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, December 23rd to Sunday December 29th, 2024.
1. A Hong Kong tourist was detained by taxi drivers in front of Phuket International Airport after causing a public disturbance.
Hong Kong Tourist Detained After Causing Public Disturbance at Phuket International Airport
He had lost his passport and disclosed that he had a mental health condition.
2. A Thai transgender woman and a Thai woman were arrested for theft and illegal drug possession after stealing from a Belgian tourist in Patong.
Thai Transgender and Woman Arrested for Theft From Belgian Tourist and Drug Possession in Patong
They hugged him and then walked away. Shortly after, he discovered that his 600 EUR (approximately 21,000 Baht) was missing.
3. The annual remembrance ceremony was held at Patong Beach for the 20th year of remembrance for the victims of the tragic 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami in Phuket.
On December 26th, 2004, a devastating tsunami struck Ban Nam Khem in Takua Pa District of Phang Nga.
Remembering 2004 Tsunami: Ban Nam Khem in Takua Pa, Phang Nga
4. Phuket has announced in total 19 road accidents with 19 injuries and one death in two days (December 27th – December 28th) of the Ten Dangerous Days New Year Road Campaign.
Phuket Reports Total of 19 Accidents in Two Days of Ten Dangerous Days New Year Road Campaign
The Ten Dangerous Days New Year Road Campaign is from December 27th, 2024 to January 5th, 2025.
5. A South Korean tourist has gone missing after a long-tailed taxi boat capsized near Pha Ngan Island, while five foreign passengers, four Thai passengers, and three crew members have been rescued.
South Korean Tourist Missing After Long-Tailed Boat Capsizes Near Pha Ngan Island
The accident occurred 40 meters from Rin Beach, the famous beach known for the Full Moon Party.
That’s it for this week. Be safe!
