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Thai conservation activist Siranudh “Psi” Samutt has sparked a discussion on social media after criticising foreign workers in Thailand and arguing that those employed in the country should make an effort to learn and use the Thai language. Psi shared his views about foreign employees speaking English while working in Thailand in a post on his X account, @Psisamutt, on Saturday, August 8. The activist said that when foreign employees at restaurants address him in English, he

Thailand’s Ministry of Interior has launched an investigation into the Thai citizenship of an Israeli national in Phuket, as well as a business reportedly connected to him, following questions over whether his citizenship was obtained legally. The investigation follows a report published by Phuket Times on August 9 claiming that the Israeli national had acquired Thai citizenship and a Thai identity card and was involved in businesses in Phuket that reportedly generated more t

Phuket authorities have begun proceedings to revoke the operating licence of a cannabis shop in Wichit after an inspection uncovered several violations of the conditions governing its operation. The inspection was carried out on Friday, August 7, following complaints from local residents about gatherings and cannabis smoking inside the premises, which authorities said had raised concerns about a public nuisance. Officials visited the shop and confirmed that it held a valid ca

Police in Phuket have arrested four people, including two foreign nationals and two Thai citizens, in connection with the alleged illegal operation of international schools through nominee business structures. The arrests are part of an ongoing campaign by Phuket Provincial Police and Chalong Police to investigate foreign-owned businesses suspected of violating Thailand’s Foreign Business Act in the Chalong and Rawai areas. During the investigation, officers identified three

Fuel prices at petrol stations in Phuket have started falling again, with petrol and gasohol prices reduced by 0.70 baht per litre from 5am on August 6. Diesel prices remained unchanged. The new Phuket rates were confirmed by the provincial office of Thailand’s Ministry of Energy. The latest reduction reverses part of the upward movement seen during the second half of July, when fuel prices rose sharply on two consecutive days. On July 22, most petrol and gasohol products inc

Phuket Andaman FC is preparing for another campaign in Thailand’s Thai League 3, where the club will once again represent Phuket in the Southern Zone. Most of the team's rivals remain unchanged, including Samui United, setting up another pair of highly anticipated island derbies after Samui claimed both meetings last season. In July, the club officially secured its license to compete in the 2026/27 Thai League 3 season. While the approval was expected, one of the most encoura

Phuket authorities have stepped up enforcement against hookah lounges as part of the nationwide Operation 90 Days anti-drug campaign, carrying out two consecutive raids that resulted in the seizure of hookah equipment and tobacco worth approximately 630,000 baht. The inspections targeted entertainment venues in Ratsada and Rawai after officials said they had received complaints from local residents. In both operations, undercover officers conducted test purchases before autho

Phuket has officially launched the 11th Phuket Lobster Festival, inviting visitors to enjoy special lobster-inspired menus and exclusive promotions at restaurants across the island throughout August. The festival opened on July 31 in Chalong during the Hlong Long Do Fair and the Chalong Agricultural Festival. The month-long culinary celebration will continue until August 31. This year's theme, "From GI to Global Gastronomy," highlights Phuket’s famous seven-colored lobster, a

Phuket authorities have stepped up efforts to improve road safety and public security, with Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom overseeing inspections of tunnel infrastructure, traffic safety measures, and surveillance systems at Sarasin Bridge. The inspection brought together officials from the provincial transport office, highway authorities, and public health agencies to review ongoing projects aimed at easing congestion and reducing road accidents across the island. According to t

Bangkok Hospital Group has officially inaugurated the Bangkok-Phuket Cancer Institute, marking a new stage in the development of oncology services on the island. The opening ceremony was held on July 30 at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, according to The Phuket News. The institute does not represent the launch of cancer treatment services from scratch. Instead, it brings together the existing oncology capabilities of three BDMS network hospitals—Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Bangkok Hosp

Phuket’s tourism industry recorded more than 329 million baht in revenue during Thailand’s recent three-day public holiday, driven by strong domestic travel and a series of cultural celebrations across the island. The holiday period, held from July 28 to 30, marked the birthday of His Majesty King Rama X, as well as the Buddhist holidays Asalha Bucha and Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent). According to Sirivan Siharach, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Offi

Police in Phuket have arrested a Myanmar national after discovering she was allegedly performing duties that were not permitted under the conditions of her work permit. The woman was detained in Chalong on July 30 after officers received information that a migrant worker was working as a shop assistant at a grocery store, handling sales, receiving payments, and serving customers despite being authorised for a different occupation. To verify the report, officers conducted a te

Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom has presented a certificate of recognition to nine-year-old Pavin "Pace" Pattanavekin after the young student claimed two championship titles at the International STEM Olympiad & Coding Olympiad 2026 in Rome. According to True Coding School Phuket, the governor congratulated Pace on becoming a Global Champion and finishing at the top of the worldwide rankings in competitions held on the Codementum programming platform. Pace was among the youn

Thailand marked the 74th birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn on July 28 with ceremonies and public events held nationwide, including a series of commemorative activities across Phuket. The day’s celebrations on the island began early in the morning at Phuket Provincial Hall and in front of the main government complex on Tha Kraeng Road. Provincial officials, local leaders, and members of the public gathered to present alms to Buddhist monks and take part in merit

Lifeguards at Bang Tao and Surin beaches have received a new set of remotely operated rescue buoys as part of Phuket’s ongoing efforts to improve water safety. The equipment was officially handed over on July 27, two days after World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25. The delivery forms part of the multi-agency Cherngtalay Smart Beach’Cop 4.0 initiative, which combines water safety measures with road safety improvements. The launch ceremony was attended by

Thailand’s Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwannachet dismissed a claim that a Chabad House in Patong was “Israeli territory” during an official inspection on July 23, reaffirming that Thai law applies equally to everyone in the country. The exchange took place while officials were inspecting the Chabad House as part of a wider campaign targeting suspected nominee shareholding arrangements and businesses that may be operating in violation of Thailand’s foreign business regu

Phuket authorities have stepped up inspections of the island’s jet ski industry as part of a wider campaign targeting illegal operators and businesses suspected of using nominee ownership structures. On Saturday, July 25, Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom assigned Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawa to oversee the operation. The inspection team included Adul Raluekmul, Director of the Phuket Regional Marine Office, senior vessel inspector Teerapong Phannak, and officers from the M

Dozens of newly hatched leatherback sea turtles made their first journey into the Andaman Sea from Thai Mueang Beach on the evening of July 24. The release was broadcast live on the official Facebook page of Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park. Park officials did not specify the exact number of hatchlings, but confirmed they came from the third nest laid this season by a female leatherback turtle affectionately named Namo. The turtle returned to Thai Mueang Beach several

The Phuket Parkland festival has officially returned to Mai Khao, bringing music, local cuisine and family entertainment back to northern Phuket. Although rainy weather affected the opening day, the event remains one of the region’s biggest annual attractions. The three-day festival began on July 24 at Phuket Gateway, also known as Phuket City Gate. The opening ceremony was attended by Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob, mayors from s

The newly elected president of the Phuket Tourist Association has called on the Thai government to place greater emphasis on promoting the island’s positive image, while continuing to enforce the law without drawing excessive attention to every enforcement operation. Sarayut Mallam, who was elected president on July 22, said authorities should maintain efforts against illegal activities such as nominee businesses, unlicensed tour guides, illegal taxi services and unlawful bea