Thailand expects 250,000 Chinese visitors during 2026 Golden Week, with direct flights to Phuket
Thailand expects about 250,000 Chinese visitors during the 2026 Golden Week period, with increased direct flight capacity including services to Phuket.
transport
Thai FDA warns Phuket consumers after B52 million unregistered peptide seizure
Thai authorities seized unregistered peptide injections and equipment worth more than B52 million in Nonthaburi after a parent raised concerns about an online seller.
TransNusa begins direct Bali-Phuket service with full inaugural flight
TransNusa’s first Bali-Phuket flight arrived with 174 passengers on 9 September, with daily service scheduled to begin on 3 October.
Sondhi leads Bangkok protest as campaign raises Phuket Chabad concerns
Sondhi Limthongkul led a protest outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok on 10 September, calling for scrutiny of land holdings and Chabad centres amid Phuket-related concerns.
Phuket governor responds to removal calls as Patong taxi knife incident reported
A Phuket News video report said the Phuket governor had responded to calls for his removal and reported that a Patong taxi driver pulled a knife on an app-based cab driver.
Phuket airport rules out Sept 17 rollout of automated passport gates
Phuket Airport Immigration says the ABC arrival system will not expand to 33 countries on Sept 17 because installation and required approvals remain incomplete.
Patong motorcycle taxi driver allegedly threatens app-based rider with knife
Dashcam footage shows a motorcycle taxi driver approaching an app-based rider with a knife in Patong, though the incident has not been verified by authorities.
UPDATE: Chabad Patong to hold reduced Rosh Hashanah event from 4pm to 9pm on 11 September
Chabad Patong’s reduced Rosh Hashanah event will run at Chabad House Patong from 4pm to 9pm on 11 September 2026, with the Novotel venue dropped and attendance capped at 800 after tighter Phuket security conditions.
TransNusa launches four-times-weekly Bali-Phuket service
TransNusa has launched a nonstop Bali-Phuket route, with four weekly flights initially and daily service planned from 3 October 2026.
UPDATE: Reported Patong taxi driver denies harassment allegation; no evidence found so far
Phuket officials report that no police report or credible evidence has so far been found to support a foreign tourist’s allegation that a taxi driver touched her intimate area in Patong; the reported driver denies harassment.
Thailand warns Israeli ambassador over alleged misconduct in Phuket and Phang Nga
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow raised concerns about alleged lawbreaking and disruptive behaviour by some Israeli nationals and urged stronger action.