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Phuket International Airport is set to introduce automated passport control gates for departing international passengers on June 13, aiming to reduce waiting times and improve the efficiency of immigration procedures. The announcement comes after widespread discussion on social media regarding long queues at immigration checkpoints and allegations that some passengers were being offered expedited processing for an unofficial fee. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksa

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn paid an official one-day visit to Phuket on June 1, where she presided over the opening of a newly completed building at Srinagarindra the Princess Mother School in Saphan Hin. The new facility was formally named the Sri Sirindhorn Building and was placed under royal patronage. Upon her arrival, Her Royal Highness was welcomed by Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthavorn, school director Natthayaphon Sewatanon, senior provincial officials, military

Phuket International Airport has responded to growing concerns over lengthy immigration queues and allegations that some passengers were being offered faster processing in exchange for unofficial payments. In an official statement, airport authorities acknowledged complaints circulating on social media regarding waiting times at passport control and claims of extra charges for expedited immigration clearance. Officials emphasized that they take passenger feedback seriously an

Buddhists across Thailand are celebrating Visakha Bucha, one of the most important religious holidays in the Buddhist calendar. Morning ceremonies were held at temples nationwide, while candlelit processions are expected to take place later in the evening. Visakha Bucha commemorates three key events in the life of the Buddha — his birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana. According to Buddhist tradition, all three events occurred on the full moon of the sixth lunar mont

Phuket continued to outperform much of Thailand’s tourism sector during the first four months of 2026, welcoming nearly 4.9 million visitors and generating 186.9 billion baht in tourism revenue despite growing global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Figures released by the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) show that the island recorded an average hotel occupancy rate of 81.85% between January and April, highlighting the destination’s continued pop

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau and other government agencies will suspend operations on June 1 and June 3 in observance of national holidays. June 2, however, will remain a regular working day. The additional holiday on Monday, June 1, was granted because Visakha Bucha Day falls on Sunday, May 31 this year. Visakha Bucha, also known internationally as Vesak, is considered one of the most important Buddhist celebrations. Observed on the full moon of the sixth lunar month, the h

Phuket is set to introduce a new public attraction as work on the redevelopment of the former provincial prison site enters its final stage. The future Phuket Old Prison Park is now more than 80% complete and is expected to officially open to the public in late August. The project is being overseen by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), which aims to transform the once-restricted area into a green public space for both residents and tourists. The new park

Thailand has stepped up precautionary measures against Ebola, with authorities in Phuket placing 11 international travellers under a 21-day health monitoring program after their arrival from countries considered high risk. Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthavorn announced the measures during a meeting with provincial health officials, emphasizing that Phuket’s role as a major international aviation hub requires strict monitoring of potential infectious disease threats. According

Rungriang Thimabut, the Permanent Secretary of Phuket Province and a key figure in several high-profile operations against illegal businesses and influential networks, has been removed from his position and reassigned to an inactive post at the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) headquarters in Bangkok amid an ongoing corruption investigation. Reports about the transfer emerged on May 26, the same day Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn chaired a meeting with pro

Authorities in Phuket have intensified efforts against illegal tourism operations after arresting a Chinese national accused of working as an unlicensed tour guide for foreign visitors. The operation was conducted jointly by officers from the Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office and Phuket Tourist Police following reports about suspicious tour activity involving Chinese tourists. Investigators tracked a tour van carrying seven Chinese visitors and a man suspected of

Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has officially forwarded the case files and all 31 suspects connected to the Villa Andaman nominee property investigation to the Office of the Special Litigation Prosecutor, marking a major step in one of Thailand’s largest crackdowns on illegal foreign-controlled real estate operations in Phuket and Koh Samui. The investigation focuses on a network of law firms and consulting companies suspected of helping foreign investor

Nearly half of Thai businesses admit to paying bribes or providing benefits to government officials in order to simplify business procedures, according to a new survey conducted by Thailand’s Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB). The study was carried out by the committee’s analytical division as part of its Zero Corruption campaign during March and April 2026. A total of 401 business executives and company representatives participated in the su

The Andaman coast has become the center of a major regional naval exercise as Thai and Singaporean warships arrived in Phuket to participate in the annual SINGSIAM 2026 joint maritime drills. The participating vessels include the Royal Thai Navy frigate HTMS Taksin, which sailed from the Gulf of Thailand, alongside two Singapore Navy ships — RSS Unity (17) and RSS Stalwart (72). This year’s SINGSIAM exercise is being hosted by Singapore and is taking place in the Andaman Sea

The commander of the Royal Thai Army’s Fourth Army Area and director of the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 (ISOC Region 4) visited Phuket to review local efforts aimed at tackling internal security threats ranging from drug trafficking to illegal foreign land ownership through nominees. Lieutenant General Norathip Phoinok chaired the high-level meeting on May 23 alongside senior military officers. The session brought together Phuket Governor Nirun Phongsitthith

Private sector representatives in Phuket have expressed support for the Thai government’s decision to cancel the 60-day visa-free entry scheme for travelers from 93 countries and return to country-specific entry rules, which in most cases allow stays of around 30 days. Phumikit Raktaengam, President of the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, said the Cabinet’s decision followed lengthy discussions with tourism industry stakeholders and local business operators. Accord

Thailand’s Royal Forestry Department has ordered the urgent demolition of 11 unauthorized structures built inside the protected forest zone at Nui Beach in Phuket. The directive was signed on May 20 by Royal Forestry Department Director-General Bikorn Sirirojananan under Section 25 of the National Reserved Forest Act of 1964. The order requires all occupants and related parties to vacate the Nak Kerd Mountain Reserved Forest area and remove the illegal constructions by June 5

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism is continuing to move forward with plans to introduce a tourist entry fee for all foreign visitors entering the country. Officials now say the payment system could eventually be integrated directly into the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) platform. The proposal was discussed during the “Thai Tourism Amid the Global Crisis” forum held in Bangkok on May 20. Speaking at the event, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phanchanworakun said Thaila

Thailand’s government has confirmed plans to cancel the 60-day visa-free entry program introduced in 2024 for citizens of 93 countries and territories. However, authorities also made clear that the country will not simply return to the previous system that existed before the reform. The announcement followed a cabinet meeting held on May 19 and was officially published by Thailand’s Public Relations Department (PRD Thailand) on May 20. Despite the confirmation, the government

Authorities in Phuket have intervened to ease tensions following a dispute between a local shop owner and Chinese tourists in Phuket Old Town that recently went viral on social media. The incident attracted widespread attention after video footage showed a heated argument between an elderly shopkeeper and a group of visiting Chinese tourists on Yaowarat Road in Talat Yai subdistrict. The clip quickly spread online, triggering criticism and concerns that the confrontation coul

Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration has ordered the temporary transfer of five senior Phuket officials following growing allegations of extortion and misconduct connected to entertainment venue licensing in Patong. The order was issued on Wednesday, May 20, by Department Director-General Naruetcha Khosasivilai after complaints from nightlife business operators escalated into a public protest on Bangla Road. According to the official directive, the transfers wil