Phuket Community Weekly Edition #1

Welcome to This Week’s Phuket Community!

Hey there, fellow islanders! 🌴 

As we dive into another week on our beautiful (wet 🌧 ) island, the Phuket Community team are putting together a nice tight little info bomb for your inbox.

We’re here to keep you in the know about everything that’s happening on the island. From important news updates and upcoming events, even the odd tip for navigating the rainy season, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy in our little slice of paradise.

Let’s jump right in!

So yes its rain season, and we got some mean floods across Thailand, and that means it’s time to swap your flip-flops for something with a bit more grip—and no not Crocs, you know who you are! Keep an umbrella handy, and if you’re debating between the car and the scooter, opt for the car. Long-term car rentals are usually more affordable this time of year, so take advantage.

If renting a car isn’t an option, consider using ride-sharing apps like Grab or Bolt. Yes, there’s a bit of a premium on the island, but when it’s pouring rain, it’s worth every baht to stay dry (and safe).

This Week’s Top Stories

Phuket Landslides and Flooding
This week, heavy monsoon rains hit hard, causing landslides in Kata/ Karon and tragically claiming the lives of 13 people. Several areas across Thailand, now declared disaster zones, are dealing with road closures and significant disruptions—especially near the airport. Stay safe out there!
Sources: Thaiger,The Phuket Express

Government Unveils Big Plans for Phuket
The Thai government has announced a bold five-year plan to turn Phuket into a world-class tourism and economic hub. Get ready for major infrastructure upgrades, a boost in medical tourism, and plans to position the island as a center for sports and digital innovation. Have we heard this before?
Source: Nation Thailand

Crime Alerts in Bangla Road
There’s been a rise in safety concerns, particularly in the Bangla Road district. Recent assaults involving both locals and tourists have put the spotlight on late-night activities. If you’re out and about after dark, stay vigilant and steer clear of any trouble. Source: Thai Examiner

Phuket Airport Expansion and New Flight Routes
Phuket International Airport is expanding to handle more passengers, and new flight routes—including from Russia’s Aeroflot—are set to bring even more visitors our way. Thats right more tourists, business be booming!
Sources: Thailand PRD, Nation Thailand

Community Spotlight

Home Grain Cafe (Rawai)
Looking for a healthy yet delicious meal? Home Grain Cafe in Rawai has got you covered. Whether you’re into vegan, low-fat, or keto, their menu has something for everyone. We tried the breakfast bun—soft burger bun, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, crispy bacon, and a fried egg topped with sriracha mayo. Now that isn’t the most healthy menu item that have, but it was Codi what do you expect? It’s a must-try! 👉 More Info

Mom & Baby Swimming Groups
Exciting news for mums with little ones! New swimming groups are starting up in Rawai and Kathu. These sessions are perfect for helping your child develop water confidence and motor skills in a fun, supportive environment. 👉 More Info

Skoot App Partnership
Are you in the hospitality industry? Skoot is offering commissions to hotel and rental owners for every scooter booked through their app. With over 40 partnered shops and hundreds of bikes available, it’s a win-win for you and your guests. 👉 More Info

This Week’s Personal Picks

Adopt a Kitten!
Looking for a new furry friend? Three adorable kittens—2 months old, toilet trained, and well-mannered—are in need of a loving home. Black & white is a boy, black is a girl, and the tri-color is a girl. Contact Alexey on Facebook to arrange a meet-and-greet in Kamala.
More Info

Motorbike Safety Reminder
There’s been an uptick in motorbike accidents this week, so please ride safely. If you don’t have health and accident insurance, now’s a good time to get covered—especially for motorbike-related incidents. Already insured? Double-check that your policy includes motorbike accidents.

Rare Dugong Sighting
A rare dugong was spotted near Rawai Beach, sparking renewed efforts to protect these endangered creatures. This sighting reminds us of the incredible biodiversity we’re lucky to have here in Phuket. Can you say seacow!
Watch the Video

That’s it for this week’s Phuket Community! If you’re still reading this, I want to thank you maak maak 🙏 We’re just getting warmed up, so stay tuned.

See you next week!

Codi