The following is our weekly feature in which we highlight the top local stories in our area of Phuket from the past week. The number of stories differs from week to week.
These are chosen and curated by our editorial team and are designed for our readers to get a quick “catch-up” of important stories they may have missed. We publish many stories daily and it is easy to lose track of important events or changes in our area. We do national recaps in a separate article, this is only the top local stories in Phuket and nearby provinces.
They are in no particular order of importance but roughly in order of publishing. These are from Monday, September 9th to Sunday September 15th, 2024.
1. In total, 30 villages in Phuket have received rain gauges which will be installed at 30 risky areas for future landslide warnings.
Thirty Villages in Phuket Received Rain Gauges for Future Landslide Warnings
The DMR also gave maps of risky landslide areas for 15 sub-districts.
2. The Thai Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) found that the Phuket Big Buddha has a chance for more landslides at the same point as a recently devastating one that killed multiple people.
Landslides could happen in the same area if there is significant rainfall up to 200mm.
3. The president of a foundation that takes care of the Phuket Big Buddha has denied a charge of illegally encroaching on a reserved forest.
UPDATE: Head of Foundation Taking Care of Phuket Big Buddha Denies Illegal Forest Encroachment
He has been temporarily released while legal proceedings are organised that could see one of Phuket’s most popular tourist attractions indefinitely closed.
4. A Russian restaurant owner and an illegal Russian electrician were arrested for allegedly working illegally and employing an illegal foreign national in the Koh Pha Ngan district in Surat Thani.
Mr. Anatolii stated that he felt sorry for his fellow Russian national Mr. Evgenii as he didn’t have any money for his living expenses or to return to Russia.
5. An overstaying Myanmar woman was arrested after she was found illegally working at a shooting range on the Bangla Road in Patong.
A female migrant worker who was servicing customers to play BB gun shooting games was arrested.
That’s it for this week. Be safe!
