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A massive 6.5-meter statue of Hanuman, the Monkey King from the Thai epic Ramakien, has been installed on the seabed near Racha Yai island, marking a major step toward the creation of an underwater museum off Phuket’s coast. The installation took place in Siam Bay, about 18 kilometers south of Rawai Pier, while Songkran celebrations were underway on the island. According to Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), the process of lowering and securing the

Tourism leaders from Phuket have, for the first time, carried out a large-scale promotional tour in the United States, introducing the island’s travel offerings to key industry partners on both coasts. While similar trips to Australia and Russia have been held regularly, this marked Phuket’s debut in the American market in such a format. During the April campaign across North America, representatives of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), led by Thanet Tantipiriyakij, visit

Phuket authorities have stepped up efforts to address unsafe and disruptive tourist behavior following this year’s Songkran celebrations. Provincial leaders gathered to assess the situation and outline measures aimed at preserving safety and maintaining the island’s reputation as a secure travel destination. The meeting, led by Deputy Governor Teerapong Chuaychoo, highlighted several recurring issues observed during the holiday period. Officials pointed to dangerous driving,

Fuel prices across Thailand have started to decline following Songkran, reflecting more favorable conditions on global energy markets. As of April 17, diesel prices dropped below the 43-baht-per-liter threshold, while gasohol and gasoline also saw smaller reductions. The adjustment followed the first post-Songkran meeting of the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) on April 16, where officials reviewed subsidy policies and contribution rates. Based on fuel price benchmarks from Singap

Police in Phuket have detained a 30-year-old man after uncovering illegal drugs concealed inside a wireless earphone case during a search operation in Wichit. According to officers, the raid led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Athiphong, at his residence. He now faces charges related to the possession of Category 1 narcotics, including crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) and heroin, under Thai law. Investigators reported that the drugs were carefully hidden inside a g

Phuket, one of Thailand’s most famous tourist destinations, is facing a growing environmental problem that could impact both public health and its global image. The island produces between 1,000 and 1,300 tons of waste daily, with volumes rising beyond 1,400 tons during peak tourist seasons. However, its waste incineration system is capable of handling only around 700 tons per day, leaving a significant surplus to be dumped in landfills. These landfill sites are increasingly

A 19-year-old Chinese woman, her boyfriend, and several alleged accomplices have been arrested in Thailand after staging a fake kidnapping to extort money from her family. The case was announced on April 16 by Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), with additional details reported by local media. According to investigators, the scheme began in late March when the woman’s father received a message claiming his daughter had been abducted in Thailand and taken to Myanmar

Residents in Phuket are calling for stricter enforcement against foreign tourists following a series of disruptive incidents during the Songkran Festival. The controversy escalated after a group of foreigners was detained by police in Patong on April 14. Their arrest followed the spread of a viral video showing them opening a van door and splashing water inside, targeting the driver. Authorities charged the group with causing a public nuisance and obstructing traffic. Accordi

Phuket is set to welcome back two well-known running events this May, continuing the island’s active sports season. The calendar includes the annual Nurses Phuket Run on May 17 and the first stage of the “3 Districts, 3 Lakes” series on May 30. The Nurses Phuket Run 2026, organized by the Ministry of Public Health, aims to support healthcare workers while promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing pressure on medical services. Participants will take part in a 5-kilometre ru

Installation of automated passport control gates at Phuket International Airport is scheduled to begin on April 22 and is expected to be completed by May 30, according to Thailand’s Immigration Bureau. The timeline was confirmed following an official visit to Phuket on April 15 by Major General Katathorn Khaimthiang. While the inspection formally focused on managing passenger traffic during the Songkran holiday, the key outcome was the announcement of the rollout schedule for

A company driver in Phuket has been arrested during the Songkran holiday over the alleged theft of fuel worth more than 1.3 million baht, according to local police. The investigation began on March 24, when officers at Chalong Police Station received a complaint from a local business. The company reported that one of its truck drivers had been siphoning fuel and illegally selling it in Surat Thani, resulting in substantial financial losses. Following an evidence review, polic

A German national wanted for multiple cybercrime offences has been detained in Thailand following a joint operation by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and Immigration authorities. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Noah Christopher, was arrested in Bangkok, where he had been living in a high-end condominium in the Thonglor area. Authorities announced the arrest on April 11, noting that the operation was carried out in response to a request from German federal

Thailand recorded strong tourism performance during the Songkran Festival 2026, with figures surpassing expectations nationwide between April 11 and 15, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The festival is expected to generate more than US$909 million in total revenue, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous year. This growth highlights continued confidence among both domestic and international travelers and reinforces Songkran’s status as a globally r

Thai authorities have arrested the alleged mastermind behind a major drug trafficking network linked to the “Elixir” dive boat case, along with two key accomplices who had evaded capture since last year’s high-profile raid in Phuket. According to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the suspect, a 47-year-old man known as Sunthorn or “Tainu,” was apprehended on April 14 in Udon Thani province. He was found hiding in a rural area described as a rice field in Ban Chan subdis

Authorities in Patong have taken seven French tourists into custody after their Songkran celebrations disrupted traffic on Prachanukhro Road near Malin Market. Police reported that the group was splashing water in the roadway in a way that interfered with passing vehicles and caused inconvenience to others. After receiving complaints from local residents, officers arrived at the scene, intervened, and detained the individuals for creating a public disturbance. The tourists we

Phuket authorities have confirmed a total of three fatalities during the first three days of the Songkran “Seven Days of Danger” road safety campaign, which runs from April 10 to 16, 2026. On April 12 alone—the third day of the monitoring period—two road accidents were recorded across the island. These incidents resulted in two people being hospitalized: one man and one woman. According to officials, the injured were foreign nationals from France and Myanmar. Cumulative data

Phuket is in full celebration mode as locals and visitors mark Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year. Festivities began gradually over the weekend, with the main celebrations taking place on April 13. Across the island, April 13 is considered the peak day of Songkran. While Patong started its water fights a day earlier on April 12, most other areas follow a more concentrated one-day schedule. However, younger participants and tourists often extend the celebrations beyond

The 30th edition of Phuket Bike Week officially began on April 12, 2026, bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts from Thailand and abroad for a three-day event that runs through April 14. The traditional gathering point for the festival remains Loma Park in Patong. This year’s opening ceremony took place near the Tha Chatchai checkpoint in Mai Khao. Instead of using the checkpoint itself, organizers hosted the welcome event at a nearby site intended to become the future base

Phuket authorities have introduced an emergency assistance zone as firefighters continue battling a persistent blaze at the municipal landfill near Saphan Hin, which has now been burning for two days. Governor Nirut Phongsitthithavorn, together with senior provincial officials and the Phuket City mayor, visited the site at approximately 8:00 p.m. to oversee the ongoing response. The emergency designation allows for quicker deployment of resources and additional support for re

Authorities in Phuket have called for a temporary halt to waste deliveries across the province following a fire at the main landfill site. Phuket City Municipality announced that all local administrative bodies and private waste operators are being asked to suspend the transportation of solid waste to the Phuket Provincial Waste Disposal Center from April 11 to April 19, 2026. The decision comes after a fire broke out at the facility on April 11 at approximately 3:00 p.m. Off