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Authorities in Phuket have stepped up efforts to address problematic tourist behavior, bringing together key stakeholders for a high-level meeting at the Sarasin Conference Room in the Provincial Hall. The session was led by Governor Nirun Pongsitthithavorn and attended by representatives from law enforcement, military units, immigration authorities, tourism bodies, and local administrations, along with members of foreign communities living in the province. Officials emphasiz

Thailand’s Cabinet has given the green light to a large-scale healthcare initiative aimed at transforming Phuket and the Andaman region into a leading international wellness destination. The “Andaman Health Hub Project,” spearheaded by Prince of Songkla University, comes with a total budget of 6.43 billion baht and is scheduled to be implemented between 2027 and 2030. The program is designed to address shortages in healthcare professionals while significantly upgrading medica

Authorities in Phuket have rejected viral claims suggesting that a group of Israeli tourists attempted to take control of a public beach and push away Thai visitors. The provincial public relations office stated that, after coordinating with police and relevant agencies, no evidence was found to support the allegations. Officials confirmed that the beach remains fully public and accessible to everyone, in accordance with Thai law. According to the investigation, the confusion

Thailand’s tourism authorities are exploring a proposal to introduce a departure fee for citizens traveling abroad, with the aim of channeling funds into domestic tourism support programs. According to Bangkok Post, the initiative was put forward by Surasak Phancharoenworakul, who suggested a charge of 1,000 baht per outbound trip. The revenue would be used to subsidize travel within the country and encourage local tourism spending. The proposal is based on an existing legal

Officials in Phuket have issued a warning to foreign property investors, urging them to be cautious of overly optimistic or misleading real estate promotions circulating online. The advisory was released on April 28 by the provincial public relations office, citing findings from the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand (AFNC), which operates under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. The review focused on promotional content targeting Phuket’s property market that may not f

Thailand is heading into an extended holiday period at the beginning of May, with government offices operating for only four days this week, from April 27 to April 30. From May 1 to May 4, the country will observe a four-day break running from Friday through Monday. Unlike some long weekends that are created by shifting official working days, this holiday stretch naturally aligns on the calendar without additional government adjustments. The long weekend includes two official

The seaside community of Laem Sai in Thalang turned into a lively gathering point as the annual “Sit by the Sea, Watch Planes, Enjoy Local Delights @ Laem Sai” festival successfully took place. The event, hosted at Laem Sai Pier, was officially inaugurated by Deputy Governor Suwit Phansengiam together with local officials and residents. Running from April 24 to 25, the festival marked its fifth year and was organized by the Thepkrasattri Subdistrict Administrative Organizatio

Phuket is taking further steps toward a circular economy by promoting “Live Like a Local,” a homegrown initiative that converts marine waste into high-quality fashion and souvenir items. The project was highlighted during an April administrative meeting at Phuket City Hall, where officials emphasized its contribution to sustainable tourism. Deputy Governor Teerapong Chuaychu commended the initiative, noting how it transforms so-called “ghost nets”—abandoned fishing gear that

Authorities in Phuket have moved quickly to address public concern after images allegedly showing polluted seawater at Tri Trang Beach spread widely online. Late on April 23, officials from the Office of Environmental and Pollution Control carried out an urgent nighttime inspection at the coastal area known locally as Le Hua Non in Patong. According to their findings, the situation at the beach appeared normal. Seawater was clear, and drainage outlets showed no visible signs

Fuel prices in Phuket have continued to ease as the Thai government cautiously adjusts rates in response to stabilizing global energy markets. With limited fiscal capacity, authorities are prioritizing reductions in diesel costs due to its importance for transportation and the broader economy. Following a decision by the Oil Fuel Fund (OFFO) on April 23, the retail price of diesel across Thailand was reduced by 1.50 baht per liter, effective April 24. As a result, diesel at P

Phuket has officially welcomed a new diplomatic presence with the opening of Finland’s honorary consulate on the island. The inauguration ceremony took place on the morning of April 21, attended by Phuket Governor Nirun Phongsitthithavorn along with other local officials. The consulate is located in Phuket Town on Mae Luan Road, opposite the Muang Phuket District Office. However, its formal address is listed as 265 Yaowarat Road, Talad Nuea. Honorary Consulate of Finland in P

A foreign social media user has stirred online discussion after claiming he purchased a luxury home in Phuket for 56 million baht and could reside in Thailand long-term without paying tax on his global income. The post, published on X, featured the buyer and his partner alongside an announcement that they had signed a deal for a “dream home” near Bang Tao Beach, valued at approximately £1.3 million. The author described the property as freehold and suggested the purchase woul

A massive 6.5-meter statue of Hanuman, the Monkey King from the Thai epic Ramakien, has been installed on the seabed near Racha Yai island, marking a major step toward the creation of an underwater museum off Phuket’s coast. The installation took place in Siam Bay, about 18 kilometers south of Rawai Pier, while Songkran celebrations were underway on the island. According to Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), the process of lowering and securing the

Tourism leaders from Phuket have, for the first time, carried out a large-scale promotional tour in the United States, introducing the island’s travel offerings to key industry partners on both coasts. While similar trips to Australia and Russia have been held regularly, this marked Phuket’s debut in the American market in such a format. During the April campaign across North America, representatives of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), led by Thanet Tantipiriyakij, visit

Fuel prices across Thailand have started to decline following Songkran, reflecting more favorable conditions on global energy markets. As of April 17, diesel prices dropped below the 43-baht-per-liter threshold, while gasohol and gasoline also saw smaller reductions. The adjustment followed the first post-Songkran meeting of the Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) on April 16, where officials reviewed subsidy policies and contribution rates. Based on fuel price benchmarks from Singap

Installation of automated passport control gates at Phuket International Airport is scheduled to begin on April 22 and is expected to be completed by May 30, according to Thailand’s Immigration Bureau. The timeline was confirmed following an official visit to Phuket on April 15 by Major General Katathorn Khaimthiang. While the inspection formally focused on managing passenger traffic during the Songkran holiday, the key outcome was the announcement of the rollout schedule for

Thailand recorded strong tourism performance during the Songkran Festival 2026, with figures surpassing expectations nationwide between April 11 and 15, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The festival is expected to generate more than US$909 million in total revenue, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous year. This growth highlights continued confidence among both domestic and international travelers and reinforces Songkran’s status as a globally r

Phuket is in full celebration mode as locals and visitors mark Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year. Festivities began gradually over the weekend, with the main celebrations taking place on April 13. Across the island, April 13 is considered the peak day of Songkran. While Patong started its water fights a day earlier on April 12, most other areas follow a more concentrated one-day schedule. However, younger participants and tourists often extend the celebrations beyond

The 30th edition of Phuket Bike Week officially began on April 12, 2026, bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts from Thailand and abroad for a three-day event that runs through April 14. The traditional gathering point for the festival remains Loma Park in Patong. This year’s opening ceremony took place near the Tha Chatchai checkpoint in Mai Khao. Instead of using the checkpoint itself, organizers hosted the welcome event at a nearby site intended to become the future base

Tuk-tuk and taxi drivers in Phuket are facing a deepening financial crisis, with many warning that the traditional transport sector could collapse without urgent government support. Drivers across the island say their daily earnings have dropped sharply as tourist habits change and competition from modern ride-hailing services intensifies. Many now work long hours, from early morning until late at night, yet struggle to earn enough to cover even basic expenses. On some days,