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Phuket Tourism News | Episode 19 | May 28
Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.
Vietjet Takes off to Phuket
Starting from the 19th of May Vietjet is now running the first and only direct service between Hanoi and Phuket.
Vietjet’s new service between Hanoi and Phuket includes one roundtrip flight per day, with each leg taking approximately three hours.
With the new direct route between Hanoi and Phuket, travelers can now fly directly and conveniently to Vietnam’s capital city and other Northern tourist attractions such as Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ha Giang, and more.
Vietjet is already operating the only direct route between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket with two-hour flights daily.
PHAB 5 a Massive Success
The title said it all, “A Fabulous Cause for Celebration”
On the 20th of May 2023, hundreds of Phuket residents came together to enjoy a night of stunning food and drinks from some of Phuket’s most luxurious hotels. The ACES Angsana venue was the perfect backdrop for the PHAB 5 Masquerade gala dinner.
The dinner was to help raise money so that local children can play a greater role in the industry’s future in Phuket as it offers scholarships to local students who wish to fulfill their dream of working in the hotel industry.
Over 3 million THB was raised on the Phuket Charity Events from silent auctions, online auctions, and a live auction which had some amazing prizes.
The event was a huge success and well done to the Phuket Hotels Association
New rules for Weed in Thailand, is there or not?
Now this is a tough one to answer as no one is 100% sure what will happen. How has this come about, well; in the recent elections the party that won had in its manifest that it would make cannabis illegal again. This has sent shock waves around Thailand as cannabis has become a billion THB industry in a very short time and has created lots of new jobs and helped to bring back the tourists.
We still are not 100% sure what will happen, but after talking to some of the many weed shop owners here in Phuket, they think that cannabis will not be criminalized again, BUT that there will be new restrictions put into place such as asking for id for anyone buying weed and keeping these records so that authorities can see.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few months.
Update on the SpeedBoat accident in Phuket
The captain of the speedboat that crashed into a channel marker in Chalong last week has been charged for the accident and it is reported that he has tested positive for a substance.
Luckily for all passaged and crew, no one was seriously hurt.
Similan Islands Closed
The Similan Islands are now closed. Yes, we have told you this before but we are still getting many people asking to book this tour.
Every year, from May 16th until the 15th of October 2023 the Similan Islands are closed to visitors to safeguard the marine habitat and stimulate its recovery. At 5 Star Marine, we stop running tours to the Similan Islands from the 5th of May. Are reason to close the tour off early is that the seas out to the Similan Islands are very open which means they get a lot rougher than seas into Phang Nga Bay.
Maya Bay Closing?
Yes, it is, when? Well, we believe that it will close on the 1st of August 2023, however, we have still not had any official statement as yet from the Thailand National Park authorities. We also believe that Maya Bay will be closed for 2 months and reopen on 1st October.
Upcoming Events in Phuket
Phang Nga Bay Marathon – https://www.facebook.com/phangngamarathon
Laguna Phuket Marathon – https://www.facebook.com/phuketmarathon
An Evening with Tyson Fury – https://www.facebook.com/events/249161717663797
PHIST – https://www.facebook.com/events/6035872379834085
Phuket Tourism News now in audio format
We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or on your favorite podcast provider.
Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below:
Dr Pepper – Please note that the Phuket Tourism News is NOT sponsored by Dr Pepper, however if anyone from Dr Pepper does want to reach out and give us a free baseball cap and mug, we would be very great full. Oh, if you can make it easier to get Dr Pepper into Phuket that would be awesome. Thanks Dr Pepper you ROCK.
Full Details Here MAYA BAY CLOSING 2024
Phuket Tourism News | Episode 18 | May 21
Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.
Speedboat accident in Phuket
On Wednesday 17th May a Phuket speedboat carrying 37 people hit a channel marker in Chalong Bay in the south of Phuket. The accident occurred when Thanathip Marine 555 was bringing foreign tourists back from Phi Phi Island to Chalong Bay.
The Phuket speedboat smashed into a channel marker about 700 meters from Chalong pier and sustained huge damage to the bow (front) of the boat. Around 10 people including the Thai speedboat driver suffered broken limbs and all the injured were taken to hospitals around Phuket.
The Phuket authorities were very quick to respond to the incident and had cleared the roads to Chalong Pier to make it easier for the emergency services to arrive and all injured parties were delt with as soon as they arrived at Chalong Pier.
The captain and other individuals will be questioned to find out what was the cause of this accident.
Similan Islands Closed
The Similan Islands are now closed. Yes, we have told you this before but we are still getting many people asking to book this tour.
Every year, from May 16th until the 15th of October 2023 the Similan Islands are closed to visitors to safeguard the marine habitat and
stimulate its recovery. At 5 Star Marine, we stop running tours to the Similan Islands from the 5th of May. Are reason to close the tour off early is that the seas out to the Similan Islands are very open which means they get a lot rougher than seas into Phang Nga Bay.
Maya Bay Closing In August 2023?
Yes, it is, when? Well, we believe that it will close on the 1st of August 2023, however, we have still not had any official statement as yet from the Thailand National Park authorities. We also believe that Maya Bay will be closing in August 2023 and reopen on 1st October.
Neutering Phuket Monkeys
Monkeys are everywhere in Thailand and these inquisitive little creatures do look cute and cuddly; however, they are wild animals and can cause a lot of damage if left unmanaged. There have been parts of Phuket where the local government has moved monkeys away from tourist areas due to the risk of monkeys biting.
Feeding wild monkeys, although looks great for your Instagram reel or Tik Tok video, but it does cause issues, and its something that the local Phuket authorities want to stop.
The other thing that the local Phuket wildlife officials want to stop is the number of monkeys. So, to control the population of macaque monkeys, dozens have been caught and taken to the Nature and Wildlife Education Centre at Khao Phra Thaew Wildlife Sanctuary where they are Neutered and then released back into areas where they can be safe and away from tourists.
Upcoming Events in Phuket
Phang Nga Bay Marathon – https://www.facebook.com/phangngamarathon
Laguna Phuket Marathon – https://www.facebook.com/phuketmarathon
An Evening with Tyson Fury – https://www.facebook.com/events/249161717663797
PHIST – https://www.facebook.com/events/6035872379834085
Phuket Tourism News now in audio format
We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or on your favorite podcast provider.
Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below:
Dr Pepper – Please note that the Phuket Tourism News is NOT sponsored by Dr Pepper, however if anyone from Dr Pepper does want to reach out and give us a free baseball cap and mug, we would be very great full. Oh, if you can make it easier to get Dr Pepper into Phuket that would be awesome. Thanks Dr Pepper you ROCK.
Full Details Here SIMILAN ISLANDS CLOSING 2024
Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.
Similan Islands Closed
The Similan Islands are now officially closed.
Every year, from May 16th until the 15th of October 2023 the Similan Islands are closed to visitors to safeguard the marine habitat and stimulate its recovery. At 5 Star Marine, we stop running tours to the Similan Islands from the 5th of May. Are reason to close the tour off early is that the seas out to the Similan Islands are very open which means they get a lot rougher than seas into Phang Nga Bay.
Is Weed legal in Thailand?
In 2018, Thailand became the first Asian nation to legalize medical cannabis. Although cannabis was decriminalized, smoking or vaping in public places is still subject to punishment as a public nuisance infraction. You will see cannabis café’s everywhere in Phuket, there seem to be more of these than 7/11 stores.
But what are the Rules on Cannabis?
Please note that the below are guidelines and the rules may and often do change without notice:
Is it raining in Phuket and what are some of the best apps to use to check the weather in Phuket?
The Phuket weather is always a hot topic. We are currently in what is known as the shoulder period in Phuket. This is the period between the high season and the low season. During this time there are some rain showers that happen, mainly at night with some epic thunderstorms to watch, but these pass relatively quickly.
Some of the apps that we use to check the weather in Phuket are:
We also have a live cam at our 5 Star marine Phuket office which you can see at: https://www.youtube.com/@phuketweather144
Upcoming Events in Phuket
Phuket Tourism News now in audio format
We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or on your favorite podcast provider.
Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below:
Dr Pepper – Please note that the Phuket Tourism News is NOT sponsored by Dr Pepper, however if anyone from Dr Pepper does want to reach out and give us a free baseball cap and mug, we would be very great full. Oh, if you can make it easier to get Dr Pepper into Phuket that would be awesome. Thanks Dr Pepper you ROCK.
Full Details Here MAYA BAY, SIMILAN ISLANDS CLOSING 2024
Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.
Is Maya Bay in Phi Phi closing?
Maya Bay, Phi Phi is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Thailand the bay and the beach were featured in the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio filmed over 20 years ago.
During COVID Maya Bay Beach was closed for over 2 years by the Thai Government to help the ecosystem recover as it had become ruined by over-tourism. It reopened in January 2022 with new rules and regulations that helped to manage the tourists and how they access the bay. After doing this they again closed Maya Bay on the 1st Aug 2022 for 2 months. We are expecting the Thailand authorities to do the same again this year, but as of the time of writing, we have not heard anything official. So, watch this space.
Similan Islands Closing
Every year, from May 16th until the 15th of October 2023 the Similan Islands are closed to visitors to safeguard the marine habitat and stimulate its recovery. At 5 Star Marine, we stop running tours to the Similan Islands from the 5th of May. Are reason to close the tour off early is that the seas out to the Similan Islands are very open which means they get a lot rougher than seas into Phang Nga Bay.
Similan stands for “nine” in the Yawi language, as there are nine islands in the archipelago.
Similan National Park comprised nine islands, Koh Huyong, Koh Payang, Koh Payan, Koh Miang, Koh Ha, Koh Payu, Koh Hin Pousar, Koh Similan and Koh Ba-ngu.
Koh Bon and Koh Tachai were later added to the national park, bringing the number of islands under Mu Koh Similan National Park up to 11.
Is it rainy season in Phuket?
The Phuket weather is always a hot topic. We are currently in what is known as the shoulder period in Phuket. This is the period between the high season and the low season. During this time there are some rain showers that happen, mainly at night with some epic thunderstorms to watch, but these pass relatively quickly.
As I sit and write this there was a shower that lasted for 10 minutes and then the sun came out and any surface water evaporated within seconds making it look like it hadn’t rained at all. The one thing about the shoulder period is that the humidity is high, so it really feels a lot hotter than it actually is. The best way to keep cool is to go on a 5 Star Marine Phuket Tour and cool off by snorkeling around Phi Phi Islands.
Upcoming Events in Phuket
Phuket Tourism News now in audio format
We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or on your favorite podcast provider.
Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below:
Dr Pepper – Please note that the Phuket Tourism News is NOT sponsored by Dr Pepper, however if anyone from Dr Pepper does want to reach out and give us a free baseball cap and mug, we would be very great full. Oh, if you can make it easier to get Dr Pepper into Phuket that would be awesome. Thanks Dr Pepper you ROCK.
Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.
What is causing the Phuket Haze?
The local Phuket authorities have said not to worry as the rain will clear the haze. This is what we reported on last week and even thou there had at the time of writing this, been no rain the Haze has gone.
Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a haze over Phuket. No one seems to know 100% where it is coming from BUT there have been a few theories on where the haze came from.
A Belgium expat living in Phuket for the past 13 years has said that the haze “phenomenon” (as the local officials like to call it) is not a natural phenomenon, but it’s from human causes.
He has said that the haze or “smog” as he calls it is a result of human pollutants, heavy burning fields in the north of Thailand along with vehicle emissions and factory pollution. (Oh really…)
Officials have not said anything like this and are saying but they do agree that the winds patterns have been weak which means the haze has been over Phuket for longer than normal.
We think that the haze has something to do with the same whales that have been doing their business in the klongs, hence why we have sent out Pet Dick Jay Leshark to investigate.
Watch this space…
Phuket Tourist Numbers
For 2023, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, known as the TAT, set its target for foreign tourist arrivals at 23 million.
Phuket welcomed 9 million Thai and foreign visitors in 2022, and the target of 12 million for 2023 4 months into the year is looking good. Yet, the huge number of tourists during January, February, and March has started to ease. This is really noticeable on the roads, with there being a noticeable difference in the number of cars and minivans driving around the paradise island of Phuket. The local shopping centers, and beaches are also less busy with tourists.
One thing that has been pointed out by many local people is the voices that you hear in Phuket. During the peak and high season, there was an increase in the Russian language being heard around the island, and in the past few weeks that have been replaced by Chinese. This coming low season will be a very interesting time for Phuket to see how the recovery from the 2 years of the pandemic is really shaping out and with the news below about flights from China, it looks like Phuket is really on track to do over, and above the 12 million.
New Flights to Phuket
More flights have been added between Thailand and China amid surging demand. Spring Airlines of China will increase flights between China and Thailand to cater to the soaring number of visitors, boosting the total flights between the two countries to 82 per week.
In a courtesy call to Phuket governor last week, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang estimated that Chinese tourist arrivals will rise to more than 300,000 in April.
Upcoming Events in Phuket
Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party
Phuket Tourism News now in audio format
We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or on your favorite podcast provider.
Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below:
Dr Pepper – Please note that the Phuket Tourism News is NOT sponsored by Dr Pepper, however if anyone from Dr Pepper does want to reach out and give us a free baseball cap and mug, we would be very great full. Oh, if you can make it easier to get Dr Pepper into Phuket that would be awesome. Thanks Dr Pepper you ROCK.
Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.
Phuket Beaches
Over the past few years in Phuket the beaches have been a hot topic. Phuket has some of the best beaches in the world and tens of thousands of tourists from around the world come to Phuket to experience a touch of tropical paradise while chilling on a sunbed under an umbrella while locals walk around selling everything from a refreshing coconut to a shell bracelet and everything in-between. Now on most beaches in Phuket this is the case, such as Patong Beach that has everything you need from a beach day out, including jet ski rides, parasailing and all manner of things to eat and drink. However, beaches such as Surin beach don’t have these, in fact they don’t have anything on the beach. Yes, on the road side there are a number of little shops and food stalls but on the beach nothing, WHY?
Well, some beaches in Thailand, such as Surin Beach and Layan Beach are known as Virgin Beaches or The King Beaches and these beaches are not allowed for anyone, locals or non-locals to do any commerce on the beach. So, no Sunbed hire or food and drinks can be sold on the beach. Of course, you can take your own chairs and food but you will not be able to buy it. So if you are looking for a day out on a beach in Phuket, make sure you have checked to see what type of beach it is.
Visa on Arrival
It has been announced that Thailand offering 45-day visas on arrival has been stopped. Now this might not affect everyone as for those like me who are from Australia only got 30 days anyway, however for those from some countries the 45 days has been reduced to 30 days. The government gave 45 days to help stimulate tourism after the Covid 19 pandemic, but now tourism is back on track they are going back to 30 days.
Fishing restrictions in the Andaman Sea
It has been announced that the Andaman Sea will have a ban on commercial fishing. How this will be managed is a whole other story BUT it’s good news for the environment as t will give time for the fish to re stock and for the authorities to take a good look at the fish stocks and see how they can manage this in the future.
Similan and Maya Bay closing
As with every year during low season many of the islands are closed by the Thailand government to give time for the environment to breath and recover from the mass tourism’s that Thailand sees. Places like Similan Islands have been doing this for years with very positive affects and it was the same when thy first di this with Maya Bay in Phi Phi. The wildlife came back and thrived during the closing periods. Once we know the full dates, we will of course announce it here, but we know for sure that the Similan Islands, Koh Ha Koh Rock will closed and we are waiting for news on the dates for Maya Bay this year and there is talk that they might ever do the same for James Bond Island.
When we know we will let you know.
Upcoming Events in Phuket
Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party
Phuket Tourism News now in audio format
We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or on your favorite podcast provider.
Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below:
Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.
Songkran 2023
Songkran in Thailand is on 13 April every year, but the holiday period extends from 14 to 15 April. It’s known around the world as “The World’s largest water fight”
What is Songkran?
Songkran is the Thai New Year’s national holiday and is rich in cultural traditions. Thai’s will visit local temples and offer food to monks, as well as visiting Buddha statues and gently pouring water over these as well as over the hands of the elderly. These traditions represent the purification and the washing away of sins and bad luck.
Most of the world outside of Thailand sees the Songkran holiday for its water fights. Streets around the whole country are closed off to traffic and used as arenas for water fights, using anything and everything to throw water. Huge water guns, hoses, and large buckets filled with blocks of ice in the back of pick-up trucks, are all used for the celebrations. The water fights can last for days.
Then there are the huge speakers blasting out traditional music from every street corner, and dancing in the streets in bright colorful shirts. There are parades and parties everywhere across the country including the famous “Miss Songkran” competitions that includes ladies, boys, girls, men dressed as ladies, and anyone in-between.
In Phuket, Songkran is only one day, whereas in Bangkok the water fights will happen for 3 days.
The History of Songkran
Songkran is the Thai New Year’s national holiday. In the past, Songkran has always been the official NEW YEAR for Thailand, until 1888, when it was changed to April 1st. No Joke it really was. Then in 1940, the Thai New Year was officially switched to 1st January, and Songkran became a national holiday.
Bottom line, Songkran is one of the most fun festivals in the world and you have to experience it at least once. Just know that you will get very wet even if you don’t want to.
Upcoming Events in Phuket
Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party
Tiesto at Andamanda Water Park
Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party
Phuket Tourism News now in audio format
We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or on your favorite podcast provider.
Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below:
Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.
Earth’s BEST 100 Beaches
Is there a definitive list of the best beaches in the world? Well, the World Beach Guide says there is, and this year they released the top 100 beaches in the world. Think powder white sand, turquoise seas, permanent sunshine, and only the lightest of breezes wafting through the palms that fringe the beach and you’re there. From the endless white sands of remote Australian beaches to palm fringed tropical idylls these are all part of the list that the World Beach Guide has compiled.
The best news is that the number 1 best beach on the whole earth is Koh Kradan.
We are so lucky as there are 4 beaches from Phuket in the top 25, and 3 of these are on the 5 Star Marine tour list, so if you want to see them book up a tour NOW.
#1. Koh Kradan // Thailand 🇹🇭
#9. Railay Beach // Thailand 🇹🇭
#18. Freedom Beach // Thailand🇹🇭
#21. Laem Had Beach // Thailand 🇹🇭
Phuket Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organized by the World Wildlife Fund, WWF (Not the wrestling company). The event is held annually, encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights, for one hour from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., usually on the last Saturday of March, as a symbol of commitment to the planet.
Earth hour was celebrated all over Phuket with Phuket Hotels, Phuket Resorts, Phuket attractions, and Phuket Schools all turning ff their lights for an hour and doing beach clean ups and other events and activities to help promote and be part of Earth Hour 2023.
Phuket Beach Clean Ups
Phuket has beach clean-ups happening most weekends somewhere on one of the many Phuket Beaches. One of the most active groups for beach cleaning is Sustainable Mai Khao, who are out almost every day cleaning and educating on the importance of keeping Phuket beaches clean. Sustainable Mai Khao’s mission is “Connecting and empowering our community to preserve our natural environment.” If you would like to get involved then you visit their website at www.sustainablemaikhaofoundation.org
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Phuket?
The editor of the YouTube videos Kyle, had the best answer to this question, he said at least 3 times a year.
There are many good times to visit Phuket, and it really does depend on what you are looking for, who you are with, budget and I am sure many more things that I can’t think of right now.
If you want perfect weather then peak season, the end of Dec and Jan is the best time to visit BUT this is also one of the busiest times and most expensive times.
If you don’t mind about the weather and its ok if you get a bit wet or some of the activities are closed, BUT the island is a little quieter and cheaper, than low season July to Oct is a great time to visit.
So, if you want a direct answer, come to Phuket during the shoulder periods. These are the times just before the low season or just before the high season. You will find the weather is pretty good, the prices are reasonable and the island is not too busy.
Upcoming Events in Phuket
Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party
Tiesto at Andamanda Water Park
Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party
Phuket Tourism News now in audio format
We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or on your favorite podcast provider.
Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below:
Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth’s visit to Phuket
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was in Phuket last week and visited the Soi King Kaew area in Ratsada, one of the poorest neighborhoods on the island, to promote the ‘Ratsada Green in the City’ mangrove tourism project.
The Thailand Prime Minister and his entourage met with local residents to explain the project, and why it is so important to be protecting mangroves not just in Phuket but throughout the whole of Thailand.
The aim of the project is to create a learning center and elevated walkways through the mangroves for people to learn about and appreciate their natural beauty.
Bangla Road Patong Bar crack downs
Night entertainment operators in Patong say their businesses have lost about B100 million in the past week following a raid on a local bar operated by a foreigner who allegedly employed girls aged under 18 as sex workers. Weerawit Kruesombat, chairman of Patong Entertainment Business Association, yesterday met nightspot operators to come up with measures to prevent venues from becoming involved in illegal activities.
This was in response to a raid conducted by a special task force unit from the Department of Provincial Administration, on a bar in Soi Bangla in Kathu district, Patong, Phuket in which two suspects.
Songkran 2023
The fun is coming back to Songkran, organisers have promised, as the first large scale celebration of the occasion in three years is set to take place at Limelight Avenue Mall in Phuket Town next month.
Songkran is Thailand’s most famous festival. The ‘water splashing’ festival marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year. The name Songkran comes from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘passing’ or ‘approaching’. Although getting well and truly soaked is what makes this festival so famous. The festival is an all-out water war, with unsuspecting victims and eager participants being blasted by high powered super-soakers.
Songkran Festival takes place in April every year, from the 13th to the 15th. The festival usually lasts three days, though festivities can start early or end later in some cities.
Which is the best Phuket Elephant sanctuary to visit?
Phuket Nature Elephant Reserve
The Phuket Nature Elephant Reserve is an accredited and sustainable Elephant Sanctuary located on the west coast of the tropical island of Phuket, Thailand. Founded in 2019, elephant conservation is of the utmost importance to us, and the elephant’s welfare is their main goal.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary was founded by Mr. Montri Todtane, who owned an elephant riding camp in Southern Phuket in the past and decided to change his approach towards a more compassionate form of elephant tourism in 2016.
Inspired by Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a new and final home for elephants who have worked their entire lives in the logging and tourism industry. By joining our programs, visitors can support ethical elephant tourism while enjoying an inspiring and educational experience.
Upcoming Events in Phuket
Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels BLOC Party
Tiesto at Andamanda Water Park
Phuket Tourism News now in audio format
We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or on your favorite podcast provider.
Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below:
Welcome to the Phuket Tourism News. Each week Shaun and Jay Leshark will bring you weekly Phuket Tourism News. Phuket News that is for you, Phuket News for those coming to Phuket, and Phuket Tourism News that is what you need to make sure you have an amazing time when you come on holiday to Phuket.
International Woman’s Day
The 8th March 2023 was a huge day for women around the words as ladies, men, kids all got together to celebrate International Woman’s Day. Here in Phuket, there were a host of events and happenings to celebrate the day, including a huge fundraiser at the 4 points by Sheraton to help raise funds for Phuket Has Been Good to Us. The local Government also held events across the island including a presentation to owner of 5 Star Marine Phuket wife, Lisa, who was celebrated for all her amazing work over the past few years here in Phuket. Well done Lisa and to all the hardworking ladies in Phuket.
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Trains Move Divers on Coral Restoration
Phuket Tourism News now in audio format
In more positive Thailand Government news, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has been running course for a wide variety of local divers and marine industry professionals to train them up on how to best help coral restoration. Coral is extremally sensitive to its environment and so trying to grow coral or even just trying to manage coral is very difficult. The training given by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources will be ongoing so that more divers are trained to help protect Thailand’s coral reefs as well as helping to restore the reefs back to how they were.
Phuket Tourist Police Looking for Volunteers
Tourist Police in Phuket are seeking foreign volunteers to provide assistance to law enforcers in dealing with other “aliens” This was the headline in the local English speaking newspaper last week. We all hope that when they say aliens, they mean any human from a different county and not that ET has landed in Phuket and is out causing trouble on Bangla Road.
Phuket Expo 2028
Over the past 12 months, all business and individulas in Phuket have been asked to support Thailand’s bid to host the Specialised Expo under the name of the Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand under the theme of “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity”, where health and wealth are in balance, all lives can thrive and prosper, and the environment and nature are restored.
There are billboards everywhere around Phuket and many business have posters up, the biggest question many people have is, What is the Specialised Expo?
I guess that in 2028 if Phuket wins the rights to host it, we will find out what it is.
What is the Best 5 Star Marine Phuket tour to go on?
There are so many awesome tours to go on, there is something for everyone. To find your favorite tour then you can visit the destination page to get all the information on all the private Phuket speed boat tours that we run.
Shaun is a huge fan of the Koh Hong tour
Jay is a massive Phi Phi fan.
Which is your favorite 5 Star Marne Phuket tour?
Phuket Tourism News now in audio format
We have added the Phuket Tourism News in audio format and you can now listen to it on Apple Music and Spotify or on your favorite podcast provider.
Just search Phuket Tourism News or click the icons below:
