Phuket marine officials reopen Mai Khao waterway encroachment case
Phuket marine officials are reviewing new evidence from five Mai Khao homeowners in a waterway encroachment dispute that has remained unresolved since 2017.
politics
Forestry orders demolition of 39 structures at Nui Beach
Phuket forestry officials posted a demolition order at disputed land on Nui Beach, naming an occupant known as Mr Singha and requiring 39 structures to be removed by July 9, 2026, before authorities move in and recover costs.
Former senator says Phuket governor transfer will not solve nominee and influence problems
Former senator Suradej Yasawat says transferring Phuket's governor and deputy governors will not fix the province's problems, and urges central police and DSI to investigate alleged influence networks and foreign nominee businesses.
Phuket to host Global Wellness Summit 2026 from Nov. 10-13, Thai officials say
Thai officials said Phuket will host the Global Wellness Summit 2026 on Nov. 10-13 at Angsana Laguna Phuket, as preparations continue with U.S. organizers and local partners.
Democrat deputy leader says Phuket official transfers miss root of Freedom Beach influence case
A Democrat Party deputy leader says the transfer of Phuket officials over the Freedom Beach controversy does not solve the underlying problem and has called for investigations into land, money-laundering and alleged mafia influence.
Two new Phuket vice governors begin their posts
Former Samut Sakhon Deputy Governor Pol Lt Col Khetarat Chansilp and former Songkhla Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawae began work as Phuket’s new vice governors on June 16, replacing two officials transferred to other provinces.
UPDATE: Nirat accepts transfer, denies role in Phuket feud
Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn said he accepted his transfer to the Interior Ministry after 210 days in office, denying he had joined any factional feud and saying investigations into Phuket disputes should continue.
People’s Party MPs urge elected Phuket governor, dismiss official transfers as ‘theater’
People’s Party MPs called for Phuket to elect its own governor, saying transfers of senior officials would not dismantle entrenched networks of influence and illicit benefits in the province.
Thai government orders fast crackdown on influential groups in Phuket
A deputy interior minister said the Thai government has ordered a rapid crackdown on influential groups in Phuket, where some people still do not fear the law.
Thai Cabinet transfers Phuket governor, appoints replacement amid internal conflict
Thailand’s cabinet has transferred Phuket Governor Nirut Pongsitthaworn and appointed Chotinrin Kerdsom as his replacement amid internal conflict tied to alleged abuse of influence and disputes over beach and land enforcement.
Thai cabinet approves transfer of Phuket governor in reshuffle amid conflict among senior local officials
Thailand's cabinet has approved the transfer of Phuket's governor and appointed a replacement amid conflict among senior officials in the province, with the interior minister saying the move is meant to speed up solutions to local problems.