🌴 From Tourist Overload to Tinder Leave: What’s Happening in Phuket?

Welcome to Phuket Community, your go-to newsletter for discovering the best things to do in Phuket.

Hey Phuket Peeps!

Catch up on the latest Phuket happenings! Whether you’re an expat or a local, we’ve got the news that counts, from community highlights to essential updates…

🙏 Things Expats Do That Confuse Locals

🌧️ Phuket Weather Forecast This Week

📞 Phuket Emergency Contact Numbers

❤️ Company Offers 'Tinder Leave' and Dating Perks to Employees

🎉 Phuket High x Iridescent Med Launch Party

📅 Weekly Events, something for everyday of the week!

🌴 10 Must-Follow Expat Influencers

✈️ Phuket's Tourist Boom

🤔 Things Expats Do That Confuse Locals in Thai Culture

Moving to Thailand? Be ready for some cultural curveballs! Here are a few things expats do that can leave the locals scratching their heads:

1. Wai Not a Handshake?

The wai (that hands-together greeting) is huge here. But expats might go for a handshake or just nod. Whoops!

Hands Off: Thais aren’t big on physical contact, especially with strangers. If you’re a hugger, you might wanna hold back!

2. Dining Like a Local

Forks & Spoons Rule: Here, it’s all about using a fork to push food onto a spoon. Expats might grab knives or chopsticks, and locals just smile and nod.

Share the Love: Thai meals are meant to be shared. Expats used to solo plates might find this a bit different!

3. What to Wear?

Keep It Covered: Thais dress modestly, especially at temples. Showing a bit too much skin? You might get a few stares.

Shoes Off, Please: Don't forget to take off your shoes before entering homes or temples. Expats missing this step? Total facepalm moment.

4. Respecting the Buddha

Monk Manners: Monks are a big deal in Thailand. There are special rules—like women not being allowed to touch monks—that expats might not know.

Temple Time: Expats might not realize how important it is to be quiet and respectful in temples, leading to some awkward moments.

5. Too Close or Too Friendly?

Personal Space: Thais might stand closer during chats. Expats might feel like, “Woah, too close,” but that’s normal here!

PDA? Maybe Not: Holding hands? Cool. But beyond that, public affection isn’t really a thing here.

6. Island Time

Laid-Back Timetables: Thais have a chill approach to time. Expats expecting everyone to be on the dot might get a little frustrated when things start late.

7. Tipping or Not?

Tipping Twists:  Tipping isn’t a must here, but expats might go overboard. Locals might wonder what’s up with that.

To Tip or Not to Tip?: Not all places expect tips, which can be confusing for expats from tip-happy cultures.

So, when in Thailand, it's best to observe, learn, and go with the flow—you'll blend in with the locals in no time! 🎒🌏

🌧️ Phuket Weather Forecast This Week

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in Phuket, Thailand, following similar flooding in Chiang Rai the previous week.
On September 16-17, intense downpours flooded major roads in areas like Chalong and Muang districts, leaving small vehicles stranded. Tourists in Kata-Karon and Rawai were also unable to return to their accommodations due to rising floodwaters, and mud from Nak Kerd Mountain flowed into already affected areas, including those hit by a deadly landslide in August. Authorities are working to assist residents, while warning travelers to avoid flood-affected areas. More rain is expected through Friday and Saturday.

Stay safe, everyone. 💧🌧️

📞 Phuket Emergency Contact Numbers

Even with the best preparations, unexpected situations can arise while you are in Phuket. Keep your stay safe by familiarizing yourself with these essential emergency numbers in Phuket:

🚓 General Emergency Numbers:

• 👮‍♂️ Police: 191

• 🚒 Fire: 199

• 👮‍♂️ Tourist Police: 1155 or (+66) 076-219-878

• 🆘 Phuket Tourist Rescue Center: (+66) 076-383-907-9

• ℹ️ Tourist Information: 1672

🏥 Medical Emergencies:

• 🚑 Phuket International Hospital Ambulance Service: (+66) 076-210-935

• 🏥 Phuket International Hospital (Bypass Road): (+66) 076-249-400

• 🏥 Patong Hospital: (+66) 076-344-225, 076-342-633-4

• 🏥 Ruan Paet Hospital (Phuket Town): (+66) 076-211-578, 076-212-950, 076-216-179

• 🏥 Vachira Hospital (Phuket Town): (+66) 076-211-114, 076-217-294-8

• 🏥 Mission Hospital (Phuket Town): (+66) 076-237-220-6, 076-211-908

• 🏥 Bangkok Phuket Hospital (Phuket Town): (+66) 076-254-421

✈️ Travel Services:

• 🛬 Phuket International Airport: (+66) 076-327-230-7

• 🚌 Phuket Bus Terminal: (+66) 076-211-480

🏛️ Government Offices:

• 🛃 Customs: (+66) 076-211-105

• 🛂 Immigration Authority: (+66) 076-351-108

🌊 Diving Emergencies:

• 🤿 Diving Recompression Chambers: (+66) 076-342-518

• 🏊‍♂️ Hyperbaric Services: (+66) 089-871-2335

Stay safe and be prepared! Make sure to copy and paste these numbers somewhere secure so you can easily access them in case of an emergency while in Phuket.

❤️ Swiping Right on Work-Life Balance: Company Offers 'Tinder Leave' and Dating Perks to Employees!

A Thai marketing agency, Whiteline Group, introduced a unique "Tinder Leave" program, offering employees paid time off to explore romantic connections. Employees get Tinder Gold or Platinum subscriptions and can take time off for dating. To qualify, staff must give a week's notice and have passed their probation period. This initiative aims to improve work-life balance, believing that happier employees are more productive. 

You can read more about it here.

What's your take on this?

🎉 Phuket High x Iridescent Med Launch Party

@phukethigh x @iridescent.med = the ultimate launch party! 🍃 Join us this Friday, September 20th, as we drop 16 top-tier medical strains, only available here in Phuket. 🌿

There’s live music, a medical cannabis panel, competitions, and plenty of fun! 🌍 You don’t want to miss this!

Mark your calendars and come celebrate with us! 🎉

📅 Recurring Events in Phuket—Mark Your Calendars!

Looking for things to do every day of the week? Check out these exciting events!

• Monday: Shaker’s Monday BBQ Night: From 6 PM onwards, enjoy a BBQ buffet with a variety of meats and seafood. This is a weekly event, perfect for those looking to enjoy local flavors in a relaxed atmosphere. 

• Tuesday: Karon Temple Market: A popular night market held every Tuesday and Friday from 12 PM to 10 PM. It offers a great variety of local street food, souvenirs, and a fun atmosphere, located near Karon Beach

• Wednesday: Free-Flow Mookata BBQ Night: Held at Vista, Cassia Phuket, this is a popular BBQ buffet where you can enjoy unlimited grilled meats from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM​

• Thursday: Quiz Night at The Green Man Pub: Every Thursday from 8 PM to 11 PM, Participate in a fun and challenging quiz night that's perfect for kicking back with a drink and seeing who’s got the sharpest mind in the room.

• Friday: Grill and Sips at Xana Beach Club: Every Friday from 5 PM to 8 PM, this beachfront party offers a great combination of BBQ, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for watching the sunset​

• Saturday: Naka Weekend Market: This popular night market, open from 4 PM to 11 PM, is one of Phuket's largest. It offers street food, fashion, souvenirs, and live entertainment, making it a fun spot for both locals and tourists​

• Sunday: Lard Yai Sunday Night Market: This vibrant market, open from 4 PM to 10 PM, transforms Thalang Road into a bustling hub every Sunday. It features street food, local crafts, souvenirs, and live entertainment, attracting both locals and tourists.

🌴 10 Must-Follow Expat Influencers Sharing the Real Thailand Experience

Looking for the inside scoop on life in Thailand? This list covers the top 10 expat influencers you need to follow right now. From foodies and travel gurus to digital nomads and lifestyle experts, these influencers give you the best tips and tricks to live your best life in the Land of Smiles. Whether you're planning a move or just curious about Thai culture, these accounts have got you covered!

Check out the full list here.

✈️ Phuket's Tourist Boom: How the Island Keeps its Charm

Phuket has earned the title of the most overcrowded tourist destination, with a staggering 118 tourists for every local resident! While this has strained the island’s infrastructure, there’s still a positive side. The influx of tourists has rejuvenated the local economy, particularly after the pandemic. Efforts like the new tourist tax aim to manage the crowds and support sustainability. Plus, quieter spots in the north and south offer more peaceful escapes, proving that Phuket can still be a haven for those seeking tranquility amidst the bustle.

You can read more about it here.

Thanks for catching up with us! If you’ve got something to share, reach out. Until next time, stay connected with the Phuket Community Newsletter!

Cheers,
Codi & The Phuket Community Team