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Phuket recorded more than 9.2 million visitors during the first eight months of 2026, although total arrivals were 1.76% lower than during the same period last year. At the same time, the island is preparing to add four new direct international routes before the start of the peak tourism season. Figures from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, presented at a Phuket provincial administration meeting on September 28, showed that 9,200,166 people visited the island between Januar

Two US Navy warships are scheduled to visit Phuket in early October, with the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) and destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119) expected to arrive at the deep-sea port at Cape Panwa on October 5. The visit is scheduled to continue through October 10. Patong Police confirmed the planned port call in a September 29 update following a meeting at the police station with representatives of the US Embassy in Thailand, including Lou Pham and

Thailand marked National Flag Day on September 28 with official ceremonies held across the country, including several events in Phuket. The main ceremony in Phuket took place in the morning at Phuket Provincial Hall and was led by newly appointed Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom. A separate ceremony was held at the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO), led by its president Rewat Areerob. Local authorities, government agencies and public institutions also orga

Phuket officially welcomed home America’s Got Talent 2026 champion Rattikarn “Nene Royal” Amloy and her family on September 27, following her victory in the international talent show. The official reception was held at the Khaw Sim Bee Meeting Hall of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO). Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom led the ceremony, which was also attended by PPAO President Rewat Areerob. During the event, the Governor presented a royal portrait of

Construction of the Kathu–Patong tunnel is now scheduled to begin no earlier than October 2027, while the planned opening of the Phuket Expressway has been pushed back to October 2031. The latest timetable was confirmed in September by Thailand’s Expressway Authority (EXAT) and the government. The project has already gone through several revisions, with its implementation schedule repeatedly changing over recent years. According to the current plan, Phase 1 of the Phuket Expr

Phuket has been named the top wellness destination by Canadian travellers in the 2026 Travellers’ Top Picks Awards, organised by Air Canada Vacations. The result was announced on September 25 by Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksamisaengchan. Phuket received the highest number of votes in the Wellness category following a public vote that attracted more than 1.3 million votes across all 10 award categories. The award was presented during the Air Canada Vacations T

Sixteen-year-old singer and guitarist Nene Royal from Phuket has won America’s Got Talent 2026, becoming the first contestant from Thailand to claim the title in the history of the US talent show. The result was announced by host Terry Crews during the live Season 21 finale on NBC on September 23. The broadcast took place on the morning of September 24 in Thailand. Nene, whose real name is Rattikan “Praew” Amloy, received the highest number of votes from eligible viewers in t

The US Secret Service has recognised Phuket police officers for their work investigating suspected counterfeit US dollars, including two cases involving suspicious banknotes presented at currency exchange shops. An American delegation presented certificates of appreciation during a visit to Phuket Provincial Police Headquarters on September 22. Senior Special Agent and Assistant Attaché Samuel Cloud led the delegation at a meeting with Phuket Provincial Police Commander Polic

More than 3,000 residents of the Khok Tanod community in Chalong are seeking government assistance as a long-running dispute over privately owned land has led to eviction lawsuits affecting 669 households. Community representatives from Moo 9 submitted a petition to the Phuket Damrongdhama Centre, the province’s complaints and assistance centre, on September 21. They asked authorities to help protect residents’ rights during the ongoing legal process and prepare housing assis

Thai fans are preparing to follow Phuket singer and guitarist Nene Royal as she takes the stage in the live final of America’s Got Talent Season 21. The 16-year-old performer, whose real name is Praew Rattikarn Amloy, is one of 10 finalists competing for the Season 21 title and the programme’s US$1 million prize. When to watch the AGT 2026 final The first part of the two-night finale will air live on NBC on Tuesday, September 22, from 9pm to 11pm Eastern Time. In Thailand, th

Phuket MP Somchat Techathaworncharoen has been summoned by Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for a third time as a witness in an investigation into property allegedly held through Thai nominees on behalf of foreigners. Justice Minister Police Lieutenant General Ruttaphon Naowarat said on September 21 that the new summons is scheduled for September 28. The date was set at Somchat’s request, and the minister said he expected the MP to appear. The investigatio

Phuket’s beloved bear mascot has returned to Phuket Old Town ahead of this year’s Vegetarian Festival, appearing in a new white outfit at the Chartered Intersection. The bear, affectionately known by locals as Nong Mee, was installed near the old police station as part of Phuket Town Municipality’s preparations for the upcoming festival. The mascot was created at the initiative of Phuket Town Municipality and quickly became popular with residents and visitors. It was later of

Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsom has disclosed preliminary findings from an ongoing investigation into Chabad House Patong, saying authorities have identified links to two related companies with combined assets of approximately 261.58 million baht. According to the governor, both companies belong to the same business network and maintain offices in Cherng Talay, Thalang. Investigators have also identified four additional branches operating elsewhere in Phuket, bringing the t

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