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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

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