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Authorities in Phuket have initiated legal proceedings against the operator of a condominium in Wichit after inspectors allegedly discovered the property was being used for daily accommodation without the required hotel licence. The inspection was carried out on July 29 following complaints from residents about the building. During the operation, officials found that units were being rented to short-term guests on a daily basis, which may violate Thailand’s Hotel Act. Officia

A Thai ice cream vendor has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a Ukrainian tourist near Kata Beach in Phuket. Police later reported that the suspect tested positive for illegal drugs following his detention. The incident occurred on the morning of July 29 along a roadside in Karon, Mueang Phuket district. It first came to public attention after the Newshawk Phuket Facebook page published details at around 11:20 a.m. Footage widely shared on Thai social media shows a man

Thailand marked the 74th birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn on July 28 with ceremonies and public events held nationwide, including a series of commemorative activities across Phuket. The day’s celebrations on the island began early in the morning at Phuket Provincial Hall and in front of the main government complex on Tha Kraeng Road. Provincial officials, local leaders, and members of the public gathered to present alms to Buddhist monks and take part in merit

Emergency crews swiftly contained a chlorine tank explosion at the Phuket Municipal Waterworks in Phuket Town on July 28, with officials confirming that the city’s water supply remains unaffected. The incident occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. at the municipal water treatment facility on Damrong Road. Provincial and local authorities immediately responded, including Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom, Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office chief Worath S

Police have identified a Russian national as the suspect behind the theft of cash from a currency exchange booth in Phuket, revising their initial assumption that the offender might have been a Thai citizen disguised as a foreigner. The robbery took place on July 19 at a currency exchange counter inside a shopping mall in Wichit. The theft occurred shortly before closing time, while staff only discovered the missing money when they returned to open the business the following

Lifeguards at Bang Tao and Surin beaches have received a new set of remotely operated rescue buoys as part of Phuket’s ongoing efforts to improve water safety. The equipment was officially handed over on July 27, two days after World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25. The delivery forms part of the multi-agency Cherngtalay Smart Beach’Cop 4.0 initiative, which combines water safety measures with road safety improvements. The launch ceremony was attended by

Immigration officers in Phuket have arrested a Russian national wanted by authorities in his home country on allegations of leading an organized crime syndicate. According to Phuket Immigration, the suspect was apprehended during an operation in Chalong on July 25, 2026. The raid was carried out under a search warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court after investigators located the man following an official extradition request submitted by Russian authorities through dip

Four foreign tourists were arrested at Phuket International Airport on July 28 after customs officers allegedly discovered more than 33.6 kilogrammes of cannabis hidden inside their luggage before they were scheduled to depart Thailand. The suspects were identified as Sean Cassidy Buzzi, 19, a Swiss national; Shaina Myriam Khadija El Gharib, 18, a French national; Marcus Frimpong, 18, a Swiss national; and Alassane Justin Luciano Ahmada Djae, 26, a French national. According

A South African traveler was arrested at Phuket International Airport after airport security officers discovered ammunition and a firearm magazine inside his checked luggage during a routine screening. According to Sakhu Police, the incident took place at around 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, in the international departures area. Security personnel detected suspicious objects while scanning outbound baggage with X-ray equipment and immediately alerted police officers stationed

Two people were killed and two others injured in a serious road accident in Phuket’s Thalang district after an intoxicated driver allegedly lost control of his vehicle and struck several motorcycles. According to Thalang Police, the crash occurred at around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, near the entrance to Ton Sai Waterfall in Thepkrasattri subdistrict. Officers arriving at the scene found a damaged black Suzuki registered in Phuket. The vehicle was being driven by Aung Mi

Thailand’s Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwannachet dismissed a claim that a Chabad House in Patong was “Israeli territory” during an official inspection on July 23, reaffirming that Thai law applies equally to everyone in the country. The exchange took place while officials were inspecting the Chabad House as part of a wider campaign targeting suspected nominee shareholding arrangements and businesses that may be operating in violation of Thailand’s foreign business regu

Phuket authorities have stepped up inspections of the island’s jet ski industry as part of a wider campaign targeting illegal operators and businesses suspected of using nominee ownership structures. On Saturday, July 25, Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom assigned Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawa to oversee the operation. The inspection team included Adul Raluekmul, Director of the Phuket Regional Marine Office, senior vessel inspector Teerapong Phannak, and officers from the M

Dozens of newly hatched leatherback sea turtles made their first journey into the Andaman Sea from Thai Mueang Beach on the evening of July 24. The release was broadcast live on the official Facebook page of Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park. Park officials did not specify the exact number of hatchlings, but confirmed they came from the third nest laid this season by a female leatherback turtle affectionately named Namo. The turtle returned to Thai Mueang Beach several

Authorities in Phuket have stepped up their campaign against unlicensed cannabis businesses, arresting a suspect and confiscating cannabis products worth more than 120,000 baht during an operation in Wichit. According to provincial officials, investigators received information about a cannabis shop allegedly operating without the required licence. Officers first carried out a controlled purchase before conducting a raid on the premises. A 22-year-old man was taken into custod

The newly elected president of the Phuket Tourist Association has called on the Thai government to place greater emphasis on promoting the island’s positive image, while continuing to enforce the law without drawing excessive attention to every enforcement operation. Sarayut Mallam, who was elected president on July 22, said authorities should maintain efforts against illegal activities such as nominee businesses, unlicensed tour guides, illegal taxi services and unlawful bea

Thailand has selected General Samran Nuanma as the next Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. He is expected to officially assume the position on October 1, 2026, following the retirement of the current police chief upon reaching the mandatory retirement age. General Nuanma is already familiar to many in Phuket. On June 20, he personally visited the island to launch the nationwide campaign against illegal nominee business structures involving foreign investors. He al

Phuket officials have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening public security, highlighting the expansion of the province’s AI-powered "Phuket Eye" surveillance network during a high-level meeting on national security policies. The Phuket Provincial Police Oversight Committee, chaired by Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom, met this week with senior police officers, committee members, and representatives from relevant government agencies to review progress on key security initia

The Thai government’s recent move to restore public access to Nui Beach in Phuket is being viewed as more than a local land dispute. Officials see the case as a potential turning point in the country’s approach to managing coastal resources, enforcing land laws, and protecting public access to natural areas. The operation was led by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin together with Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit. Supported by more than

A Saudi Arabian national was arrested in Phuket on July 22 after police allegedly discovered methamphetamine and cocaine during an anti-drug operation in Patong. The arrest was carried out as part of Operation 90 Days, an ongoing campaign led by Patong Police to combat drug-related crime. According to police, officers detained the suspect in the parking area outside a hotel in Patong, Kathu district. A subsequent search of his accommodation resulted in the seizure of addition

Government offices across Thailand, including the Phuket Immigration Office, will operate for only two days during the final week of July, as the country observes three consecutive public holidays. State agencies will be closed from July 28 to July 30, meaning that, out of the last seven days of the month, only July 27 and July 31 will be regular working days. The holiday period begins on July 28, marking the birthday of His Majesty the King. It is followed by two important B