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A tuk tuk driver in Phuket reported losing valuables worth more than 300,000 baht after allegedly being given a drug-laced coffee by a female passenger. The incident took place on June 4. The driver, identified as Somnuek, was later discovered unconscious inside his vehicle by passersby and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Officers from Patong Police Station visited him there to collect information about the case. According to Somnuek, he picked up a Thai woman at

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has identified fraudulent student visas as one of the primary targets of its new enforcement campaign, “3 No’s: No Entry, No Stay, No Escape.” The focus became clear following an English-language publication released by Thailand’s Government Public Relations Department (PRD Thailand) on June 6. The report summarized the Immigration Bureau’s performance during the first five months of 2026 and highlighted several key priorities aimed at strengthen

A Russian national was arrested in Phuket after authorities uncovered an alleged unlicensed cosmetic clinic operating inside a luxury villa in Thalang district. The suspect, identified by police only as 45-year-old Kristine, faces multiple charges, including operating a medical facility without authorization, selling unregistered medical devices, and distributing medicines without the required permits. The arrest followed an investigation into reports that aesthetic procedure

Phuket is hosting a week of Pride celebrations as the Phuket Pride Festival 2026 takes place in Patong from June 1 to June 7, bringing together residents and visitors in support of equality, diversity, and social inclusion. Organized under the theme “From Visibility to Equality,” the event aims to strengthen Thailand’s reputation as an inclusive destination while promoting tourism and encouraging broader acceptance of diverse communities. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ployta

An Iranian man wanted under a court warrant has been arrested in Phuket in connection with an alleged armed home invasion. Officers from the Crime Suppression Division Region 8 carried out the arrest on June 4 at around 6:50 p.m. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Amir, an Iranian national, was taken into custody at a condominium in the Cherng Talay area. According to police, the arrest was made under a warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court. The suspect is accused

A large fire broke out at a workers’ camp in Phuket’s Thalang district shortly after midnight, triggering a large-scale emergency response and forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes. The incident occurred at approximately 12:15 a.m. at a camp located opposite the Ban Bang Jo water production facility in Sri Sunthorn. The site, which spans more than one rai and consists of densely packed dormitory-style accommodations enclosed by corrugated metal fencing, housed ove

Patong police have detained two individuals accused of drug trafficking after an undercover operation launched in response to complaints from local residents about suspected narcotics activity. According to investigators, the first arrest involved a 35-year-old woman, identified only as Pa. Officers intercepted her outside a hotel on Phra Metta Road, where they allegedly found several packets of crystal methamphetamine, yaba tablets, a motorcycle, and a mobile phone in her po

Phuket United FC, a newly formed football club built largely around players under the age of 21, has completed its debut campaign in the Thai Semi-Pro League. Due to the small number of teams competing in the Southern Division, the club played a total of six matches during the season — three at home and three away. The team finished fifth in the standings, collecting five points from one victory, two draws, and three defeats. While the final position may seem modest, the club

Authorities have issued a week-long warning for Phuket and five neighboring Andaman provinces, citing the risk of flash floods, landslides, and dangerous sea conditions as heavy rainfall is expected across the region. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) announced the alert on June 3 after assessing weather conditions together with the Southern West Coast Meteorological Center. The warning covers Phuket, Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, and Satun

Phuket marked the 48th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida on June 3 with a series of commemorative activities, including the release of young sharks and sea turtles into the Andaman Sea as part of a marine conservation initiative. One of the province’s main volunteer events took place at a Royal Thai Navy base at Cape Panwa, adjacent to facilities operated by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). The center is responsible for breeding and raising marine sp

A provincial fact-finding committee has begun an on-site investigation into allegations that sections of public beachfront land at Bang Tao Beach have been occupied by private businesses. The inspection took place on June 2 in Thalang District and was led by Rear Admiral Praphan Srisuwipa, Deputy Director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) in Phuket, together with Naphat Aemon, Inspector General of the Department of Provincial Administration and Acting Phuket

Phuket International Airport is set to introduce automated passport control gates for departing international passengers on June 13, aiming to reduce waiting times and improve the efficiency of immigration procedures. The announcement comes after widespread discussion on social media regarding long queues at immigration checkpoints and allegations that some passengers were being offered expedited processing for an unofficial fee. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksa

A mysterious marine animal carcass discovered on a beach in Phuket has prompted an investigation by environmental authorities seeking to identify the species and determine the cause of its death. Officials from Sirinat National Park responded after receiving reports of unidentified remains washed ashore near a beachfront hotel in the Cherng Talay area. According to Assistant Park Chief Karnikar Wongmit, park staff inspected the site and arranged for the carcass to be removed

Phuket has been selected as the primary filming location for the 13th season of the popular American reality television series Below Deck, with production teams scheduled to spend around 40 days shooting across the island and the Andaman Sea. The internationally known show follows the lives of crew members working aboard luxury superyachts serving affluent guests. Over the years, the series has gained a strong following in major tourism markets, particularly in the United Sta

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn paid an official one-day visit to Phuket on June 1, where she presided over the opening of a newly completed building at Srinagarindra the Princess Mother School in Saphan Hin. The new facility was formally named the Sri Sirindhorn Building and was placed under royal patronage. Upon her arrival, Her Royal Highness was welcomed by Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthavorn, school director Natthayaphon Sewatanon, senior provincial officials, military

A foreign man was taken into custody by police in Phuket after allegedly causing a disturbance at a convenience store and attempting to take items from outside a local resident’s home on June 1. The incident gained attention after a Phuket resident shared a video on Facebook showing police officers confronting the shirtless man outside her property. According to the homeowner, the foreigner entered the area around her house, sat outside the residence, and allegedly tried to t

Small restaurants in Thailand’s tourist destinations are increasingly facing a frustrating problem: some foreign visitors finish their meals and then refuse to pay, knowing that business owners have limited options for recovering even modest amounts of money. In one widely discussed case, a Russian couple left a restaurant in Mai Khao, Phuket, in April 2024 without paying the full bill, withholding just 120 baht — roughly three US dollars. When confronted by the owner, they r

Phuket International Airport has responded to growing concerns over lengthy immigration queues and allegations that some passengers were being offered faster processing in exchange for unofficial payments. In an official statement, airport authorities acknowledged complaints circulating on social media regarding waiting times at passport control and claims of extra charges for expedited immigration clearance. Officials emphasized that they take passenger feedback seriously an

Buddhists across Thailand are celebrating Visakha Bucha, one of the most important religious holidays in the Buddhist calendar. Morning ceremonies were held at temples nationwide, while candlelit processions are expected to take place later in the evening. Visakha Bucha commemorates three key events in the life of the Buddha — his birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana. According to Buddhist tradition, all three events occurred on the full moon of the sixth lunar mont

A joint enforcement operation in Phuket Town led to the seizure of thousands of untaxed cigarettes and the detention of a 16-year-old girl who was found managing an illegal tobacco outlet. According to officials, the raid was carried out this week by officers from Mueang Phuket District after authorities received information through social media reports regarding suspected sales of contraband tobacco products. After gathering evidence, investigators obtained a search warrant