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Phuket officials are exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve tourist safety by identifying potential threats, issuing early warnings and helping government agencies respond more quickly to emergencies. The proposal was discussed on October 17, but no budget or implementation date has been announced. Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom met with researchers from Walailak University to discuss the proposed system, which would combine AI with large-scale data a

Virgin Atlantic has launched its first route to Thailand, introducing direct seasonal flights between London Heathrow and Phuket on October 18, just as the island enters its high tourism season. The airline marked the inaugural service in a post on its official Facebook page. Photographs showed crew members holding Thai flags alongside performers wearing traditional Thai khon costumes. The new route operates three times a week. Flights from London depart on Wednesdays, Friday

Police officers in Phuket and across Thailand are marking National Police Day on October 17. The observance was previously held on October 13 during the reign of King Rama IX before being moved to its current date. Phuket Provincial Police held its main commemorative activities a day earlier, on October 16. The ceremony began at 8:30am at the provincial police headquarters and was presided over by Major General Surachai Suksai, who took charge of the provincial force earlier

A 55-year-old Chinese man was arrested in Phuket on October 14 after immigration officers discovered that he had overstayed his permission to remain in Thailand by 1,793 days — nearly five years. Officers also seized passports belonging to other people, mobile phones and knives during the operation. The suspect, identified only as Wang, was detained at around 11am in Karon after officials received information about a Chinese national suspected of violating immigration regulat

Officials from the Phuket special operations unit of Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) arrested a suspected drug dealer and seized several types of illegal substances during a raid near Rama IX Park, also known as Suan Luang, in Phuket Town on October 13. The operation followed complaints received by authorities about suspected drug dealing in the area. The arrest took place at around 8pm and involved DOPA special operations officers from Mueang Phuket

Phuket authorities have introduced electric public buses to improve transport options for residents and visitors during the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival. The initiative is being implemented by the provincial administration in cooperation with the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) as part of wider efforts to modernize public transport, reduce pollution and support the island’s Green City and Smart City goals. The launch ceremony took place in front of P

Phuket authorities have resumed work on a proposed sea taxi service connecting Phuket International Airport with beaches along the island’s west coast. Nearly ten months after the project’s first test run, officials are again addressing practical arrangements, including passenger information and ticket counters at the airport and possible exemptions from fees at Sirinat National Park. The Phuket Provincial Public Relations Office, known as PR Phuket, announced the renewed dis

A Portuguese woman was arrested at a restaurant in Phuket on October 13 after immigration officers discovered that she had remained in Thailand for 1,807 days beyond her permitted stay — nearly five years. The operation took place at around 1.30pm at a restaurant in Ko Kaeo, in Mueang Phuket district. Immigration officers were conducting checks on foreign nationals suspected of violating immigration regulations when they encountered the woman taking a cooking lesson. When ask

An ambulance caught fire outside Vachira Phuket Hospital early on Sunday morning, October 11, prompting an emergency response from firefighters. According to reports from the scene, the fire started at the front of the vehicle before rapidly spreading and engulfing the ambulance within minutes. Fire crews arrived promptly and worked to extinguish the flames. Authorities confirmed that nobody was inside the ambulance when the fire broke out. No injuries had been reported at th

Three Thai fishermen were rescued off Phuket’s eastern coast overnight on October 10–11 after their boat’s engine failed, leaving the vessel drifting at sea. Heavy rain, strong winds and rough waves complicated the rescue, forcing the first boat dispatched to assist them to abandon its attempt. Details of the operation were released by the Third Naval Area’s Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC 3), which coordinated the response. According to the agency’s repor

Two foreign tourists described as a couple have been accused of shoplifting at a convenience store in Patong, Phuket. They have also been linked on social media to a separate alleged theft at a clothing shop in Rawai, where a pair of trousers worth 1,595 baht was reportedly taken. The claims first circulated through social media, including a post on The Phuket Times Facebook page that shared an account from a Thai woman who said she witnessed suspicious behaviour at a conveni

Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued its ninth warning for a period of unsettled weather expected to bring heavy and very heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong wind gusts, hail and lightning between October 11 and 13. The alert covers several regions, including Bangkok and Chonburi, with the affected area expected to narrow to the South on October 12 and 13. Warning No. 9 (255/2026) took effect at 5am on October 11. It was signed by Deputy Director-General Nattawut Dan

A man was arrested during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival after district officials determined that shooting and balloon-dart games offering prizes in exchange for paid attempts constituted gambling without a licence. Officials inspected the festival area in Mueang Phuket district at around 10:20pm on October 10 following complaints about suspected gambling activities operating alongside festival attractions. During the inspection, they found shooting and balloon-dart games in

Phuket police detained seven minors suspected of taking part in illegal motorcycle races on public roads and setting off fireworks while recording social media content on October 11. Officers seized eight motorcycles and 50 fireworks and firecrackers. The parents of all seven teenagers are also facing legal action. The group, known as the “Bang Khonthi” gang, came under investigation following complaints about motorcycle racing and loud fireworks disturbing residents across P

Phuket is preparing to host an unprecedented cultural event: the island’s first nighttime procession of deities, known locally as “แหมสี อิ้วเก้ง” (Am Ming Si Iu Keng), meaning a procession held at night. Organized by the Phuket Shrine Association, the event is expected to bring together representatives of 40 shrines from across the island The procession is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, beginning at 8pm at Saphan Hin. From there, participants will move through Phuke

Phuket Immigration and Chalong Police searched two locations belonging to an international school in Rawai on the afternoon of October 8, 2026, under warrants issued by the Phuket Provincial Court. The operation was ordered by Phuket Immigration Superintendent Pol. Col. Khemchat Watthanaphakasem and carried out jointly with officers from Chalong Police Station. The local investigation unit was headed by Pol. Col. Surasak Jaideel. The warrants covered the school’s primary and

Thai singer Rattikan Amloy, known professionally as Nene Royal, met Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand on October 9, following her victory in the 2026 season of America’s Got Talent. The royal audience took place at Amphorn Sathan Throne Hall in Dusit Palace in Bangkok. At 5:09pm, Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom accompanied Nene Royal and members of her family into the royal presence. During the audience, the group paid their respects and formally presented the

A food delivery rider in Phuket has filed a police complaint, alleging that hotel staff took and ate an order of fried chicken intended for a foreign guest. The rider, whose identity has not been disclosed, shared his account on October 7. The name of the hotel has also not been made public. According to the rider, he accepted an order for fried chicken and left it at the hotel reception counter, following the usual procedure for deliveries to the property. He said riders wer

Phuket police and other government agencies have stepped up security measures for the annual Vegetarian Festival, with 350 personnel gathering for a briefing outside Phuket Town Police Station on the evening of October 8. The operation involved police officers, military personnel, district administration representatives, volunteers and staff from other agencies. The formation was inspected by Phuket Provincial Police Chief Major General Surachai Suksai. Mueang Phuket District

Phuket authorities have stepped up emergency preparedness as heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast across the province from October 9 to 13, 2026. Officials are warning of possible flash floods, sudden runoff from mountainous areas, mudslides and rough seas. The Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command announced the heightened readiness in response to a weather advisory issued by the Thai Meteorological Department. Relevant agencies have been instructed