Tourism News

Phuket's New Rohingya: Bought from a Smuggler

By Chutima Sidasathian and Alan Morison

Latest Phuket's community of Rohingya is small but growing. The latest arrivals have been purchased from a people smuggler in a humanitarian effort by a poor Muslim community. More »

Phuket Economic Outlook: No Reason to Smile Yet

By Shanya Phattrasaya

Latest Figures on real and projected occupancy rates through the high season on Phuket reflect predictions of a gloomy 2009. The good news for tourists: beaches will not be crowded. More »

Patong Pubs Closed On Time in Crackdown

By Chutima Sidasathian

Latest A crackdown on entertainment venues closing at 2am has followed the check on fire safety across Phuket. The clamp on excesses follows the Santika pub blaze tragedy in Bangkok. More »

Phuket Road Toll Plunges, Scores Saved

By Shanya Phattrasaya

Good News Phuket's notorious roads may still be unsafe for tourists on hired motorcycles but the number of deaths has reduced dramatically, probably because of safety campaigns. More »

Phuket Police Praised by Region's Top Cop

By Shanya Phattrasaya

Guns and Roses Album Tourist protection is a priority on Phuket, the region's senior police officer says. Illegal guns and drugs have been a feature of 2009. The hunt for the Farang killer continues. More »

Boat People: Behind the Fear and Barbed Wire

By Chutima Sidasathian and Alan Morison in Ranong

Photo Album Rohingya boat people have been coming in their thousands since 2006 to the Andaman coast. A fisherman with a key hand in their detention on a mystery island tells his story. More »

Dr Pornthip: 'PM Asked Me to Check Boat People'

By Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian (with agencies)

Latest Photo Album Thailand's top forensic scientist says she has been asked by the Prime Minister to investigate the issue of Rohingya boat people. The latest 66 arrivals have been jailed. More »

Austrian Adds Sparkle to Phuket Sunshine Village

By Chutima Sidasathian

Tourist Dr Gerhard Gergely was so pleased with the hospitality he was shown on Phuket that he decided to give something back by supporting the Phuket Sunshine Village children's home. More »

Australian Dies After Celebration: Family Mourns

Four children and their mother are mourning an Australian expat who was killed in a motorcycle mishap after celebrating Australia Day. Rex Allen, 37, was well known and immensely popular. More »

More Boat People Arrested, Army Not Involved

By Chutima Sidasathian and Alan Morison

Latest Update A change in thinking seems to have been applied to the latest Rohingya arrest of 78 boat people off the Andaman tourist coast. They are in police custody and scheduled to appear in court. More »