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Phuket is taking further steps toward a circular economy by promoting “Live Like a Local,” a homegrown initiative that converts marine waste into high-quality fashion and souvenir items. The project was highlighted during an April administrative meeting at Phuket City Hall, where officials emphasized its contribution to sustainable tourism. Deputy Governor Teerapong Chuaychu commended the initiative, noting how it transforms so-called “ghost nets”—abandoned fishing gear that

Authorities in Phuket have moved quickly to address public concern after images allegedly showing polluted seawater at Tri Trang Beach spread widely online. Late on April 23, officials from the Office of Environmental and Pollution Control carried out an urgent nighttime inspection at the coastal area known locally as Le Hua Non in Patong. According to their findings, the situation at the beach appeared normal. Seawater was clear, and drainage outlets showed no visible signs

Fuel prices in Phuket have continued to ease as the Thai government cautiously adjusts rates in response to stabilizing global energy markets. With limited fiscal capacity, authorities are prioritizing reductions in diesel costs due to its importance for transportation and the broader economy. Following a decision by the Oil Fuel Fund (OFFO) on April 23, the retail price of diesel across Thailand was reduced by 1.50 baht per liter, effective April 24. As a result, diesel at P

Phuket has officially welcomed a new diplomatic presence with the opening of Finland’s honorary consulate on the island. The inauguration ceremony took place on the morning of April 21, attended by Phuket Governor Nirun Phongsitthithavorn along with other local officials. The consulate is located in Phuket Town on Mae Luan Road, opposite the Muang Phuket District Office. However, its formal address is listed as 265 Yaowarat Road, Talad Nuea. Honorary Consulate of Finland in P

A foreign social media user has stirred online discussion after claiming he purchased a luxury home in Phuket for 56 million baht and could reside in Thailand long-term without paying tax on his global income. The post, published on X, featured the buyer and his partner alongside an announcement that they had signed a deal for a “dream home” near Bang Tao Beach, valued at approximately £1.3 million. The author described the property as freehold and suggested the purchase woul

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

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

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

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

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

Tuk-tuk and taxi drivers in Phuket are facing a deepening financial crisis, with many warning that the traditional transport sector could collapse without urgent government support. Drivers across the island say their daily earnings have dropped sharply as tourist habits change and competition from modern ride-hailing services intensifies. Many now work long hours, from early morning until late at night, yet struggle to earn enough to cover even basic expenses. On some days,

Three sculptures created for the Thailand Biennale 2025 and displayed along the Saphan Hin waterfront have officially been handed over to the Phuket Town Municipality. The ceremonial transfer took place on April 5. The event was held under the theme “Phuket Legacy 2025.” As it coincided with the Peranakan Festival, the program featured performances by cultural groups visiting Phuket from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Phuket Town Mayor Saphachok La-ongphet symbo

A vibrant three-day kite festival has kicked off on Karon Beach in Phuket, bringing color, entertainment, and family-friendly activities to the island. The Phuket Kite Festival opened on April 3 and will run through April 5 at Nong Harn Park, located near the lake in the northern part of the beach. At the same time, the Kata Karon Season Sound fair has begun in the same area, offering visitors a lively mix of shopping, food, and entertainment. The event program features a wid

Phuket officials carried out an inspection at a restaurant near the Big Buddha in Chalong after online discussions raised concerns about a Hebrew-language sign displayed at the entrance. The inspection took place around 5:30 p.m. and involved district authorities, local leaders, municipal officers, and volunteer defense personnel. Their goal was to verify that the business complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. According to officials, the restaurant is properly

A new electric bus route will begin operating in Phuket on May 15, expanding the island’s growing eco-friendly public transport network. The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) announced the upcoming launch earlier this week, highlighting that the initiative comes at a time of rising fuel prices across Thailand. Like the three existing routes, the new line will be fully served by electric buses. The route is being introduced as a “school line,” connecting Phu

Fuel prices in Thailand have surged dramatically over the past month, with diesel and gasoline costs rising by nearly 50% compared to early March. The latest increase took effect on April 2, following a government-approved adjustment. According to official figures, diesel prices have climbed by approximately 48% since March 2, while gasohol E10 has risen by around 42%, bringing overall retail fuel costs close to one-and-a-half times higher than a month ago. The decision was f

Transport costs for sea travel from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi are set to rise starting April 5, as ferry and speedboat operators received approval to increase fares in response to higher fuel expenses. The decision followed a meeting on April 2 between Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, officials from the Provincial Marine Department, and local transport operators. During the discussion, companies explained that they had been covering rising fuel costs for some time and could

Authorities in Phuket have detained six foreign women following an inspection at a kindergarten catering to Russian-speaking families in the Rawai area. The facility, known as Litti Kids, was among several businesses checked during a broader operation targeting companies suspected of using Thai nominees to bypass restrictions under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act. However, the arrests were primarily linked to possible violations of labor regulations rather than ownership stru