Hey Phuket Fam,

Your weekly dose of island sunshine is here. From street eats and pop-up parties to secret beaches and island buzz—we’ve done the digging so you don’t have to. Think of this as your cheat sheet to living your best Phuket week: less FOMO, more mojitos.

This scroll is your compass to sunsets, stories, and the good stuff that keeps us falling for this island 🌴. Now, let’s kick off with the weather…

If you’ve been dreaming of Bang Tao convenience without villa-sized budgets, Heritage could be the sweet spot. You’re tucked right next to Boat Avenue and Laguna, with resort-style pools, a rooftop onsen, and co-working lounges—aka, a lifestyle that works for both play and productivity.

Quick take:

Great for families, long-stay professionals, and anyone who values a full resort stack without the villa headache.

👉 Want details on foreign quota, projected ROIs or floor plans? Visit the profile on Hawook.

💰 ฿100,000 / month (1-year contract)
📍 Rawai, Phuket
📅 Available 1 November

Highlights

🐾 Pets allowed
🔑 Booking terms: 2-month deposit + 1-month rent upfront

👉 Reply to this email with your best contact and we’ll connect you with the agent.

Big news for Phuket drivers – the long-awaited road behind Wat Tha Reua is finally open! Governor Sophon Suwannarat cut the ribbon on Saturday (Sept 13), joined by local leaders, police and community reps.

This stretch, just south of the Heroines Monument, is more than a shiny bit of tarmac – it’s a genuine shortcut. The old road was so tight two cars could barely squeeze by, but now it’s widened, resurfaced, and ready to roll. Take it and you’ll skip the grind entirely, popping out at Baan Manik in Cherng Talay – a dream if you’re heading to Bang Tao or the west coast.

Laguna Resorts & Hotels pitched in over B3.8 million to help make it happen, showing how community teamwork really pays off.

The best bit? Less stress on Thepkrasattri Rd and shorter travel times for locals and tourists alike. One small road, one big win. 🌴

Bit of a headache brewing – the Bank of Thailand (BoT) says more accounts are getting frozen as they chase down mule accounts from online scams. The goal is noble (return stolen cash), but plenty of innocent folks are being dragged into it. Some woke up to locked balances, others even saw negative numbers thanks to police freeze orders. A tech glitch on Sept 1 didn’t help either.

Bottom line: it’s messy, and the banks are scrambling to fix it. To protect yourself, don’t keep all your cash in one place. Opening multiple accounts – ideally with different banks – can soften the blow if one gets iced. Bangkok Bank in particular has had a few freezes in the past, so maybe spread it out.

If you’re caught in the chaos, the BoT hotline is 1213.

Traffic jams might soon get a little lighter – Phuket is launching a boat taxi service this November! The trial will run catamarans (200 seats each), electric boats and speedboats along a 16-nautical mile route from the airport to Patong, with scenic stops including Nai Yang, Bang Tao, and Kamala. Travel time? Just 40 minutes.

The project, backed by the Phuket Provincial Port Office and the Department of National Parks, is designed with eco-friendly floating piers so the seabed and turtle nesting grounds stay safe. Think compact, sustainable docks similar to those in marine parks.

The service will only operate in the high season (Nov–Apr), pausing during the monsoon for safety.

Governor Sophon Suwannarat says the boat taxi is more than just a shortcut – it’s part of Phuket’s “smart city” vision, offering residents and tourists a breezy, scenic alternative to sitting in gridlock.

The BBC’s new documentary, “Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise,” has ruffled feathers — and not in a small way. Meant to critique Thailand’s tourism industry, it’s instead sparked a wave of anger from both locals and expats who say the film paints a skewed, unfair picture.

Critics argue the choice of presenter — reality TV star Zara McDermott — undermines the sensitivity of the subject, while others call out long-standing media bias towards Asian countries. Many foreigners living here were quick to defend Thailand, sharing stories of safety, warmth, and hospitality that starkly contrast the BBC’s narrative.

For them, Thailand isn’t a “dark side” — it’s home, community, and culture worth protecting. The uproar highlights a bigger issue: how media portrayals can shape perceptions, for better or worse.

Lesson? Always look beyond the headlines.

Did you know Thailand is home to over 30 kinds of bananas? Yep, it’s not just the Cavendish you spot in supermarkets—each variety here has its own flavour, texture, and even a special role in cooking. Here are five stars you’ll want to try:

1️⃣ Kluay Nam Wa – short, plump, and sweet-firm, perfect in Thai desserts.
2️⃣ Kluay Hom – Thailand’s Cavendish cousin, big and fragrant.
3️⃣ Kluay Khai – tiny, chubby, and super sweet—snack heaven.
4️⃣ Kluay Leb Mue Nang – elegant and slender, with a strong perfume.
5️⃣ Kluay Hak Muk – plain raw, but deep-fry it and hello crispy fritters! 🔥

In short: one fruit, endless flavours. Thailand really is banana paradise!

So, we were cruising through Rawai and nearly did a double take – Blu Monkey’s cheeky little logo has popped up right where TropicLook used to be, tucked beside the yellow Krungsri bank. No fanfare, no Facebook splash, just a quiet new outpost in the making. Very on brand.

And get this: there’s another one coming in Nai Harn. A tiny eight-room boutique job, dreamed up by Phuket architect Mr. Max, with a pool, a café, and that “useful in every molecule” design vibe. Basically, small but clever.

Blu Monkey’s thing is clean design, self-check-ins, co-working corners, free coffee, and prices that won’t break you (฿900–฿1,700/night). More “easy stay” than flashy resort, and we’re here for it.

Anyone spotted the Nai Harn location yet? First one to crack it gets a coffee on us. ☕

👉 Read more on it here.

Saw this little gem while out and about — Rawayana Villas now has a daily shuttle to Nai Harn and Karon beaches. No need to fuss with taxis or scooters, just jump on board and you’re sorted.

💸 Prices are actually pretty sweet right now — THB 120 round trip for Nai Harn (used to be 200!) and THB 240 for Karon (down from 400). That’s about 40% off.

All you’ve got to do is book ahead (scan the QR code or ask at reception), then show up five minutes early so you don’t miss your ride.

✨ Honestly, it’s a handy little perk — especially if you’re in the mood for a stress-free beach day with no parking dramas.

Got a beach party, workshop, open mic, or community jam?
Tell us about it and we might feature it → Submit here

That’s us done and dusted for this week. Hopefully you’ve got a fresh beach, a tasty bite, or a little island plan circled on your list.

📸 Spotted something too good not to share? Slide into our inbox or tag @phuketcommunity_com — your finds keep the crew inspired.

Until the next scroll lands, keep chasing sunsets, lingering over long lunches, and saying yes to those unexpected detours. Phuket’s always got another surprise waiting 🌴🌞.