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Authorities in Thalang District have begun enforcing a Supreme Court ruling concerning the alleged occupation of public land at Bang Tao Beach. Official notices ordering the disputed area to be vacated were installed on the site, requiring the defendants in the case, along with their employees, contractors and other associated persons, to leave the beach. Authorities have not publicly released the names of all individuals covered by the order. The notices were put up on Augus

The main race day of the Phuket round of Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand 2026 is taking place today, August 30, at Saphan Hin Park. The programme features five Toyota One Make Race competitions, demonstration runs, awards ceremonies and an evening concert. Phuket is hosting the second round of this year’s Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand season. The event began on August 29, with the main races scheduled for the second day of the weekend, following the series’ usual format. Today’s

Thai rock icon Ad Carabao has voiced his support for rising young performer Nene, praising her musical talent and the influence she is having on a new generation of musicians across Thailand. Ad said that children and their parents increasingly come to the backstage areas of his concerts hoping to meet him and get an autograph. Some young fans even bring guitars with them. He believes Nene’s growing popularity and musical achievements have contributed to this trend. “If this

Thailand has introduced a new set of regulations governing the deportation of foreign nationals who violate the law. The new rules officially came into force on August 28, 2026, following the publication of a regulation issued by the Office of the Prime Minister and signed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The Thai government said the new framework is intended to establish a clearer and more efficient process for state agencies dealing with the deportation of foreigners

Phuket recorded a sharp increase in Israeli visitors in July, with arrivals from the country rising by 52.43% compared with the same month last year. The figure was even more striking against the pre-pandemic period, showing a 1,204.68% increase compared with July 2019, according to data from the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The figures were presented on August 27 during a provincial meeting chaired by Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kirdsom. The lates

Phuket is preparing to hold its annual Car Free Day, with the 2026 edition scheduled for Sunday, September 20. The main event will once again be a large cycling ride connecting Phuket Town with Cape Panwa. The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) has begun preparations for Phuket Car Free Day 2026. This year, cyclists will gather at the former Phuket Provincial Hall in the historic centre of Phuket Town, which now serves as the PPAO headquarters. From there, t

Residents of Phuket Town have begun this year’s Por Tor Festival, the island’s traditional celebration also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival. The festival started on August 25 and will continue through September 10, with most of the ceremonies taking place in Phuket Old Town. The opening events were held on the afternoon of August 25 near the Thai Hua Museum on Krabi Road. Representatives of Phuket Town Municipality, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation and the

Sixteen-year-old Phuket rock singer and guitarist Nene Royal has secured a direct place in the final of America’s Got Talent 2026, skipping the semi-final stage altogether. The KIS Phuket student received a Live Show Golden Buzzer from Spice Girls member and AGT judge Mel B. Nene’s performance of “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden proved decisive. As in her earlier appearances on the competition, she performed both vocals and guitar herself. The performance was broadcast on the

The Protect Phuket residents’ group has asked Patong police for permission to hold a demonstration calling on tourists to follow Thai law and respect the local community. The group, led by Saichon Nuchet, submitted its request at Patong Police Station on August 24. The proposed demonstration is scheduled for August 28 at Loma Public Park in front of Patong Beach. According to the organisers, the event is intended to draw attention to problems linked to tourist behaviour and p

The Feel All the Feelings @ Phuket: Illuminating Peranakan festival officially opened in Phuket Old Town on the evening of August 23. The main attraction of the opening night was the first presentation of a large-scale projection show displayed on the historic building that now houses the Phuket History Museum. However, the programme turned out to be more extensive than originally announced. The official opening ceremony took place at around 6pm at the Chartered Intersection.

A free 99-bed accommodation facility has opened in Phuket for patients of Vachira Phuket Hospital and their family members. Baan Phueng Wat is designed to help people who qualify for subsidised medical treatment but struggle to afford the additional costs associated with long-term care and recovery on the island. The project was developed with support from Wat Khao Rang Samakkitham, a temple located near Vachira Phuket Hospital. The official opening ceremony for Baan Phueng W

Phuket City Municipality conducted a large-scale fire drill at Phuket City Hall on August 20, combining an evacuation exercise with practical training in firefighting, rescue operations and emergency response. The drill began at around 2pm at Phuket City Hall on Surin Road. Municipal employees, firefighters, rescue workers, civil defence volunteers, traffic volunteers and representatives from other city services took part in the exercise. According to the scenario, a fire bro

One of Thailand’s most popular motorsport festivals is set to return to Phuket later this month as the second round of the 2026 Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand championship takes place in Saphan Hin. The event will be held on August 29-30, when roads inside the coastal park will once again be transformed into a temporary street circuit. Spectators will be able to attend free of charge. Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand combines professional circuit racing with a large-scale automotiv

One of Phuket Old Town’s most recognizable historic buildings will once again become the backdrop for a large-scale multimedia experience celebrating the island’s cultural heritage. From August 23 to 29, the former police station building at the historic Chartered Bank intersection will host Feel All the Feelings @ Phuket: Illuminating Peranakan, a projection-mapping show organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Using a combination of light, sound, and digital vi

The Kusoldharm Foundation in Phuket has organized the second Tegrajad Potor ceremony of the year, continuing a long-standing tradition dedicated to honoring deceased individuals who have no relatives to care for their spirits. The event was attended by Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom, Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawa, government officials, and representatives from a range of public and private organizations. Held twice each year, the Tegrajad Potor ceremony remains an importa

Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, has reaffirmed his commitment to reclaiming public land occupied without authorization, even as legal challenges against the policy continue in court. The initiative forms part of the government’s so-called “Phuket Model,” supported by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The program focuses on recovering state-owned land, including protected forest areas and coastal zones, that authorities believe hav

The Bloom of the Season festival in Karon enters its final day today, offering visitors one more opportunity to enjoy surfing competitions, live entertainment and a beachfront fair. Admission to the event remains free. The annual surfing celebration at Kata Beach, which has previously been known as Fin Fest and Phuket Surftival, has returned this year under the new name Bloom of the Season. The event combines water sports, cultural activities and live performances, attracting

Authorities in Phuket have temporarily closed Freedom Beach following the disappearance and subsequent death of a German tourist, whose body was discovered on August 11. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin announced on August 14 that he had instructed the Royal Forest Department to enhance safety measures in the area and consider restricting public access and swimming activities. Officials formally issued the temporary closure order and related safe

Thai police have expanded their investigation into alleged nominee business structures on Koh Samui, uncovering dozens of companies suspected of helping foreign investors bypass ownership restrictions under Thai law. The large-scale operation took place on August 14 and was overseen by Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma. Authorities conducted coordinated searches across the island, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of a substantial amount of evid

Government offices across Phuket are closed today, August 12, as Thailand observes Mother’s Day, a national holiday held each year on the birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit. This year’s celebrations are the first to take place without Queen Mother Sirikit herself, adding particular significance to the occasion. Events connected with the holiday began on August 11, when Phuket launched a series of community and charitable activities dedicated to the Queen Mother. District and lo