is brought to you this week by:
Hey, Phuket Fam,
Merry Christmas!🎄✨ Sunshine’s clocked in, thunder’s keeping it spicy, and Phuket is fully in its festive, high-season stride. Beaches are busy, roads are watched, the sea has opinions, and the calendar is stacked with culture, parties, and “should we book now?” moments.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets, underwater calm, art-filled wanderings, or just trying to outsmart the weather with good planning, this week’s intel has your back. Let’s get into it. 🌴⚡
WEATHER IN PHUKET
Thunder on repeat with a side of sunshine ⚡🌤️
30–32°C all week, warm nights, and passing storms to keep Phuket feeling tropical. 🌴
- Weather (as of this week’s official outlook): West Coast (hello, Phuket) is in the “isolated to scattered thundershowers” lane through Dec 25–28, with choppier seas during storms. Pack the holy trinity: sunscreen, a light rain layer, and patience. (Thai Met Dept. outlook)
- Sea + boats: Expect waves around ~1m (1–2m offshore) and higher in thundershowers. If your longtail captain says “maybe later,” listen. (Sea conditions notes)
- Roads: New Year enforcement is warming up. More checks, more sobriety focus, more helmet reality. If you’re scootering, behave like your mum is watching. (Road safety update)
- Season pulse: Long-haul tourism is having a moment. Thailand just welcomed its one millionth UK visitor in 2025 and long-haul arrivals passed 10 million. Translation: busier beaches, fuller restaurants, pricier grab rides at peak times. (TAT release)
- Heads up: If you’re flying in/out soon, check your airline before you leave the house. Disruptions happen, and being early is cheaper than being dramatic. (HKT departures tracker)
SPONSORED BY ANDY’S SCUBA DIVING
If you’ve never tried scuba diving before, here’s some good news: you don’t need to be super fit, fearless, or an ocean expert. You just need Andy’s Scuba Diving 🤿
Andy’s is a boutique, low-volume PADI dive centre in the Rawai / Nai Harn area of Phuket. Because they keep groups small, you get more attention, more support, and a much calmer experience. No rushing, no pressure, no shouting on boats.
First time diving? You’re in very good hands. The instructors are patient, kind, and great at explaining things in a simple way. Many people who were nervous on day one leave with a big smile and a new diving certificate a few days later.
They offer try dives, Open Water courses, advanced training, and fun dives, plus free hotel transfers from many parts of Phuket. Equipment is well looked after, and safety is clearly a top priority.
Seeing Phuket from underwater is something special. Coral, colourful fish, and a quiet, peaceful world you don’t get from the beach.
If scuba diving has ever crossed your mind, this is the place to start.
👉 Learn more and book here: https://andyscubadiving.com/
Quick, Fun Scuba Tips for Phuket 🤿🐠
New to diving? No stress. Phuket is a great place to start because the water can be calm, the dive boats are comfy, and the sea life shows up like it’s on a schedule.
- Equalise early, equalise often: Start gently as soon as you begin to descend, not when your ears start complaining.
- Breathe slow like you’re sipping iced coffee: Calm breathing = calmer buoyancy = way more fun.
- Look, don’t touch: Coral is alive and fragile, and sea creatures prefer “admiring fan” energy.
- Be a floating postcard: Keep your fins up and your body flat. It saves air and avoids accidental sand storms.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen: Put it on early, let it soak in, then suit up. Happy skin, happier ocean.
- Pro photo tip: Get close (safely), steady your hands, and let the fish do the posing.
Phuket bonus: If you’re nervous, tell your instructor. Good dive pros are basically underwater confidence coaches (with fins).
TOP STORIES FROM THE ISLAND & KINGDOM
Provincial authorities are stepping up the “don’t ruin the holiday” campaign with stronger coordination to reduce accidents as we approach the New Year break. What it means for you: expect more checkpoints, speed focus, and drink-driving enforcement.
Thailand’s tourism board marked the one-millionth UK visitor and said long-haul arrivals topped 10 million in 2025. For Phuket, it’s another sign that high season is not tiptoeing… it’s arriving with luggage.
Phuket has become a living gallery from Nov 29, 2025 to Apr 30, 2026, with exhibits across historic and natural sites. If you’ve been craving a “Phuket, but make it culture” weekend… this is your sign.
Phuket’s waste story keeps popping up as visitor numbers climb, with local leaders pushing for better cooperation and solutions. What it means for you: expect more “keep it tidy” messaging and growing public focus on plastic and disposal.
The official 7-day outlook flags more rain for the South during Dec 25–28, plus higher waves in storm bursts. Plan your outdoor stuff earlier in the day and keep a “Plan B café” loaded in your brain.
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) expects 39 million foreign arrivals next year, including 9 million Chinese tourists, while announcing its readiness to help stimulate 3 billion baht via its trade show in January.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will launch a promotional campaign featuring its newly appointed ambassador Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, including an advertorial film, expected to boost tourism by the "Lisa Effect".
FUN FACT
🙏 The Wai Says More Than Words Ever Could
That gentle palms-together gesture you see everywhere in Thailand? It’s doing a lot of quiet work. The wai isn’t just a hello — it’s also a thank you, a soft apology, a sign of respect, and a subtle way of saying “I see you.”
The height of the hands, the depth of the bow — all tiny cues, all meaningful. It’s grace built into daily life, a reminder that manners here are felt as much as they’re spoken.
Once you notice it, you’ll see the wai everywhere: in shops, at temples, between strangers. Small movement. Big meaning.
Respect Tip — Mastering the Wai 🙏
The wai may look simple, but it quietly carries respect, gratitude, apology, and acknowledgement — all wrapped into one graceful gesture.
- Match the moment: A small nod is perfect for shops and cafés; a deeper wai is reserved for elders, monks, and formal settings.
- Let seniors lead: Younger people usually wai first — returning one is always appreciated.
- Smile softly: The wai works best when paired with calm energy and kind eye contact.
Local wisdom: You’re never expected to be perfect — effort and respect matter far more than technique.
SPOTTED IN THE COMMUNITY / ANNOUNCEMENTS
OUT & ABOUT
Squad Goals at VAR Live 🎮 (Chalong)
Got a crew that loves a little chaos, teamwork, and screaming at zombies? VAR Live VR Game Park is running a very tempting squad deal this month. Come as four, pay for three. Yes, one of you plays free. Friendship has perks.
Inside, it’s full-blown immersion. Think zombie shootouts, Viking battles, jungle adventures, and city-saving missions, all powered by slick VR tech and a team that actually knows how to guide first-timers. It’s just as fun for non-gamers, kids, adults, birthday squads, and anyone dodging the rain or heat.
The deal:
• Group of 4 players
• Pay for 3 (1 plays FREE)
• Valid on all games
• Every day, weekends included
• Running now till the end of the month
Bring the squad. Lose track of time. Win bragging rights.
👉 See games & book your slot:
instagram.com/varlivephuket
Phuket’s in its arts era, and it’s the perfect weekend to do something that doesn’t require arguing with clouds. The Thailand Biennale is running now through Apr 30, 2026 and turns everyday Phuket into “wait… is this an installation?” territory. (Old Town Biennale Spots)
WHAT’S HAPPENING - UPCOMING EVENTS
Looking for something to do? We’ve rounded up the best events happening across the island — from beach parties and concerts to brunches and boxing nights.
This is the part of the year where Phuket gets festive… and the roads get scrutinised. Authorities are openly talking about stronger safety operations heading into New Year. (Source)
Bonus: if the sea’s moody, swap boat plans for markets, museums, and long lunches. Phuket is excellent at indoor joy.
31 December • Multiple venues
When you want “what’s actually on NYE?” without 17 tabs open.
Browse lineups →
Got a beach party, workshop, open mic, or community jam?
Tell us about it and we might feature it → Submit here
COMMUNITY CORNER
Reader prompt: Send us your best “Christmas Eve or Day in Phuket” photo. Bonus points for: unexpected rain, heroic umbrellas, or beach selfies that almost became swimming selfies.
🗳️ Mini poll (reply with A/B/C): This weekend you’re most likely to…
A) Chase a sunset |
B) Chase a night market snack |
C) Chase air-conditioning
Hosting something? Add it to your calendar and send it our way. The weekend list is always hungry.
Stay safe on the roads, stay flexible with the weather, and if the sea looks grumpy, choose snacks and culture instead of stubbornness.
Next edition teaser: The New Year island game plan. Building better habits, staying healthy in Phuket, and setting goals that fit island life.
See you out there, Phuket Fam. 🌴
