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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

Thailand has selected General Samran Nuanma as the next Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. He is expected to officially assume the position on October 1, 2026, following the retirement of the current police chief upon reaching the mandatory retirement age. General Nuanma is already familiar to many in Phuket. On June 20, he personally visited the island to launch the nationwide campaign against illegal nominee business structures involving foreign investors. He al

Phuket officials have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening public security, highlighting the expansion of the province’s AI-powered "Phuket Eye" surveillance network during a high-level meeting on national security policies. The Phuket Provincial Police Oversight Committee, chaired by Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom, met this week with senior police officers, committee members, and representatives from relevant government agencies to review progress on key security initia

The Thai government’s recent move to restore public access to Nui Beach in Phuket is being viewed as more than a local land dispute. Officials see the case as a potential turning point in the country’s approach to managing coastal resources, enforcing land laws, and protecting public access to natural areas. The operation was led by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin together with Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit. Supported by more than

Government offices across Thailand, including the Phuket Immigration Office, will operate for only two days during the final week of July, as the country observes three consecutive public holidays. State agencies will be closed from July 28 to July 30, meaning that, out of the last seven days of the month, only July 27 and July 31 will be regular working days. The holiday period begins on July 28, marking the birthday of His Majesty the King. It is followed by two important B

A 1.1-million-baht donation from the leadership of Phuket’s Chabad-Lubavitch Centre to Patong Hospital has sparked a lively discussion online, with many praising the charitable gesture while others questioned its purpose. On July 16, Patong Hospital announced on its official Facebook page that Rabbi Sholom Dovber Glitzenstein, co-director of the Chabad-Lubavitch Centre in Phuket, and the organisation had donated 1.1 million baht to support the hospital. Photos published by th

Thailand has stepped up enforcement of its cannabis regulations as part of a nationwide effort to ensure the plant is used strictly for medical purposes. As part of the campaign, authorities inspected cannabis dispensaries across Phuket and identified hundreds of businesses with licensing issues. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Lucksameesaengchan announced on July 19 that officials are intensifying inspections of cannabis cultivation and retail businesses to prevent

A nationwide survey conducted by Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) has found that most Thais believe corruption within the state system is the primary reason illegal foreign businesses are able to operate in the country. The poll, titled "Illegal Foreigners", was conducted by telephone between July 13 and 15 and included respondents from across Thailand representing different regions, age groups, professions and educational backgrounds. The fi