Stringer Phuket

22/07/2026

Residents in parts of Phuket reported feeling tremors late Wednesday morning after a moderate earthquake struck off the northern coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.

Phuket – Residents in parts of Phuket reported feeling tremors late Wednesday morning after a moderate earthquake struck off the northern coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The quake, recorded at 11:18 AM local time, registered a magnitude of 5.1 at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. The epicenter ...

11/05/2026

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has led an inspection visit to Bang Tao Beach in Phuket province to monitor enforcement operations targeting encroachment on public beachfront land and illegal business activity in the area.

Officials said authorities have faced repeated incidents of land encroachment and unauthorized construction at Bang Tao Beach for several years. Investigators found that wooden beer bars and restaurants previously demolished by local authorities were later replaced with more permanent structures, including rental rooms, restaurants, and massage shops occupying public beachfront areas.

The Choeng Thale Subdistrict Administrative Organization has issued enforcement orders under the Building Control Act to halt construction and proceed with legal action. Three cases involving two suspects remain under investigation for encroachment on public and national reserved forest land. Officials estimated the damage at about 18 million baht across more than 3 rai of occupied beachfront property.

Anutin also traveled to Freedom Beach in the Karon area to monitor land seizure operations within the Nak Kerd Mountain National Reserved Forest. Recent joint inspections by multiple agencies found encroachment on more than 57 rai of forest land, with investigations and legal proceedings still ongoing.

08/05/2026

The Israeli Embassy in Thailand has issued a public advisory urging Israeli citizens to strictly comply with Thai laws following intensified enforcement measures launched by Phuket authorities.

The warning was issued in response to Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn’s stricter tourism management policies targeting public disturbances, illegal employment, traffic violations, and visa overstays.

Provincial officials, police, immigration authorities, and security agencies have also held meetings with representatives of foreign communities in Phuket to discuss enforcement measures and legal compliance. Authorities said all visitors must follow the same laws and regulations to maintain public order and safety on the island.

According to the advisory, Israeli citizens were warned that Thai authorities are now enforcing regulations more strictly and that violators could face maximum legal penalties, court prosecution, visa revocation, and loss of residency rights. The embassy also warned that driving without a valid license could result in legal action without exception.

Officials described the embassy’s response as an example of cooperation between Phuket authorities and foreign representatives in communicating local laws and expectations to tourists.

Governor Nirat said Phuket will continue welcoming international visitors while urging tourists to respect local laws, culture, and the rights of residents.

08/05/2026

Phuket Tourist Police crushed on illegal foreign business and workers.

SOURCE: Phuket Governor FB

11/03/2026

Phuket International Airport explains the aircraft malfunction on the runway, confirms there are no injuries, and prioritizes safety.

On 11 March 2026, Phuket International Airport (HKT) reported that Air India Express Flight AXB938, operating on the route Hyderabad (HYD) – Phuket (HKT), experienced an aircraft malfunction on the runway after landing.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, registration VT-BWQ, arrived at Phuket International Airport ahead of schedule. The scheduled arrival time was 11:40 hrs., while the aircraft landed at 11:24 hrs. On board were 7 crew members, 131 inbound passengers, and 2 infants.

Preliminary inspections indicated that the aircraft experienced a hard landing, which caused damage to the nose landing gear, preventing the aircraft from immediately vacating the runway. However, no injuries have been reported.

Following the incident, all passengers and crew were safely disembarked and transported to the passenger terminal, where airport and airline staff provided assistance and necessary facilitation.

Phuket International Airport subsequently issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) from 12:08 hrs. to 18:00 hrs. to temporarily close the runway. The airport has coordinated with relevant agencies to manage the situation and is strictly following established aviation safety procedures.

Passengers who may be affected are advised to contact their respective airlines directly to check flight status and travel details before arriving at the airport, to avoid any inconvenience.