 Districts, 3 Lakes” series on May 30. The Nurses Phuket Run 2026, organized by the Ministry of Public Health, aims to support healthcare workers while promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing pressure on medical services. Participants will take part in a 5-kilometre ru

Thailand recorded strong tourism performance during the Songkran Festival 2026, with figures surpassing expectations nationwide between April 11 and 15, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The festival is expected to generate more than US$909 million in total revenue, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous year. This growth highlights continued confidence among both domestic and international travelers and reinforces Songkran’s status as a globally r

Phuket is in full celebration mode as locals and visitors mark Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year. Festivities began gradually over the weekend, with the main celebrations taking place on April 13. Across the island, April 13 is considered the peak day of Songkran. While Patong started its water fights a day earlier on April 12, most other areas follow a more concentrated one-day schedule. However, younger participants and tourists often extend the celebrations beyond

The 30th edition of Phuket Bike Week officially began on April 12, 2026, bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts from Thailand and abroad for a three-day event that runs through April 14. The traditional gathering point for the festival remains Loma Park in Patong. This year’s opening ceremony took place near the Tha Chatchai checkpoint in Mai Khao. Instead of using the checkpoint itself, organizers hosted the welcome event at a nearby site intended to become the future base

Phuket authorities have introduced an emergency assistance zone as firefighters continue battling a persistent blaze at the municipal landfill near Saphan Hin, which has now been burning for two days. Governor Nirut Phongsitthithavorn, together with senior provincial officials and the Phuket City mayor, visited the site at approximately 8:00 p.m. to oversee the ongoing response. The emergency designation allows for quicker deployment of resources and additional support for re

Two fatal road accidents were recorded in Phuket on April 11, according to data from the Thai Road Safety Center (ThaiRSC). However, detailed information is available for only one of the incidents, which drew significant media attention due to its severity. The first deadly crash occurred at around 3:00 a.m. on Thepkrasattri Road in Koh Kaew subdistrict. According to a police report, the motorcyclist lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons and fell onto the roadway. M

Phuket has rolled out an intensified road safety campaign ahead of the Songkran holiday, traditionally known as the “Seven Dangerous Days.” This year, the monitoring period runs from April 10 to 16, although the familiar name was notably absent from official announcements. On April 8, provincial authorities conducted a formal inspection of emergency services and launched an operational center dedicated to transport safety across both land and sea. While official communication

Tuk-tuk and taxi drivers in Phuket are facing a deepening financial crisis, with many warning that the traditional transport sector could collapse without urgent government support. Drivers across the island say their daily earnings have dropped sharply as tourist habits change and competition from modern ride-hailing services intensifies. Many now work long hours, from early morning until late at night, yet struggle to earn enough to cover even basic expenses. On some days,

Three sculptures created for the Thailand Biennale 2025 and displayed along the Saphan Hin waterfront have officially been handed over to the Phuket Town Municipality. The ceremonial transfer took place on April 5. The event was held under the theme “Phuket Legacy 2025.” As it coincided with the Peranakan Festival, the program featured performances by cultural groups visiting Phuket from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Phuket Town Mayor Saphachok La-ongphet symbo

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