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Relax and Rejuvenate at Ton Mai Spa.
From the Island
Two weeks into monsoon season, and the island is shifting into its green-season rhythm. Fewer crowds, cheaper meals, dramatic skies. But this week also brought some harder news that every long-stay resident should read carefully.
Here's what's in this edition:
Immigration crackdown goes official: Phuket is named. 30,000 denied entry nationwide. Ten "high-risk" foreign communities identified on this island. The "3 No's" campaign is not a rumour anymore.
Prison Park: August now: The Old Town parking and park project is 82% done and stuck. PPAO missed three payments to the contractor. Opening pushed to end of August.
Laguna Marathon weekend: Thousands of runners, road closures, and the biggest sports event of the Phuket green season. Bang Tao and Cherng Talay are affected Sunday from 3am.
It's a big one. Let's get into it.
π§οΈ Weather: More heavy rain forecast after last week's flooding. Low-lying roads in Kathu, Chalong, and Thalang remain vulnerable. Front-load errands - late afternoon is a gamble right now.
π Marathon traffic: The Laguna Phuket Marathon starts at 3 AM Sunday. Expect Bangtao and Cherng Talay road closures from Saturday night. If you live in that corridor, plan around it or embrace the chaos.
βοΈ Airport update: Automated e-passport gates go live today at HKT for international arrivals. The arrivals hall is still mid-renovation, so add 15-20 minutes buffer until things settle.
π This weekend: Marathon in Laguna (3 AM Sunday), TRIBE at YONA floating club (Saturday, Royal Phuket Marina), Global Wellness Day at SAii Laguna (Saturday, free entry), and Emmanuel Jal at Cafe del Mar tonight from 10 PM.
π Sea conditions: Yellow flag conditions on the west coast through the weekend. The sea is swimmable in calmer windows but watch the flags. East coast beaches are the safer call right now.
Relax and Rejuvenate at Ton Mai Spa
In a world that rarely slows, Ton Mai Spa feels like the island exhale we all forget we need.
Their herbal steam rooms, Nordic sauna and cold plunge create a rhythm your body instantly responds to. It's a sanctuary where the island finally quiets down and you remember what breathing deeply feels like.
Massages range from Thai and oil to aloe vera, aromatherapy, sports therapy, facials and scrubs - each designed to loosen tension and recalibrate your mood.
If you're feeling adventurous, try a full thermotherapy cycle. Hot, cold, rest. Repeat. You'll walk out lighter, clearer, and just a little more human.
Poolside lounging is encouraged, not optional. And their spa restaurant keeps the wellness glow alive with fresh Thai and Western plates, smoothies, juices and imported teas.
Ton Mai Spa has also been a supporter of Phuket Community since the very beginning. We adore what they do, and we're grateful to have them in our corner.
Phuket Named in National Immigration Crackdown
Phuket Immigration confirmed this week that the island has been named as a priority province in Thailand's "No Entry, No Stay, No Escape" campaign, with 10 specific targets already identified here.
Almost 30,000 foreign nationals were denied entry to Thailand in the first five months of 2026. The campaign is focused on blacklisted entrants, illegal work, student-visa misuse, and foreigners whose activity "affects public order or security" - language broad enough to mean a lot.
The enforcement is already running. Immigration offices are applying more scrutiny to extension applications, TM30 compliance, and visa-exempt entry patterns. Long-stayers, ED-visa holders, and anyone relying on back-to-back visa runs are the primary audience for this.
The message from authorities couldn't be clearer. The era of "they probably won't check" is ending - not being reviewed, not under discussion, ending.
What This Means for Residents
- If you're on a visa run cycle: the 60-day exemption is already being rolled back, and Phuket is now a named crackdown province. Get formal documentation sorted.
- If you're on an ED or retirement visa: expect more scrutiny on renewals. Have your supporting documents in order before you walk in.
- TM30 compliance: if your landlord hasn't filed one recently, now is the time to ask. Immigration is checking. This is the one that catches people off-guard.
βοΈ Aviation / Infrastructure
HKT switches on e-passport gates today
Phuket International Airport begins automated e-passport processing for international arrivals on June 13, while arrivals-hall renovations continue. Medium-term it means faster processing. This week it means slightly unpredictable flow - give yourself extra buffer on re-entry.
π₯ Public Safety
500 workers displaced after Srisoonthorn camp fire
A fire tore through a migrant workers' camp in Srisoonthorn this week, forcing the emergency evacuation of 500 people to nearby temples. An electrical fault is suspected. No fatalities, but the incident raises real questions about unregulated labor housing adjacent to Cherng Talay's expanding residential corridors.
πΏ Environment / Development
Officials probe Rawai beachfront project after complaints
A beachfront construction project in Rawai is under official investigation after public complaints, with fines potentially on the table. Rawai seafront is daily-use territory for residents - any enforcement action or redesign will affect access, parking, and shoreline norms across south Phuket.
π Infrastructure
Kathu-Patong tunnel back in the tender pipeline
The 3.98km Kathu-Patong expressway (budgeted at γ16.7 billion) is among projects ready for tender in the transport ministry's current pipeline. PowerChina is also eyeing investment in the corridor. Not construction - but the clearest sign yet it hasn't quietly died.
β οΈ Consumer Watch
Old Town's Prison Park still stuck at 82% - August now
The former provincial prison's conversion into a civic park with an 8-story car park has stalled after three missed payment installments to the contractor. Opening is now slated for August. The daily penalty fee (γ165,802) has been waived. Old Town parking stays a nightmare for now.
ποΈ Development
Sansiri moves into Surin and consolidates Cherng Talay
Thailand's biggest listed developer formally announced two new 2026 land acquisitions in Surin Beach and Cherngtalay Soi 3. The Bang Tao Bubble now has official corporate backing. For residents already in those corridors: rents, land values, and the character of the neighborhood are all heading in one direction.
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Submit a story or eventLiving the Rainy Season Right: Your June Survival Guide
June in Phuket splits people into two camps: those who treat the wet season as a problem, and those who've figured out how to use it. The second group has better coffee, cheaper restaurants, and somehow still gets things done.
This week on the blog we break down what the rainy season actually looks like for long-stay residents - how to navigate flooded roads, where to be when the downpours hit, and why this is genuinely the best time to explore the island without the crowds.
If you moved here in high season and this is your first proper monsoon - this one's for you.
Front-load the week when rain warnings are active
June monsoon edition - advice from someone who has learned this the hard way.
Book airport runs before noon. Late-afternoon downpours are where Phuket taxi drivers earn their money and you lose your flight. Morning buffer is always cheaper than emergency fare.
Do immigration visits before 11 AM. The office is manageable early. Post-rain afternoon queues are a different experience entirely.
Know your flood-prone roads. Kathu bypass, parts of Chalong, and low sections in Thalang - keep a backup route in your head before the weather app lies to you.
Rainy evenings are market nights. Chillva runs Wednesday to Saturday. Naka runs Saturday and Sunday. Lard Yai every Sunday. All covered, all walkable once you're there. Better than sitting at home.
Plan grocery runs before 4 PM. The Makro and Lotus parking lots after a heavy shower are a special kind of chaos. You've been warned.
Laguna Phuket Marathon Returns This Sunday
If you've been wondering why runners have suddenly started taking their training very seriously, this is why. The Laguna Phuket Marathon returns on June 14, bringing thousands of runners from around the world to Phuket's biggest sporting event.
From first-time 10K runners to seasoned marathoners chasing Boston qualification times, it's one of the island's most impressive annual spectacles. Even if you're not racing, the atmosphere around Laguna is worth experiencing.
Thinking about getting into running yourself? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Running Events in Phuket and discover races, trail runs, and community running groups across the island.
Krua Praya Restaurant, Thalang
Southern Thai done properly, without the tourist markup.
Krua Praya is the kind of place that doesn't come up in Google searches the way it should. Krua Praya showcases Southern Thai, especially Phuket cuisine.
The menu features skilfully prepared dishes with bold flavours and enticing aromas. The standout pork belly dishes include the signature fried pork belly with curry paste and young coconut shoots, delivering a crispy, spicy delight.
Alternatively, the Phuket-style stew offers a rich non-spicy option, served in a satisfying gravy. The food is cooked to order, so please expect to wait.
Before: Wilson's Cafe on Bangkok Road for a proper espresso first.
After: Walk the old town and earn it.
Bang Tao corridor: Sansiri's arrival changes the conversation
Two new Sansiri acquisitions in Surin and Cherngtalay Soi 3. When the island's biggest developer doubles down on a corridor, rents and land values follow. For buyers, completion risk drops; for renters, it means the days of characterful budget finds in north Phuket are numbered.
Market yields still 5-8% - but completions are the only safe bet
Net rental yields are holding at 5-8% across the island, driven by long-term renters not short-stay guests. The "flight to quality" is real - off-plan risk is making buyers look harder at completed and near-complete inventory.
βοΈ Legal Watch
With the visa-free rollback accelerating, legal firms are reporting a surge in leasehold pairings with LTR or DTV visas. Owning property on a tourist visa exemption is increasingly risky. If your residency and your real estate strategy aren't aligned, now is the time to fix that.
HeadStart: end of term is close
All ECAs and after-school academies wrap up today (Wednesday 10 June). From tomorrow, school ends at 15:20 for all students. Year 6 graduation ceremonies are on 17 June at Chaofah and 23 June at Cherng Talay.
Summer camps: registration windows are open
UWC Thailand Summer Camps run 22 June - 17 July (ages 4-18). BISP Summer@BISP runs 28 June - 25 July (ages 3-15). Both are open for enrollment - don't leave it to the last week of term.
The Consultant Who Saw Past the Beach
Howard came to Phuket for the diving, but stayed for the restaurants. A veteran tourism consultant, he argues that airports and palm trees don't make a destination, they just get you there.
What set Phuket apart, he says, was its extraordinary expat-driven dining scene: Breton or Provençal French, northern or southern Italian, Russian, Chinese, and proper English pubs.
While other resorts offered hamburgers and hotel buffets, Phuket's retired European expats built something that reminded them of home - and gave travelers a reason to actually want to stay.
This week: up to 50% off via Eatigo, plus a flat-rate hotel breakfast worth knowing about.
The Tent Phuket - Phuket Town
Up to 50% off via Eatigo on off-peak slots. Saving depends on when you book - earlier in the window, bigger the cut.
AOI Sushi Bar - Karon
Up to 50% off via Eatigo at specific booking windows. Good option if you're south-side and don't want to fight traffic north.
Rustic and Blue By The Sea - Rawai
Up to 50% off via Eatigo. Rawai seafront dining at a fraction of walk-in price when you pre-book the right slot.
Holiday Inn Resort Patong - Breakfast Special
γ520 net per person for the full international buffet breakfast. Flat rate, no Eatigo needed. Good for a slow rainy Saturday morning when you want someone else to cook.
| Date | Event | Venue | Cost |
| Fri 12 Jun | Cassia Foam Pool Party | Cassia Phuket, Bang Tao | Free |
| Fri 12 Jun | Phuket Social & Language Exchange | Molly's Tavern, Patong | Free |
| Fri 12 Jun | Emmanuel Jal (Afro-house) at Cafe del Mar | Cafe del Mar, Kamala | γ700 |
| Sat 13 Jun | Global Wellness Day | SAii Laguna Phuket | Free |
| Sat 13 Jun | Saturday Lunch Buffet (pool access incl.) | Courtyard Marriott, Chalong | γ698 |
| Sat 13 Jun | TRIBE at YONA Floating Beach Club | Royal Phuket Marina, Koh Kaew | γ2,000 |
| Sat-Sun 13-14 | Naka Weekend Market | Near Central Festival | Free |
| Sun 14 Jun | Laguna Phuket Marathon 2026 | Laguna Grove, Bang Tao | Free (spectators) |
| Sun 14 Jun | Lard Yai Sunday Walking Street | Thalang Rd, Old Town | Free |
| Sun 14 Jun | Sundays at Oasis (roast + wellness) | Shanti Lodge, Chalong | Free entry; γ380 roast |
| Mon-Sat | Chillva Market (Wed-Sat this week) | Phuket Town | Free |
| Fri 19 Jun | Amazing Phuket Pickleball Cup (reg. closes today!) | Raccoon Pickleball Club, Thalang | Reg. fee applies |
Full calendar: phuketcommunity.com/events
Submit your event: click here
Want to reach this community?
Thousands of expats, long-stayers, and Phuket professionals read this every Friday. If you have a business, event, or service that genuinely serves this community - we'd like to talk.
Reply to this email or email [email protected]
π³οΈ This Week's Poll
The immigration crackdown is real. What's your current residency setup?
A) Long-term visa (LTR, retirement, Non-B, etc.) - I'm sorted
B) Visa runs / visa-exempt - due for an upgrade
C) In the process of getting proper documentation sorted
D) Just visiting - not a long-stayer
Reply with A, B, C, or D - we'll share results next week.
Forward this to one person who lives on or is moving to the island. The immigration story alone is worth 30 seconds of their time.
Reading a forwarded copy? Get Friday editions direct:
Subscribe - it's freeIt's a full week - crackdowns, rain, a marathon, floating beach clubs, and a missing parking garage. Very Phuket energy. Stay dry, stay legal, and if you're running 42km on Sunday at 3 AM, we respect the hustle, even if we don't understand it.
Sabai sabai - see you next Friday, June 19.
The Phuket Community Team π΄
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