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Thai authorities have launched an extensive review of business ownership in Phuket, with more than 400 companies coming under investigation for suspected use of nominee shareholders to conceal foreign control. Deputy Interior Minister Polpee Suwanachawi said the inquiry, carried out jointly with the Ministry of Commerce, has so far examined more than 10,000 registered businesses across the province. Investigators believe a number of companies may have used Thai nationals as p

Phuket's tourism industry has returned to the Japanese market with its first promotional roadshow in more than a decade, aiming to revive visitor arrivals from Japan and strengthen partnerships with travel industry professionals. The Phuket Roadshow to Japan 2026 took place from June 22 to 26, with a delegation representing the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO), the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), and local tourism businesses visiting Sapporo, Osaka, and

Phuket has officially begun a new chapter in its provincial administration with the appointment of Chotnarin Kerdsom as the island's new governor. Mr. Kerdsom formally assumed office on Monday, June 29, arriving at Phuket Provincial Hall together with his wife, Mrs. Paveerisa Kerdsom, who serves as President of the Provincial Interior Housewives Association. His appointment follows a recent cabinet reshuffle approved by the Thai government. Former Phuket Governor Nirut Phongs

Authorities in Phuket have stepped up efforts to protect protected forest areas after launching an investigation into suspected illegal land clearing in the Kamala Hills, also known as Khao Nang Phanthurat. The inspection took place on the afternoon of June 29 and was led by Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwatch Rawangkul. The operation brought together district officials, members of the Volunteer Defense Corps (Or Sor), provincial forestry officers, and the village head of Mo

Phuket concluded its month-long Pride celebrations on Saturday, June 27, with the Phuket Pride 2026 Grand Parade through the streets of Phuket Old Town. More than 2,000 people took part in the event, making it one of the largest Pride gatherings held on the island. Held under the theme "We are ONE – Together in Love," the parade served as the highlight of this year's Pride program, which had begun ahead of June with a series of events in Patong. Participants included represen

Thailand's Deputy Transport Minister, Sapphasit Boonyamanee, conducted a series of inspections across Phuket to evaluate transport safety and service standards, while ordering stricter enforcement against illegal jet ski operators and non-compliant taxi services. The visit began at Patong Beach, where officials inspected jet ski businesses operating along the shoreline. The review focused on identifying unregistered watercraft, expired operating licenses, and rental services

Authorities in Phuket have widened their campaign against nominee business structures and suspected illegal land use, extending inspections to international schools, tourism operators, and local communities as part of an ongoing province-wide enforcement effort. The operation was led by Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum and Chalong Police Chief Pol. Col. Surasak Jaidee. Officers worked alongside immigration officials, district administrators, an

Thailand's Anti-Corruption Police have arrested Phuket Provincial Administrative Chief Officer Rungreung Thimabutr in connection with an alleged bribery scheme involving local government recruitment examinations. The arrest took place on June 26 under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, Region 9. Investigators allege that Rungreung acted as a middleman by requesting 300,000 baht from each of three members of the Volunteer Defense Corps

Authorities in Phuket have begun a large-scale operation targeting illegal immigration and unauthorized employment, launching what officials describe as a province-wide "X-ray" inspection campaign. The initiative is being coordinated by Deputy Governor Khetarat Chansilp, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, and ISOC Phuket Deputy Director Rear Adm. Praphan Srivipa. The campaign focuses on identifying illegal workers, dismantling nominee business n

Phuket authorities have reaffirmed that Freedom Beach will remain freely accessible to the public following a large-scale inspection aimed at protecting public land and improving access for both residents and tourists. The inspection took place on June 24 and brought together officials from several government agencies. The operation was led by Phuket Deputy Governor Pol. Lt. Col. Khetarat Chansilp, Mueang District Chief Siwatch Rawangkul, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Po

Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), in partnership with Laguna Phuket, has released young sea turtles and bamboo sharks into the Andaman Sea as part of an ongoing effort to restore marine biodiversity. The conservation event took place on June 20 and featured the release of 25 juvenile green sea turtles and 10 bamboo sharks. The animals had been raised at the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) on Cape Panwa before being returned to their natural

A member of Thailand’s National Police Policy Committee has called on the government to launch a comprehensive “Reset Phuket” strategy, warning that the island’s structural problems could undermine investor confidence and damage Thailand’s international reputation. Assistant Professor Nopadol Kannika, a civilian representative on the National Police Policy Committee, presented the proposal as authorities continue expanding their crackdown on suspected nominee business network

Authorities in Phuket have intensified their campaign against illegal foreign nominee networks, uncovering land holdings worth an estimated 231 million baht that are suspected of violating Thailand’s Land Code. The operation forms part of the third phase of the Royal Thai Police’s nationwide crackdown on nominee business structures in Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga. The initiative focuses on identifying companies that allegedly use Thai nationals as proxy shareholders to concea

While the academic year is only beginning in Thai schools, international schools are already reaching the end of theirs. Graduation season marks an important milestone for senior students, many of whom are saying goodbye not only to their school but also to Phuket as they prepare to continue their education in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other countries. One of the most anticipated events of the school year has already taken pla

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has launched the third phase of its campaign targeting foreign nominee networks in the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga, stepping up efforts to combat illegal business operations and concealed foreign ownership. The latest operation was officially launched at Mueang Phuket Police Station and brings together the Royal Thai Police, Immigration Bureau, Department of Lands, and several other government agencies in a coordinated enforce

Fuel prices in Phuket have continued to decline, with diesel falling below 38 baht per litre for the first time in more than three months. According to the Phuket office of Thailand’s Ministry of Energy, the latest price adjustment took effect on June 19 after major fuel retailers revised rates in response to more stable global oil prices. Gasohol prices also decreased. Gasohol 91 is now selling for less than 39 baht per litre, while Gasohol 95 has dropped below the 40-baht m

Senior representatives of Thailand’s Ministry of Interior have pledged a comprehensive “system reset” for Phuket, promising broad reforms rather than isolated solutions to the province’s most pressing problems. The announcement was made during a two-day visit by Polapi Suwannachawi and Warasit Liangprasert, the second and fourth deputy ministers serving under Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. According to officials, the initiative is intended to

Phuket authorities have confirmed that construction of the island’s second waste incinerator is moving forward, with the new facility expected to enter service in mid-2027 to help address the province’s growing waste disposal needs. Phuket City Mayor Supachok La-ongpetch, together with municipal executives and representatives from relevant agencies, recently visited the Integrated Waste Management Center to inspect construction progress and review the installation of imported

Thailand's Cabinet approved a major leadership reshuffle on June 16, reassigning Phuket Governor Nirut Phongsitthithavorn to the position of Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior. Taking over as Phuket's new governor is Chotinrin Kerdsom, who previously served as Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. The appointment comes amid growing tensions within the Interior Ministry's administration in Phuket. Just one day earlier, on June 15, the mini

The three-day X Planet Fruit Road 2026 festival attracted large crowds to Sri Sunthorn in Thalang district from June 12 to 14, continuing the success of last year’s popular countryside event. Held near the rubber plantations at the foothills of Khao Phra Thaeo, the festival once again showcased local culture, food, and community traditions. Visitors enjoyed a wide selection of food stalls, traditional fairground games, friendly competitions, and nightly live music performance