All Articles

Phuket authorities have intensified inspections of shooting ranges in Patong as part of ongoing efforts to enforce safety standards and ensure businesses comply with Thai regulations. The inspection campaign was led by Kathu District Chief Akkarapol Sutthirak Jitsupap, together with district officials, representatives from the Sports Authority of Thailand in Phuket, Patong Municipality, and other related agencies. The operation began at around 1 p.m. and covered four shooting

A foreign couple has been detained and deported after engaging in inappropriate behavior inside a tuk-tuk in Patong, triggering public backlash and renewed debate over tourist conduct in Phuket. According to authorities, the individuals—a man from Spain and a woman from Peru—acknowledged their actions, explaining that they had acted impulsively. Footage of the incident quickly spread across social media, drawing criticism from both residents and officials, who said the behavi

Authorities in Phuket have intercepted a major drug shipment after discovering more than six kilogrammes of heroin concealed inside traditional Thai clothing sets intended for delivery to Australia. The operation began on April 30, when police flagged a suspicious parcel sent from Loei to a residence in the Sakhu area of Thalang. The shipment, consisting of two large sacks, had been dispatched from Chiang Khan district via a private courier service and was addressed to an ind

A Russian national has been detained in Phuket for allegedly organizing unauthorized fishing excursions, following an investigation that linked tour promotions on Telegram to operations in Chalong. The case was initiated after a report was submitted through the Tourist Police hotline. Authorities were alerted to a group of foreigners promoting fishing trips online. Officers then monitored the activity for more than a month, collecting evidence before proceeding further. To co

Authorities in Phuket are preparing for an official visit by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, scheduled for June 1. The princess, who is the sister of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, will attend a formal ceremony to inaugurate a newly constructed building at Chalermprakiat Somdej Phra Srinakarin School. Preparations are already underway following a coordination meeting held on May 1, where provincial officials instructed all relevant agencies to complete arrangem

Several restaurant owners in Phuket have reported falling victim to a suspected foreign scammer who used a “confusion trick” to steal cash during transactions. One of the victims, a local restaurant owner named Benz Paitoon, shared his experience on Facebook on May 4, along with CCTV footage. According to him, the suspect entered his shop and bought a bottle of water priced at 10 baht, paying with a 1,000-baht note. Out of caution, Benz checked the banknote using a verificati

A foreign couple was taken into custody on May 4 after a video showing inappropriate behavior inside a moving tuk tuk in Patong spread rapidly online. The incident gained attention after footage, reportedly filmed by a passerby, was shared on social media a day earlier. The clip shows the couple inside the vehicle while it was in motion, sparking widespread criticism and renewed debate over tourist conduct in Phuket. According to reports, the video was captured by a Thai woma

Thailand is approaching the end of its high tourism season, with meteorologists warning that a seasonal transition could begin as early as mid-May. Phuket, in particular, is expected to feel the shift as prevailing winds change direction and rainfall becomes more frequent. According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), the recent increase in rainfall across southern provinces does not yet signal the official start of the rainy season. In contrast, northern and central

Thailand’s export sector continues to outperform expectations, reaching new historic highs even as the country’s tourism industry struggles to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels. While tourism remains below its former peak, exports are acting as the primary engine of economic growth. According to data released by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), March marked a record-breaking month, with exports totaling $35.157 billion. This represents an 18.7% year-on-year inc

Residents of Phuket are being encouraged to take part in mobile blood donation drives throughout May, as local medical institutions work to replenish critically low supplies. The regional blood center operated by the Thai Red Cross Society (Phuket RBC), together with the blood bank at Vachira Phuket Hospital, continues its campaign to secure sufficient blood for hospitals across the island. Medical staff report ongoing shortages across all blood types, with Rh-negative blood

A series of dine-and-dash incidents involving foreign tourists unfolded across Phuket over a single weekend, alarming restaurant owners and prompting calls for stricter enforcement. The first case took place on May 2 and was later shared online by a restaurant owner. According to her account, two foreign customers ordered simple dishes—fried rice and stir-fried noodles without meat. Near the end of their meal, they complained about allegedly finding an insect in the food. The

A community charity run held on May 1 in Phuket has successfully raised 150,000 baht to support Chalong Hospital. The funds will be used to purchase new medical equipment and upgrade the hospital’s operating room in the near future. The event, known as May Day Run 2026, took place early in the morning at Bang Wad Reservoir in Kathu, a popular spot among local running enthusiasts. The location is also set to host an upcoming stage of a regional running series organized by prov

Authorities from Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park have officially dismissed viral claims suggesting that Phi Phi Island is set to receive an international airport. The clarification followed the spread of an Instagram post published on April 1, 2026, which claimed that construction of an airport on the island would begin on May 1. The post included what appeared to be an image of the proposed site. Officials confirmed that the image was artificially generated a

An Australian national has been detained in Phuket after a video showing a serious traffic violation in Kamala spread widely online. According to local police, the incident took place at the Khok Yang intersection, where a black sedan with red stripes was seen blocking both entry and exit lanes. The driver ignored a red traffic signal, disrupting the flow of vehicles and putting other road users at risk. Officers quickly identified the driver as an Australian man known as Mr.

Phuket United FC secured their first point in the Thailand Semi-Pro League after an intense 2–2 draw against Suratthani Rajabhat University FC during their home debut at Surakul Stadium. The Phuket side, built largely around young talent, fielded a squad dominated by players under 21. Head coach Eder Deniz included 13 such players in the lineup, with eight starting the match. The first half ended goalless, with both teams showing moments of promise—Phuket relying on sharp win

Authorities in Phuket carried out a late-night operation in Patong after reports surfaced online about foreign nationals involving children in street begging. According to the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, the inspection was triggered by social media claims that families from abroad were approaching tourists in crowded areas and asking for money, often accompanied by young children. During the patrol, officials confirmed that a foreign family

A large-scale trade fair showcasing products from southern Thailand officially opened on April 30 in Phuket and will run through May 4. The event is being held at Saphan Hin Park, now formally known as Rama X Park. Branded as “Iconic Southern Thailand,” the fair brings together producers from 14 provinces across the southern region. Visitors can explore 21 booths representing local businesses from Phuket, alongside 80 additional stalls operated by vendors from neighboring pro

Authorities in Phuket have carried out a large-scale operation to reclaim public land illegally occupied along Bang Tao Beach in the Cherng Talay area of Thalang District. The action, conducted on April 29, followed orders from Governor Nirun Phongsitthithavorn and Deputy Governor Adul Chuthong. The operation was led by Provincial Clerk Rungrueng Thimabutr and involved a joint task force of district officials, forestry authorities, and local administrative bodies. Investigato

Authorities in Phuket have stepped up efforts to address problematic tourist behavior, bringing together key stakeholders for a high-level meeting at the Sarasin Conference Room in the Provincial Hall. The session was led by Governor Nirun Pongsitthithavorn and attended by representatives from law enforcement, military units, immigration authorities, tourism bodies, and local administrations, along with members of foreign communities living in the province. Officials emphasiz

Police in Phuket have detained a 19-year-old man believed to be behind a string of attempted break-ins targeting local businesses in the Wichit area. According to officers from Wichit Police Station, the suspect was apprehended on April 29 following an investigation launched after a complaint filed on April 17. The case stemmed from an attempted burglary at a restaurant located near Muang Thong on Sakdidet Road. CCTV footage captured a single individual entering the premises