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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

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

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

A serious traffic accident in Phuket is under investigation after a luxury sports sedan crashed into a pickup truck waiting at a red light, leaving multiple people injured. The collision occurred at 11:53 p.m. on May 28 on Wichitsongkram Road near the entrance to Prince of Songkla University. Officers from Kathu Police Station and emergency responders were dispatched to the scene following reports of a major crash. Upon arrival, authorities found a white luxury sports sedan b

Phuket continued to outperform much of Thailand’s tourism sector during the first four months of 2026, welcoming nearly 4.9 million visitors and generating 186.9 billion baht in tourism revenue despite growing global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Figures released by the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) show that the island recorded an average hotel occupancy rate of 81.85% between January and April, highlighting the destination’s continued pop

Heavy weather along Phuket’s coastline has brought the return of Portuguese man o’ war colonies, prompting officials to issue fresh safety warnings for beachgoers. Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) announced the discovery on May 28 after the venomous marine organisms were found washed ashore on Karon Beach. According to the agency, the creatures appeared during a period of rough sea conditions, with strong winds and waves reaching two to three meter

Police at Phuket’s Tha Chatchai checkpoint arrested a 28-year-old man from Krabi during a late-night operation targeting drugs and illegal weapons on May 27. According to Tha Chatchai Police, officers stopped and searched the suspect during routine inspections at the checkpoint, where they discovered narcotics and an unregistered firearm hidden in his possession. Authorities seized 128 methamphetamine pills, 0.895 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a .22 caliber semi-automatic

Phuket is set to introduce a new public attraction as work on the redevelopment of the former provincial prison site enters its final stage. The future Phuket Old Prison Park is now more than 80% complete and is expected to officially open to the public in late August. The project is being overseen by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), which aims to transform the once-restricted area into a green public space for both residents and tourists. The new park

Thailand has stepped up precautionary measures against Ebola, with authorities in Phuket placing 11 international travellers under a 21-day health monitoring program after their arrival from countries considered high risk. Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthavorn announced the measures during a meeting with provincial health officials, emphasizing that Phuket’s role as a major international aviation hub requires strict monitoring of potential infectious disease threats. According

Authorities in Phuket have stepped up efforts to combat drug trafficking and illegal activities after conducting a raid at a rented property in Wichit that led to the arrest of two suspects. The operation was carried out by district officials, Volunteer Defense Corps members, and Chief Administrative Officer Akara Suwattikul. During the search, officers discovered 178 methamphetamine pills, 0.45 grams of crystal methamphetamine, along with several additional pieces of evidenc

Thailand’s Marine Department has issued a warning for marine operators in Phuket, including a temporary ban on small boats leaving coastal areas due to worsening weather conditions expected through early June. The notice was released by the Phuket regional office of the Marine Department and later circulated by MCOT radio. The order follows a weather advisory from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), which warned of deteriorating conditions caused by the strengthening so

Rungriang Thimabut, the Permanent Secretary of Phuket Province and a key figure in several high-profile operations against illegal businesses and influential networks, has been removed from his position and reassigned to an inactive post at the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) headquarters in Bangkok amid an ongoing corruption investigation. Reports about the transfer emerged on May 26, the same day Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn chaired a meeting with pro

Authorities in Phuket have intensified efforts against illegal tourism operations after arresting a Chinese national accused of working as an unlicensed tour guide for foreign visitors. The operation was conducted jointly by officers from the Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office and Phuket Tourist Police following reports about suspicious tour activity involving Chinese tourists. Investigators tracked a tour van carrying seven Chinese visitors and a man suspected of

Police in Phuket have arrested a 34-year-old suspect accused of breaking into a luxury villa in Rawai and stealing cash and valuables before fleeing the scene. According to Chalong Police, the incident was reported on May 12 after a foreign resident staying at a villa within the Selina Serenity Hotel complex discovered that an intruder had entered the property during the night. The suspect allegedly escaped with cash, jewelry, and other valuable belongings. Investigators imme

A 30-year-old Turkish tourist was found dead inside a residence in Kamala, Phuket, on May 26, while police reported no immediate evidence of assault or foul play. Investigators also discovered cannabis and drug-related items inside the room. Officers from Kamala Police Station responded to reports from rescue workers at approximately 3:30 p.m. and arrived at a three-storey property in Kamala subdistrict, Kathu district. The man’s body was located near the bedroom entrance on

Authorities in Phuket are working to identify a group of foreign tourists featured in a viral video showing people handling a sea turtle near Cape Panwa, an incident that has sparked concern over the treatment of protected marine animals. The footage, shared by the Phuket Times Facebook page on May 23, shows several tourists posing for photos and videos while taking turns holding the turtle near the shore. According to the post, the animal repeatedly tried to escape but was c

A foreign woman faced criticism online after refusing to fully pay a restaurant bill in Phuket, claiming that one of the drinks she ordered did not meet her expectations. The incident took place on May 23 at New Break Taek restaurant in the Chalong area and later spread across Thai social media through shared video footage. According to reports, the woman visited the restaurant together with her daughter and a Thai woman believed to be a babysitter. Footage circulating online

The commander of the Royal Thai Army’s Fourth Army Area and director of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 (ISOC Region 4) visited Phuket to review local efforts aimed at tackling internal security threats ranging from drug trafficking to illegal foreign land ownership through nominees. Lieutenant General Norathip Phoinok chaired the high-level meeting on May 23 alongside senior military officers. The session brought together Phuket Governor Nirun Phongsitthith