Issue #32 · Monday 12 October 2026

Phuket Pulse

Two sections: what visitors should know this week, and what Phuket business owners should act on. Every Monday.

Phuket this week

Heavy rain week: rain expected on 7 of 7 days, highs around 29°C. Best day Fri 16 Oct. Wettest Sun 18 Oct (31.8 mm).

Mon 12 Oct
Thunderstorm
29° 24°
12.4 mm · 99%
Tue 13 Oct
Thunderstorm
29° 25°
10 mm · 93%
Wed 14 Oct
Thunderstorm
30° 24°
16.9 mm · 96%
Thu 15 Oct
Rain showers
29° 24°
6 mm · 94%
Fri 16 Oct
Thunderstorm
31° 26°
4.6 mm · 71%
Best day
Sat 17 Oct
Thunderstorm
30° 24°
13.6 mm · 80%
Sun 18 Oct
Rain showers
29° 23°
31.8 mm · 81%
Wettest
Driest windowsThu 15 Oct, Fri 16 OctA wet week overall — plan outdoor plans around these days.
This week on the island

For visitors

Featured local businesses and what to do this week.

TAT Newsroom

Vegetarian Festival 2026 features first night procession

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026 runs from October 10 to 18, featuring shrine ceremonies and street processions. A historic first-ever nighttime procession of deities from 40 shrines is scheduled for October 11 at 8:00 PM, starting from Saphan Hin. Participants are encouraged to wear white attire during the event.

What it means for youVisitors can experience unique cultural rituals, including the new night procession, which offers a distinctive glimpse into Phuket’s Hokkien Chinese heritage and community traditions.
Read the full story at TAT Newsroom →
Phuket News

Airport expansion planned to ease 38% overcapacity

Phuket Airport is operating 38% above its capacity, with passenger numbers at 90% of 2019 levels. Airports of Thailand plans to add 5.5 million annual passenger capacity through an international terminal expansion starting around 2027. The project aims to raise total capacity to 18 million passengers per year.

What it means for youTravelers should expect ongoing congestion until the 2027 expansion, while businesses relying on tourism should anticipate continued high passenger volumes and potential processing delays.
Read the full story at Phuket News →
Phuket News

Vice Governor visits Khok Tanod residents facing eviction

Phuket Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae visited the Moo 9 community on October 8 to discuss land disputes affecting 669 households. Officials are examining housing arrangements and assistance options for residents facing potential eviction due to legal proceedings. Discussions included possible emergency accommodation and long-term housing solutions through community programs.

What it means for youLocal residents and business owners in affected areas should stay informed about potential housing assistance and legal developments regarding land rights in Khok Tanod.
Read the full story at Phuket News →
Thaiger Phuket

Foreigner offers 30,000 baht for missing cat

A foreign man in Kathu district is offering a 30,000-baht reward for his missing orange cat, Mars, who disappeared from a hotel near Bang Wad Reservoir on September 7. The cat has light orange and white fur and was wearing a collar with an AirTag. The owner is seeking information to reunite with Mars, whose health is a concern.

What it means for youPet owners and residents should remain vigilant for lost animals, as significant rewards highlight the community's concern for pet welfare and safety in Kathu.
Read the full story at Thaiger Phuket →

Happening this month

  • Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2026 Schedule (9 - 19 October 2026) 9–19 October 2026
For Phuket business owners

The business brief

What changed this week, what it means for you, and one thing to do about it.

Thaiger Phuket

Phuket Licence Lab assists small stays with compliance

Phuket launched the Licence Lab on October 5 to help small and medium accommodation businesses obtain legal licenses. The initiative involves volunteer architects providing building surveys and design guidance to address issues like fire exits and setbacks. The project aims to improve safety standards and develop policy proposals based on real-world building assessments.

What it means for your businessSmall hotel owners can access expert advice to resolve regulatory hurdles and bring their properties into legal compliance, potentially improving guest safety and operational legitimacy.
Read the full story at Thaiger Phuket →
Phuket News

Officials plan third incinerator for waste capacity

Phuket officials are reviewing progress on the second waste incinerator while seeking land for a third disposal center. This move addresses the island's rising waste volumes by expanding disposal capacity.

What it means for your businessBusinesses may see improved waste management infrastructure in the future, though current capacity pressures remain a challenge for operators generating significant waste.
Read the full story at Phuket News →

AI tip: Draft guest replies in their language

Paste a guest's message into an AI chat and ask for a polished reply in their language, then send it yourself from WhatsApp. Guests who get replies in their own language book more often.

AI tip: Rewrite weak listing descriptions

If your directory or Google description is thin, describe your business to an AI in plain Thai or English and ask for a 60-word visitor-friendly version. Paste the result into your listing.

Listing health check766 of 814 listings in the directory are missing details like opening hours (745 have no hours listed). Owners: a complete listing gets more clicks — reply to this email or use the 'list your business' form to fill yours in this week.