The following is our weekly feature in which we highlight the top local stories in our area of Phuket from the past week. The number of stories differs from week to week.

These are chosen and curated by our editorial team and are designed for our readers to get a quick “catch-up” of important stories they may have missed. We publish many stories daily and it is easy to lose track of important events or changes in our area. We do national recaps in a separate article, this is only the top local stories in Phuket and nearby provinces.

They are in no particular order of importance but roughly in order of publishing. These are from Monday, January 15th to Sunday January 21st, 2024.

1. A Ukrainian man damaged public and private property inside the Patong Police Station and caused a public nuisance, reportedly due to being completely broke and having no way to pay for a ticket back to the Ukraine.

There have been an increasing number of destitute Ukrainian and Russian nationals in Phuket since the war between the two countries broke out.

2. A Chinese man was arrested after he was found allegedly asking for money from people in Phuket.

He was found showing a notice to people and the notice showed a disabled child who it was claimed needed help.

3. Seventeen Chinese tourists and three Thais sustained injuries after a tour bus overturned in Thalang.

Seventeen Chinese tourists, a Thai tour guide, a bus crew member, and the driver were found inside the bus.

4. An erratic and unhinged Russian man broke into the Phuket Governor’s office at the Phuket Provincial Hall on Tha Kraeng Road in Talad Nuea, Phuket Town before later trying to steal a motorbike.

Due to the suspect’s erratic state of mind, he was unable to answer any questions as to his bizarre behaviour.

5. Five Bangladeshi men were arrested at Phuket International Airport after they were found to be using fake visa stamps.

They arrested five Bangladeshi men at the international arrivals terminal.

6. A Saudi Arabian man was arrested at the Phuket International Airport after he allegedly took away a minor under 18 years of age from their parents.

He is being accused of taking away a minor aged more than 15-years-old but not more than 18-years-old from their parents or guardian for obscenity even if consent was given.

That’s it for this week. Be safe!