What's actually changing for travellers in Phuket and Thailand — visa rules, entry requirements, seasonal closures and anything else worth knowing before you go.
Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival opens on Friday 9 October 2026 with the Go Teng pole-raising ceremony. The observance continues from 10 to 18 October, with street processions from 11 October, food stalls, important shrine rituals and special night events.
Read update → (9 October 2026)The international-terminal expansion is now at detailed-design acceptance stage, with 5.5 million more passengers a year of planned capacity — but the build will not provide immediate relief for the coming high season.
Read update → (9 Oct 2026)Thailand has confirmed the final 2026 entry rules: 60 countries move to a 30-day exemption, with revised 15-day, VoA and bilateral arrangements.
Read update → (3 Sep 2026)A mandatory online arrival form has replaced the old paper TM6 card at Phuket and every other major Thai entry point.
Read update → (3 Sep 2026)Phi Phi Leh's famous beach closes every year from 1 August to 30 September — Phi Phi day trips still run, just without a Maya Bay beach landing during this window.
Read update → (3 Sep 2026)Checkpoints, licence checks and helmet enforcement have all stepped up in 2026 — a timely reminder before renting a scooter.
Read update → (3 Sep 2026)Over 18.5 million international arrivals in the first seven months of the year, with Phuket continuing to lead as the country's top island destination.
Read update → (3 Sep 2026)A snapshot of where the exchange rate sits right now, and why it's still worth checking a live rate rather than a fixed number.
Read update → (3 Sep 2026)We track real changes that affect travel to Phuket — official rule changes, seasonal closures, safety updates — and review this section regularly, not just when something dramatic happens.