Thai police have arrested an Indonesian national in Phuket who was wanted for a cyberfraud scheme estimated to be worth between $10 million and $12.8 million. The arrest follows an international warrant for the suspect.
Two 24-year-old French tourists were arrested in Thailand after a video of them engaging in sexual activity on a Phuket beach went viral on social media. They claimed unawareness that it was a crime.
A French couple, 24-year-old Allan and Nadia, caused intense anger among locals in Thailand after being filmed engaging in sexual acts in public view on a secluded beach in Phuket.
Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China will under no circumstances tolerate Taiwan's independence, accusing the island of undermining peace in the Taiwan Strait, during a meeting with Taiwan's opposition leader.
Botanica Luxury Villas is capitalizing on Phuket's growing status as a global luxury property hub with the launch of its new HYTHE by Botanica project.
The Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association has called on authorities to increase direct flights from Europe to Phuket, aiming to stabilize tourism affected by travel disruptions stemming from the Middle East war.
An Air India flight to Thailand experienced a nose wheel issue, leading to a hard landing at Phuket airport, with video footage of the incident emerging.
A 57-year-old British tourist died in Phuket, Thailand, after being struck by a Swedish man in a fight, with police reporting the victim was hit with a karate chop to the neck.
An oil spill off the coast of Thailand has reached the beaches of popular tourist destinations, with the pollution originating from a sunken cargo ship located at a depth of 60 meters.
An oil spill from the capsized cargo ship Sealloyd Arc has reached Koh Hey, a tourist island off Phuket, Thailand, prompting ongoing clean-up operations.
Phuket tourism operators oppose the government's policy allowing foreigners who buy real estate worth 3 million baht to qualify for a long‑stay visa, arguing the investment threshold is too low and could attract "non‑quality" visitors who may engage in illegal activities, as well as risking an increase in property prices, making housing less affordable for local residents.
Southern Thailand tourism operators are urging the government for increased support and incentives to facilitate a green transition, following an international sustainable tourism conference held in Phuket.
An Irish teacher, who previously worked in Abu Dhabi, shares her positive experience of living in Phuket, Thailand, describing it as one of the best countries for a gay woman.
The tourist island of Phuket, Thailand, is facing a potential water shortage if the upcoming wet season is delayed and substantial rainfall does not occur within the next three months.
Zrakoplov aviokompanije Air India Express, koji je u srijedu letio iz Hyderabada, imao je velikih problema tijekom “tvrdog slijetanja” u ¨Phuketu u Tajlandu.
A woman, believed to be Indian, was captured on CCTV footage stealing a suitcase at Phuket International Airport in Thailand. The incident is under investigation by local authorities.
A Swedish man has been arrested in Phuket, Thailand, on suspicion of killing a tourist with a karate chop to the neck, causing the victim to fall and die.
A man named Roman has been waiting for his luggage for ten days after flying from Phuket to Zurich, as his suitcase is still held in Phuket due to a lighter found inside.
Cheska Hull decided to call off her wedding and move to Phuket, Thailand with her son.
Provided by Cheska Hull
Cheska Hull left the UK for Thailand after calling off her engagement.
A networking connection in Phuket landed her a hotel PR job.
She says Phuket offers her the perfect blend of career and high quality of life for her and her son.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Cheska Hull, 40, a British reality TV star and PR professional who relocated to Phuket. Her words have been edited for length and clarity.
My move to Phuket was about choosing a fabulous place to live while continuing my freelance career.
I feel like I've been part of the island's community for years. I'd visit annually for a couple of weeks at a time, maintain friendships, and get to know local business owners.
Every trip had me dreaming about potential jobs and interesting opportunities. I'm a PR specialist who has always worked in the luxury sector, across food, beverage, and hospitality. In London, I specialized in private members' clubs.
That work also led me into radio and television, where I starred in the reality show "Made in Chelsea" for nearly four years. It helped me understand the evolving world of influencers and celebrities. Having lived on both sides of the PR and fame spectrum, I gained a deep understanding of that industry.
Her life in London involved hosting A-list celebrities and attending big events.
Provided by Cheska Hull
I happened to be born in Thailand
My parents lived in Phuket in the 1980s, when my dad was head of Standard Chartered Bank for Phuket, which is why I was born here. We moved back to England when I was young.
Being born in Thailand didn't simplify moving back as an expat. I still had to go through all the same steps as everyone else.
Initially, I came on a DTV digital nomad visa while freelancing for my UK clients. I told all of them, "I want to live in Thailand. That's my dream."
I wanted the best of both worlds.
There were a few reasons for the move
I've always been drawn to the famous Thai "sabai sabai" — take-it-easy — lifestyle. But when it comes to business, I'm driven. I could never just move to Phuket and not work.
Even between projects, I was constantly networking, talking to people, and pushing for collaborations with brands I'd worked with before. Now, I get to do what I've always loved in a place I love.
My son was also at the right age for a big change. As a single mom, the stress came from knowing how significant the move was and wondering, "Have I made the right decision?" My main priority in life is his happiness.
If he hadn't been happy, I don't think we would have stayed. But he's 8, and he was able to fit in quickly — learning some Thai at school and thriving.
There was another catalyst, too. At the time, I was engaged to be married and realized that wasn't the path for me anymore. Once I called off the wedding, the door felt wide open.
Nothing was holding me back.
She says her 8-year-old son is learning Thai in school and was able to fit in quickly
Provided by Cheska Hull
Finding my career groove in Thailand
Browsing jobs in Phuket started as a guilty pleasure. Through meeting people and networking, someone told me about a new opening at Anantara, a hotel I already knew well. It seemed perfect. And so now, as cluster director of public relations, I have a work permit.
I've had to quickly learn Thai workplace customs, like addressing colleagues respectfully using "khun" before names or navigating the widespread use of nicknames. It's about understanding a different culture and being respectful within it.
One of my favorite rituals happens every Friday during my team's morning meeting. We go outside to a huge tree in front of the hotel with two spirit houses. We all take incense, make a prayer, and privately speak to the spirits. It's so different and unique, I find it special.
It's a meaningful part of their culture that I've come to love. I can't imagine trying to get everyone in London to do that, they'd laugh.
Cheska Hull decided to call off her wedding and move to Phuket, Thailand with her son.
Provided by Cheska Hull
Thailand is my long-term plan
There haven't been many hard parts to settling in. The main challenge of living on a small, seasonal island like Phuket is traffic. You get used to a calm pace, and then suddenly there's a massive influx of people. But that comes with the territory in hospitality and tourism, which is ultimately what we want here.
My move to Thailand is long-term. Looking back, there was an element of risk. I came with a bit of an "Eat, Pray, Love" vision. I knew I loved it here and wanted it to work, but I also told myself, "If it doesn't, you can just go back."
For me, the quality of life, the people, the food, the weather — just about everything about Phuket — makes it a place I want to call home forever. Island life simply couldn't be better right now.
Do you have a story to share about living abroad? Contact the editor at akarplus@businessinsider.com.
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Immigration authorities and real estate executives in Phuket held a briefing to clarify the new long-stay visa program designed to attract high-potential foreign real estate investors and boost economic activity in Thailand.
Thai police arrested seven French tourists following a viral confrontation during Songkran in Phuket, where they sprayed a van driver with water and ignored police orders to disperse.
The Surin Phuket, a 44-year-old property on Pansea Beach, is celebrated by guests for its 'simple luxury' and refined design by architect Ed Tuttle, leading to high return rates season after season.
Passengers on an Air India Express flight from Hyderabad experienced a severe landing at Phuket Airport on March 11, resulting in the aircraft's landing gear breaking on the runway.
An Air India Express flight from Hyderabad to Phuket suffered nose-wheel damage after a hard landing, leading to the temporary closure of Phuket airport's runway.
A 57-year-old British man was killed by a karate chop to the neck following a road rage altercation with a Swedish tourist on a moped in Phuket, Thailand.
A 58-year-old Australian tourist died after a violent assault on Patong beach in Phuket on Wednesday night, as police on Thursday arrested a 29-year-old Turkish man in connection with the assault.
The family of Adrián Palomino has successfully raised funds to medically repatriate him from Thailand to Spain. Palomino is in a coma in a Phuket hospital after a motorcycle accident.
The Thai government has instructed the Pollution Control Department to intensify monitoring after the cargo vessel SEALLOYD ARC sank off the coast of Phuket.