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Authorities in Phuket have intensified anti-drug enforcement as part of the Ministry of Interior’s nationwide “Operation 90 Days”, leading to the arrest of two suspects during a raid in Muang District. The operation took place at around 8:30 p.m. on July 3 in Soi Mukdee, Rawai Subdistrict, after officials received complaints from local residents about suspected drug-related activities in the area. The raid was carried out by the Rachasri Narai Unit, a special task force under

Residents of Phuket are being encouraged to donate blood throughout July as the Phuket Regional Blood Center (Phuket RBC) and the Blood Bank of Vachira Phuket Hospital continue efforts to maintain adequate blood supplies for hospitals across the province. In addition to regular donation opportunities at their permanent facilities, both organizations have scheduled numerous mobile blood collection events at shopping malls, hotels, businesses, government offices, and other loca

Authorities in Phuket have arrested a French national who was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of Luxembourg over a series of serious criminal allegations. The 29-year-old suspect, identified only as Mr. Chirrane, was detained by officers from the Crime Suppression Division Region 8 (CSD Region 8) outside his hotel room at a resort in Patong, Kathu District. According to investigators, Luxembourg is seeking the suspect in connection with several maj

Phuket authorities are reminding businesses and residents to pay close attention to electrical safety during the rainy season after a transformer explosion triggered a major fire at a restaurant in Patong. The incident occurred at around 6:30 p.m. on July 2 at the Isaan restaurant Zaab Rang Saeng Khong on Phra Mettha Road. Although no one was injured, the restaurant suffered extensive damage, and financial losses are expected to be significant. According to the Phuket office

Phuket authorities have issued a final appeal to hotel and entertainment venue operators who are still operating without licenses or have not yet completed the licensing process, urging them to seek assistance and submit applications by July 2, 2026. Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom said the initiative follows policies introduced by the Ministry of Interior and the Department of Provincial Administration to help businesses comply with legal requirements while promoting transparent

A tuk tuk driver in Phuket was injured after an alleged assault by a foreign passenger who refused to pay a 300-baht fare. The attack left the driver with a mouth injury that required ten stitches. The incident occurred at around 5 a.m. on July 2 and was recorded by a witness. The video was later shared on Facebook, quickly attracting attention online. Footage shows the driver, dressed in a black T-shirt, confronting a foreign man wearing a white shirt while filming the encou

Phuket authorities have stepped up flood-prevention measures as the island faces several days of heavy monsoon rainfall. Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom said officials are closely tracking weather developments and have warned residents to stay alert for thunderstorms and intense rain expected between July 1 and July 3. The unstable conditions are being driven by the southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea and much of southern Thailand. To reduce the risk of flooding and other

Thai authorities have launched an extensive review of business ownership in Phuket, with more than 400 companies coming under investigation for suspected use of nominee shareholders to conceal foreign control. Deputy Interior Minister Polpee Suwanachawi said the inquiry, carried out jointly with the Ministry of Commerce, has so far examined more than 10,000 registered businesses across the province. Investigators believe a number of companies may have used Thai nationals as p

Phuket's tourism industry has returned to the Japanese market with its first promotional roadshow in more than a decade, aiming to revive visitor arrivals from Japan and strengthen partnerships with travel industry professionals. The Phuket Roadshow to Japan 2026 took place from June 22 to 26, with a delegation representing the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO), the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), and local tourism businesses visiting Sapporo, Osaka, and

Phuket has officially begun a new chapter in its provincial administration with the appointment of Chotnarin Kerdsom as the island's new governor. Mr. Kerdsom formally assumed office on Monday, June 29, arriving at Phuket Provincial Hall together with his wife, Mrs. Paveerisa Kerdsom, who serves as President of the Provincial Interior Housewives Association. His appointment follows a recent cabinet reshuffle approved by the Thai government. Former Phuket Governor Nirut Phongs

Authorities in Phuket have stepped up efforts to protect protected forest areas after launching an investigation into suspected illegal land clearing in the Kamala Hills, also known as Khao Nang Phanthurat. The inspection took place on the afternoon of June 29 and was led by Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwatch Rawangkul. The operation brought together district officials, members of the Volunteer Defense Corps (Or Sor), provincial forestry officers, and the village head of Mo

A serious motorcycle collision in Phuket has left a foreign rider and a Thai woman in critical condition, reigniting public debate over road safety and motorcycle rentals on the island. The accident took place on Sunday, June 28, along Sai Kor Road in Patong. CCTV footage shows a Thai woman riding a white motorcycle while a foreign motorcyclist approached from the opposite direction on a black bike. According to the video, the foreign rider crossed into the oncoming lane befo

Thailand's Deputy Transport Minister, Sapphasit Boonyamanee, conducted a series of inspections across Phuket to evaluate transport safety and service standards, while ordering stricter enforcement against illegal jet ski operators and non-compliant taxi services. The visit began at Patong Beach, where officials inspected jet ski businesses operating along the shoreline. The review focused on identifying unregistered watercraft, expired operating licenses, and rental services

Authorities in Phuket have widened their campaign against nominee business structures and suspected illegal land use, extending inspections to international schools, tourism operators, and local communities as part of an ongoing province-wide enforcement effort. The operation was led by Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum and Chalong Police Chief Pol. Col. Surasak Jaidee. Officers worked alongside immigration officials, district administrators, an

Thailand's Anti-Corruption Police have arrested Phuket Provincial Administrative Chief Officer Rungreung Thimabutr in connection with an alleged bribery scheme involving local government recruitment examinations. The arrest took place on June 26 under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, Region 9. Investigators allege that Rungreung acted as a middleman by requesting 300,000 baht from each of three members of the Volunteer Defense Corps

Police in Phuket have dismantled an alleged drug distribution point in Phuket Town, arresting three suspects and seizing methamphetamine along with equipment believed to have been used in drug sales. The operation took place on June 25, when officers from Phuket City Police Station, working together with district officials, searched a house in Soi Phunphol 11 in Talad Nuea. Three people were taken into custody: 52-year-old Mr. Kung, a Phuket resident; 39-year-old Ms. Toey fro

A Turkish national has been arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport after customs officers allegedly discovered 12 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside packages of coffee and chocolate. According to Thailand's Customs Department, the suspect arrived on June 25 aboard a flight from Brazil. During a routine baggage inspection, officers uncovered cocaine, classified as a Category 2 narcotic under Thai law, hidden among food products. Authorities said the seized

Thai marine police have detained a tourist fishing boat in Chalong Bay after discovering it was operating a fishing trip for Chinese tourists without a licensed tour guide, as required under Thai law. Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) announced the operation in a statement released on June 25, although the inspection itself took place on June 22. Photos published by the authorities confirmed both reports refer to the same incident. According to the CIB, the operat

Police in Phuket have arrested a 27-year-old suspect believed to be responsible for a series of burglaries committed across several districts of the island. Officers from Wichit Police Station carried out an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court and located the suspect, identified only as Mr. Sun, hiding inside the ceiling of a rented room in Sri Sunthorn, Thalang District. He was taken into custody and transferred to Wichit Police Station for further questioni

Authorities in Phuket have begun a large-scale operation targeting illegal immigration and unauthorized employment, launching what officials describe as a province-wide "X-ray" inspection campaign. The initiative is being coordinated by Deputy Governor Khetarat Chansilp, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, and ISOC Phuket Deputy Director Rear Adm. Praphan Srivipa. The campaign focuses on identifying illegal workers, dismantling nominee business n