UPDATE: Phuket's first nighttime procession brings together more than 40 shrines
Phuket's first nighttime procession of deities was held on 11 October 2026, with more than 40 Chinese shrines and over 1,000 spirit mediums taking part.
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UPDATE: Thai travel agents seek indefinite delay to proposed B1,000 tax on air departures
The Association of Thai Travel Agents has formally opposed Thailand’s proposed B1,000 tax on every air departure and asked the Finance Ministry to delay it indefinitely. The tax is not in force, and consultation runs until 29 October.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival begins as 350 personnel deployed
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival’s rituals began on 9 October, with security stepped up ahead of the nine-day event running from 10 to 18 October.
Fresh demolition notices posted for structures at Freedom Beach
The Royal Forest Department has given those responsible 15 days from 9 October 2026 to demolish structures on protected forest land near Freedom Beach in Karon.
Rawai’s 372-unit Next Point development scheduled for Q4 2028
The four-building project will include a Radisson serviced-apartment block, four pools and more than 4,200 square metres of facilities.
Proposed B1,000 departure tax would apply to air travellers leaving Thailand, including Phuket
Thailand is consulting on a proposed departure tax of B1,000 for every air departure, with the measure applying to travellers of all nationalities if enacted.
Thailand and US discuss transport and energy during Phuket naval visit
Thai and US officials discussed port modernisation, aviation, cybersecurity and energy cooperation as more than 5,000 US Navy personnel visited Phuket.
UPDATE: Thailand-EU FTA talks near finish after 10th round in Phuket
Thailand and the EU have completed the 10th round of FTA talks in Phuket, with most negotiating text substantially concluded but market access and policy issues still requiring further talks.
Soho Pool Club at Phuket’s Boat Lagoon offers free pool access
The Boat Lagoon venue is open daily and also offers dining, wellness sessions, events and Simba Sea Trips departures.
UPDATE: Phuket deploys 150 personnel for more than 5,000 US Navy visitors
Phuket has deployed 150 personnel for more than 5,000 US Navy personnel visiting from 4 to 9 October 2026, while Provincial Police Region 8 coordinates round-the-clock security, surveillance and traffic measures.
UPDATE: Siam Piwat’s B10 billion ICONPHUKET targets 80,000–100,000 daily visitors
Siam Piwat’s planned B10 billion ICONPHUKET destination in Thalang is targeting approximately 80,000–100,000 visitors a day once operational, with its first phase scheduled to open in 2029 as part of the wider Synthesis Ark Phuket development.