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Thailand is moving forward with the first phase of the Phuket Expressway, a major infrastructure project designed to improve the connection between Kathu and Patong and provide an alternative to the existing road. The Kathu–Patong route is expected to reduce travel time between the two areas from around 30 minutes to approximately five minutes. The project is also intended to ease congestion and improve access to key tourism and economic areas of Phuket. Deputy Government Spo

Authorities in Phuket have launched an urgent inquiry following allegations that officials operating a late-night drug-testing checkpoint in Thalang demanded money from detainees in exchange for their release. Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit instructed the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) and Phuket authorities to establish what happened, identify those involved and examine evidence related to the allegations. Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom was

Phuket is hosting the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival for the second consecutive year, bringing Hindu religious traditions, Indian cultural performances and Thai hospitality together in a celebration of the cultural links between Thailand and India. The festival officially opened on September 14, 2026, when the streets of Phuket Old Town became the setting for a colourful procession and cultural programme. The opening ceremony was presided over by Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom

Thailand’s Commerce Ministry has rejected claims that a new regulation allows foreigners to operate hotels, restaurants and tour businesses without a licence, describing the reports circulating online as fake news. The regulation removes the licensing requirement under the Foreign Business Act of 1999 for eight specific services divided into three groups. Online posts had incorrectly claimed that the measure covered seven businesses closely linked to Thai livelihoods, includi

Phuket is gradually approaching the high season. In about six weeks, airlines will switch to their winter schedules, and the current 220 flights through Phuket International Airport are expected to increase to more than 300. At the same time, Thailand’s approach to the new tourism season is already becoming clear. The country is moving away from its post-pandemic policy of attracting tourists by virtually every available means and placing greater emphasis on regulation, secur

Phuket Governor Chotnirin Kerdsom has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the operations of Chabad Patong, giving relevant agencies seven days to report their findings. The review will examine land ownership and use, building permits and construction approvals, as well as commercial licences connected to the organisation. Authorities will also examine shareholder records to determine whether there are links between Chabad Patong and a company involved in a proposed for

A planned Rosh Hashanah dinner at the Chabad Center in Patong was reportedly cancelled on September 11 after Israeli security officials raised concerns about the situation surrounding the event and hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the centre. According to Israeli media reports, registered guests received messages announcing the cancellation only hours before the dinner was due to begin. Organisers reportedly cited recommendations from Israeli security personnel, who

Phuket Andaman FC has held its traditional pre-season press conference, officially confirming the club’s readiness for the 2026/2027 BYD DOLPHIN LEAGUE 3 season and calling on Phuket residents to support their local team. The event took place on September 10 at Robinson Lifestyle Thalang. Journalists were introduced to the club’s updated kit and key players and had an opportunity to ask questions of the management and coaching staff. The club has not yet published a final lis

A Jewish New Year celebration planned by Chabad Patong will go ahead tomorrow, September 11, despite calls from a Phuket residents’ group to cancel the event over concerns about possible violence and security risks. The decision follows a petition submitted by the Protect Phuket Land Group, which had urged provincial authorities to stop the celebration at Chabad House Patong and a hotel in the area. The group expressed concern that the gathering, originally expected to attrac

A Phuket residents’ group has called on provincial authorities to cancel a planned Rosh Hashanah celebration in Patong, warning that security concerns and tensions surrounding the event could lead to protests and possible unrest. Members of the Protect Phuket Land Group, led by Saichon Nuchet, submitted a letter to the Phuket governor at Phuket Provincial Hall at around 10am on September 8. The petition objects to a Jewish New Year celebration planned by Chabad Patong for Sep

Phuket authorities are moving to speed up and improve the certification process for foreign student visas in an effort to reduce overstay cases and make the system more efficient. The first meeting of a newly established committee responsible for redesigning the student visa certification system was held at the Chanpanwa Conference Room at Phuket Provincial Hall. The session was chaired by Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawa. The committee was established on the orders of Phuket G

Cannabis dispensaries across Phuket are facing tighter regulatory scrutiny after authorities revoked 35 licences and suspended another 112, according to figures presented at a recent provincial economic committee meeting. The figures were discussed during the sixth meeting of the Joint Public-Private Sector Committee for Solving Economic Problems in Phuket for fiscal year 2026. The meeting was chaired by Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum at Phuket Provincial Hall late last we

Phuket-based Peranakan clothing brand Yayee is continuing its bid for national recognition in Thailand’s annual small and medium enterprise awards. The local company has already made it into the shortlist of top contenders, while last week an Industry Ministry evaluation team visited its production facility as part of the on-site inspections for businesses competing for the award. The official name of the award is the Prime Minister’s Small and Medium Industry Award 2026. Yay

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the deportation of Israeli citizen Yaacov Ohayon after the Koh Samui Provincial Court convicted him of criminal intimidation under Section 392 of the Thai Penal Code. The case followed threatening messages allegedly sent by Ohayon that caused the victim to fear for their safety. The court found him guilty and initially sentenced him to one month in prison and a 10,000-baht fine. However, because he confessed

Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand has released the official results of the second round of the 2026 season, held in Phuket on August 29–30. For two days, Saphan Hin Park was transformed into a temporary street circuit, hosting a series of races featuring Toyota vehicles. One of the biggest stars of the recent seasons, Mia, once again proved that her skills extend well beyond posing for the cameras. The Phuket round was the second event of the season following the opening round in

Phuket is set to host the Second Ganesh Chaturthi Festival from September 14 to 18, 2026, welcoming devotees and visitors to five days of religious ceremonies, cultural performances and colorful processions. The festival is organized by the Shree Manta Ganapati Temple of Phuket and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu deity traditionally associated with the removal of obstacles. The program combines sacred rituals with cultural activities, offering both residents and visit

COVID-19 continues to circulate in Phuket and across Thailand, but the illness caused by the currently dominant variant remains generally mild, with most patients experiencing symptoms similar to those of a common cold, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). As of August 31, Phuket had recorded 514.85 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents, giving the province the third-highest incidence rate in Thailand. Bangkok ranked first with 643.65 cases per 100,000 people,

Phuket provincial authorities have carried out a coordinated inspection of cannabis shops in Rawai following public complaints about widespread regulatory violations. The operation was aimed at checking whether cannabis businesses were complying with regulations, with particular attention paid to the ban on smoking cannabis on shop premises. Under Ministry of Public Health regulations, businesses found violating the rules may face suspension or revocation of their operating l

Thai AirAsia is preparing to increase the number of domestic flights to Phuket from Bangkok and several provinces in northeastern Thailand starting October 1. The move comes ahead of the high season and follows reductions made during the low season. At least part of the upcoming change is expected to restore domestic services that the Thai subsidiary of the Malaysian low-cost airline reduced during the low season amid higher aviation fuel costs and weaker demand for travel. H

One of the key stages of Phuket’s annual Po To Festival began on the evening of August 31 in Phuket Old Town. A large festival fair opened near the shrine dedicated to Po To Kong, the ruler of the Chinese realm of the dead, marking the final major phase of the Hungry Ghost Festival. The fair will continue until September 10. The official opening ceremony took place at 7pm. Before the event, a cultural programme was held near the Golden Dragon at the Queen Mother Sirikit 72nd