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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

A foreign man was attacked and robbed by three individuals at an ATM in Patong, Phuket, in an incident that has drawn attention online. Local police have not yet issued an official statement. According to reports, the incident—which was captured on surveillance cameras and widely covered by the media—occurred around 5 a.m. on March 19 near the seafood market in Patong. In the video, the man is seen trying to withdraw cash while another individual, believed to be Thai, stands

Authorities in Phuket have issued an urgent warning after a surge in venomous jellyfish was recorded near Maiton Island, prompting immediate safety measures. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) advised tourists and marine operators to avoid entering the water in the affected area after marine specialists detected a high concentration of dangerous jellyfish. The findings were reported by veterinarians from the Siritharn Rare Marine Animal Rescue Center. Accor

A French national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice was detained in Phuket on March 12 following a request from the French Embassy. The request, sent through the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police, called for cooperation in locating and arresting the suspect, revoking his permission to remain in Thailand, and arranging his deportation to France. Authorities began investigating after receiving information that the man might be residing in Phuket. Their efforts

From a biological perspective, air temperature alone does not fully determine how heat affects the human body. Humidity also plays a major role — and in places like Phuket, it is consistently high. Because of this, medical professionals and meteorologists use the concept of the heat index , which reflects how hot the weather actually feels to the body by combining temperature and humidity. In Phuket, this показатель can reach up to 50°C, placing it near the highest danger lev

A dispute over a pet cat in Phuket has drawn attention after a local man accused two Russian tourists of taking his animal, while the women insisted it was a misunderstanding. The incident came to light on March 8, when the cat’s owner, Veerapong Santanoon, shared CCTV footage on social media. The video shows him confronting one of the women and demanding the return of his pet. In the footage, two foreign women — reportedly Russian nationals — are seen leaving Veerapong’s pro

Authorities in Phuket are taking steps to address major delays in the issuance and renewal of work permits affecting more than 130,000 foreign workers, after businesses raised concerns about the impact on operations. The issue was discussed during a monthly labour agency meeting held on March 4 at the Phuket Provincial Labour Office. Phuket Vice Governor Teeraphong Chuaychoo urged officials to act quickly to resolve the growing backlog. Representatives from several key instit