Thailand’s street food culture and its cheap, tasty meals designed to take away are beloved by locals, expats, and tourists alike, but the wasteful, single-use trash that is a byproduct of grabbing that krapow goong or somtam to enjoy later has a price.

The country is overrun with trash and many of the formerly pristine Thai islands have beaches that are covered with garbage, lowering the reputation of the tropical destinations.

Phuket, one of the most affordable and accessible islands — one hour round trip flights from Bangkok can be nabbed for about THB3,000, or US$100 — is taking steps to minimize non-biodegradable trash with a new initiative signed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phuket Tourism Council, Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter, Phuket Industrial Council, Patong Hotels Association, Kata-Karon Hotels Association and the Phuket Chamber of Commerce.

The “No Foam No Plastic” initiative was announced at the recent Phuket Sustainable Tourism Blueprint 2018 event, a conference designed to create alliances, outlines, and plans to further sustainable tourism on one of Thailand’s most populated islands.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said at the press conference, “Hopefully, Phuket will be a positive case study that the whole country could follow. The importance of Phuket as one of Thailand’s most high-profile tourist destinations shouldn’t be underestimated.”

The signed agreement states that local businesses should stop using foam containers for food by Feb. 14. On Oct. 1, businesses will be asked to ban plastic as well, switching to paper or other types of eco-friendly packaging, including straws.

As a way to ease the financial strain on local businesses of switching their packaging, island officials have also inked deals with paper-packaging companies, including Thai Paper and Biodegradable Packaging for Environment (BPE), who will produce and sell to island businesses at discounted prices.

The Thai tourism industry recorded total international arrivals of 31.25 million in January-October 2018, up 7.84%, generating an estimated 1.63 trillion Baht in tourism revenue, up by 9.98% over the same period of 2017. China headed the list with more than nine million arrivals.

Top 10 markets for Thailand in January – October 2018

Remark: Preliminary figures
Source: Ministry of Tourism and Sports

Summary of the key results in Jan-Oct 2018:

Overview: All regions grew well except the Middle East and Oceania. Visitors from East Asia totalled 21.58 million (+9.71%), Europe 5.24 million (+4.24%), the Americas 1.25 million (+3.01%), South Asia 1.60 million (+10.75%), Oceania 766,119 (-1.74%), Middle East 635,311 (-6.29%), and Africa 158,630 (+8.41%).

East Asia: East Asian visitor arrivals comprised the biggest market share of all visitors. A total of 21.58 million or 69% were from East Asian countries. Apart from China, the other top sources of arrivals were Malaysia (3.17 million), South Korea (1.46 million) and Lao PDR. (1.44 million).

The ASEAN countries in total are generating over 8.24 million arrivals, with the growth by Malaysia (+12.73%), Philippines (+12.33%), Indonesia (+10.94%), Vietnam (+9.46%), Lao PDR. (+4.92%), Cambodia (+4.36%), Singapore (+2.99%), Myanmar (+0.56%), but Brunei (- 4.95%).

Europe: European visitors were up 4.24% to 5.24 million. Russia retained its status as the largest source market from Europe with arrivals of 1.1 million, up 11.75%. The United Kingdom is the second highest source market with a total of 788,333, followed by Germany 695,077, up 3.96%.

Visitors also grew from East Europe (+9.34%), Austria (+12.22%), Netherlands (+6.65%), Finland (+5.99%), Italy (+5.85%), and Denmark (+4.27%).

The Americas: Arrivals from the Americas grew 3.01% to 1.25 million. The main market, USA, increased by 5.61% to 875,485. Arrivals from Canada were up 7.52%. 

South Asia: Arrivals from South Asia grew by a strong 10.75% to 1.60 million. India topped the list with arrivals up by 11.23% to 1.28 million. Other countries also showed good growth; such as, Nepal (+25%), Bangladesh (+8.70%), Pakistan (+3.64%), Sri Lanka (+3.39%).

Oceania: Arrivals from Oceania declined by 1.74% to 766,119 visitors. Australian visitors declined by 1.96% to 665,308. Arrivals from New Zealand declined by 0.47% to 97,631. 

Middle East: Arrivals from the UAE declined by 7.99% to 109,705. Arrivals from Saudi Arabia declined by 19.64% to 24,695. However, some markets like Kuwait (+2.73%) reported good results.

Africa: Arrivals from Africa grew by 8.41% to 158,630, mainly due to arrivals from South Africa (80,109).

In 2018, TAT has set a target of 36 million arrivals and 1.97 trillion Baht in expenditure, up 3.85% and 8%, respectively over 2017.

There are many fine-dining experiences in Phuket. And there are some that, whilst not traditional fine-dining, deserve to be rated amongst the best and worthy of a visit. Here, in no particular order, is the list of the Top 10 Fine-Dining Restaurants in Phuket you just have to visit when on the island.

The 9th Floor

The 9th Floor Restaurant & Bar, located in The Sky Inn Condo in Patong is a rare hidden gem offering award-winning Mediterranean cuisine. The 9th Floor has created a unique dining experience with spectacular sunset, and a dramatic night view of Patong with a refreshing sea breeze. The well-trained “Angels” are there to guide you through the exclusive menu and the 300-label+ wine list.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable night while you’re at dreamy Phuket, the 9th Floor Restaurant promises an experience that will send you to cloud nine. Here’s why: perched on the, well, ninth floor of the Sky Inn Condotel, you’ll be able to take in sensational views of the city or the spectacular sunset through the cascading floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You’re also served by ‘Angels’, a team of elegant women who are renowned for their stellar service. All this plus elegant yet unpretentious Mediterranean fare that has sated the appetites of hungry diners for the past 10 years, what’s not to like?

While the restaurant remains loyal to its Swiss roots with four types of fondue offered as the cornerstone of the menu, the selection here’s impressive and expansive. If you’re a true aficionado of classic cuisine, be sure to look out for the 9th Floor’s monthly degustation evenings for a finely curated experience. To complete the night, take your pick from their newly expanded selection of premium wines and spirits. Think gin and whisky from Scotland, rum from Nicaragua, and many many more. If you need any recommendations, just ask any one of your friendly ‘Angels’! Now, who can resist a great meal, spectacular views, and exceptional service?

Website | Facebook | Bookings  081 079 2699

White Box

The White Box Restaurant of Phuket, is the quintessentially elegant, white-washed beach restaurant in Phuket, attracting both tourists and locals alike. This Phuket restaurant offers an experience which blends the best fine French and Thai Cuisine on the island.

Once a famous Kalim beach-front house, this stunning venue was redesigned as an elegant Phuket restaurant, decorated in white and blue, boasting a mediterranean ambiance, while keeping a minimalist style.

This Phuket restaurant boasts a location which is nothing short of breathtaking. With unobstructed views of Patong Bay, and waves almost crashing at your feet, this restaurant in Phuket is paradise.

An impressive three-storey complex by Kalim Beach, this is a one-stop experience for dinner, drinks, and an after party. One of the few beach-side establishments in West Phuket, this is an hour and a half’s ride from Patong, past rolling hills and stunning sea views. Built on huge granite rocks, White Box is like the beach house you’ve always wished you had: tastefully decorated in white with an expansive view of the surrounding sea and coasts, serviced by a superb kitchen and wait staff.

Food here is ‘Mediterranean Asian’ shot through with refined French sensibilities, revolving around seafood-heavy plates. Hokkaido scallops are served as a light carpaccio atop a bed of wilted spinach and pickled artichoke hearts, then dressed with little more than olive oil and a touch of lime.

Website | Facebook | Bookings 076 346 271

PRU

PRU takes its name from Phuket’s indigenous lore: a place where the wild forest meets the sea. At this confluence of land and water, the earth is verdant and nourishing, enlivening the local cuisine and stirring epicurean ambitions with newfound creativity.

Inspired by Phuket’s legacy as a culinary crossroad and the island’s unique terroir, PRU at Trisara is pursuing our own culinary ambition – to elevate farm-to-table cooking to a new level. We use nature’s gifts from our own farm and do our part to give back, ensuring that life’s cycle continues to blossom and ripen.

Our meals tell a story, drawing out subtle and bold flavours from the herbs, flowers, plants and roots that grow wild in our garden, producing dishes that are both poetic and honest. Our culinary style is founded on Western tradition and influenced by the exotic, regional cuisine at our locale.

Bookings 076 310 100

Thong Dee – The Kathu Brasserie

Not quite ‘fine dining’ but a very popular restaurant of excellent integrity in Phuket which was the Trip Advisor Most Popular Restaurant in Phuket for 2017. You will treated like a fine-dining guest and the food is reliably excellent.

?We invite You for a great dining experience,
Where You come as You Are and leave like a Star
Located on a quiet street, just 10 min drive from Patong,
You will find a fine choice of European Classics, Thai Cuisine & House Specialties
with something to suit every occasion and pocket
On Sundays We serve our famous Sunday Roasts – All day from 12pm-22pm
Come and make a Memory with us in a modern, warm and friendly ambiance
with chillax tunes playing and free pool table on 2nd floor.”

Bookings 076 319 323

Black Ginger

This fusion Thai fine dining restaurant sits within the scenic surroundings of The Slate five-star hotel. The distinct indoor and outdoor dining space incorporates traditional Thai architectural style with contemporary design and luxurious touches, set on a platform over the hotel’s lagoon. The restaurant’s chef Anongrat Meklai cooks up classic and modern Thai dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and is particularly well known for her flavorful som tam, tom yum and Panang curry.

Bookings 076 327 006

Acqua

This award-winning restaurant in Kalim Beach showcases the modern Italian cuisine of the accomplished Sardinian chef Alessandro Frau, with a particularly extensive range of Italian wines and modern interiors exhibiting chic black and white décor. The exceptionally appealing menu comprises dishes such as yellowfin tuna carpaccio marinated in extra virgin olive oil and lemon, topped with fresh artichokes and bottarga, Sicilian red prawns with jus, poached Maine lobster, and wood fired roasted suckling pig with saffron.

Bookings 076 618127

Royal Namtok

Unique, bespoke, boutique. After 20 years running their own award-winning, high-class restaurant “De Tafeljoncker” in Antwerp/Belgium, Marc and Corry shipped all their decorations and equipment to Phuket where they build in 2007 a private villa which at five o’clock it turns into a French, fine dining restaurant.

Chef Marc De Schrijver (owner) creates French classic dishes with a personal touch of healthy/detox, Thai Plants, herbs and local, natural products and flavors.

Your host, Corry Ringoet (owner) takes care of the guests with a personalized service with eye for details, also table cooking in front of the guest,  that many suspected had long ago, died out.

Only six tables,  richly decorated with golden plates and silver cutlery, crystal glassware and napkins in engraved silver napkin holders to pamper you and your table friends, celebrating special moments.

Their motto:  “Dining out must be a precious moment, fine gastronomy served with an eye for details”.

Bookings 087 263 7327

Siam Supper Club

This chic bar and grill is considered one of Phuket’s most sophisticated drinking and dining spots, combining elegant interiors with West Coast cuisine and an ambience created by jazz and lounge music. Expect to see aged grilled tenderloin steaks, fresh seafood and an array of pasta and pizza dishes on the menu. Perhaps start with the Wagyu beef carpaccio or pan-seared foie gras, followed by lobster ravioli, pizza Napoletana or classic tom yum goong, with one of the restaurant’s indulgent desserts to finish.

Bookings 076 270 936

Blue Elephant

Be transported away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket Town as you step into the lush rounds of the Blue Elephant. Located in the 105 year old Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion, which was built in the Sino-Portugese style and combining elements of traditional Feng Shui in its architecture, Blue Elephant is Thai cuisine at its finest.

At Blue Elephant, award-winning Chef Nooror Somany Steppe takes diners on a culinary adventure commencing with traditional Thai heritage dishes through to her vision of the “Thai Kitchen of Tomorrow”. Specialty dishes drawn from the royal courts and literature of the Kings of Thailand give diners a most delicious history lesson. Drawing inspiration from Chef Nooror’s myriad of travels and overseas experiences as a Star Chef, and accurately reflecting the present-day cosmopolitan nature of Thailand, diners can also expect to see Western classics with a decidedly Thai twist – Croquettes Koong Kiew Wan is a fusion dish inspired by the strong relationship between Thailand and Belgium, while Thai red curry paste and sweet chill sauce give the Crispy Crab Soufflé an extra zest.

All dishes are executed at a high level of refinement, due in no small part to Chef Nooror’s insistence on using only fresh, local ingredients, many of which are sourced from the Royal Project Farm.

Bookings 076 354 355

Tub Kha Khao

Not strictly fine-dining but a very pleasant, and not too expensive, authentic local Peranakan-style dining experience in a fine-style. Tu Kab Khao is a great Thai restaurant in a 120-year-old building on Phang Nga Road in Phuket Old Town. It focuses on serving delicious dishes from Southern Thailand, offering an exceptional local dining experience. The restaurant is easily spotted along the street of similarly old and beautiful buildings because of the giant multi-coloured lobster fastened to one wall. Starters here include unusual bites, such as a mackerel soup with tamarind as well as spicy fish cakes.

Bookings 076 608 888

The Boathouse Restaurant

The Boathouse hotel sits on the shores of Kata Beach, affording guests ocean views from their rooms and as they dine at the celebrated restaurant. The Boathouse Restaurant offers both Thai and western cuisine in a fine dining setting with indoor and outdoor seating and a wine list that has consistently won awards each year. As an added incentive for dining here, the restaurant provides complimentary transfers for diners staying in the Kata and Karon area.

Bookings 076 330 015

The 32nd Phuket King’s Cup Regatta will be held from Dec 1-8, 2018. Asia’s biggest and the most prestigious sailing regatta will be held at its traditional home on the popular resort island of Phuket and this year the focus will be split between the keelboats, multihulls and the next generation of sailors in the International Dinghy Classes.

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is organised by the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organising Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket

The action will start on Dec 2 with registration for all classes and sail measurements with a practice race for keelboats and multihulls, Skipper’s briefing and the Opening Ceremony at Beyond Kata Resort, Phuket.

There will be five days of racing for the keelboats and multihulls, with a reserve day on Thursday, Dec 6. For the International Dinghy Classes, four consecutive days of racing will start from Wednesday, Dec 5. The comprehensive classes contested by the International Dinghy fleet are Optimist Boys and Girls, Laser 4.7, Laser Radial, Laser Standard, 420 and 470.

Kevin Whitcraft, President of the Organising Committee, said, “We are pleased to welcome all international and Thai sailors to this year’s regatta, which has long been continuously organised for over three decades. Aside from large fleets of keelboats and multihulls, we have also continued focusing on dinghy fleets.

“The Dinghy Classes is a fast-growing racing program designed to promote and encourage youth sailing in Thailand. Many of the young sailors competing will go on to join the crews of full-size keelboat and multihull racing teams, and compete in the larger Phuket King’s Cup Regatta in future years.”

Race day prize-giving will be presented during the week. The Royal Awards Ceremony will be held on Dec 8 at Beyond Resort Kata.

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta won the prestigious Asia Boating Awards – Best Asian Regatta in 2016. The award recognised the extraordinary efforts of the organizers of Asia’s premier regatta, in terms of its exceptional organisation, promotion, course quality, entry size, competitiveness and social aspects. It was one of many awards the regatta has collected over 32 years.

For three decades, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has been the pinnacle of international regattas in Asia, initially dedicated to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej for his passion and support for the sport of sailing and in honour of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is organised by the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organising Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Royal Thai Navy, Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, and the Province of Phuket. The most prestigious regatta in Asia includes Phuket Dinghy Series, International Dinghy Classes, Keelboats and Multihulls amongst its competitive classes

Phuket now has a Michelin star restaurant in its midst. The only restaurant in the Phuket or Phang Nga region to score a gong in the second Thai Michelin foodie guide.

Montara Hospitality’s farm-to-table restaurant Pru at Trisara has earned a Michelin star.

The guide whas expanded this year to cover the best dining venues in southern Phuket and Phang Nga provinces and in the greater Bangkok region -the cities of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan.

Pru chef de cuisine Jim Ophorst is touted as an inspiring voice of change for elevating the farm-to-table movement in Thailand.

29 year old Ophorst is originally from the Netherlands and renowned for his imaginative cooking style and innovative techniques. In 2016 he joined Montara’s Trisara, where his raw talent and conviction inspired the conception of Pru. He was also twice a semi-finalist for S Pellegrino’s annual Young Chefs Award, in 2016 and 2017.

Pru’s culinary concept, “Plant, Raise, Understand”, stems from Ophorst and his team’s close relationship with local suppliers and farmers, as well as the opportunities to forage and discover new ingredients from the restaurant’s own farm, Pru Jampa.

The Deputy Director of the Phuket Tourism Authority of Thailand, Montri Manator, says, “Numbers of Chinese tourists visiting Phuket in tour groups have been continuing to decrease after the Phoenix sinking on July 5 this year.”

“On the other hand, Chinese tourists who are visiting Phuket by themselves, called FIT groups (Free and Independent Travellers), has not decreased. They are continuing to visit Phuket in high numbers.

“These are Chinese tourists who book their own holidays, decide which hotel to stay at, where to eat and where to visit.

“They are the second generation of Chinese tourists and are high spenders.

“Last month there are more than 120,000 Chinese tourists, which is still the number one foreign group of tourists who are visiting Phuket.”

“But we have continued to encourage Chinese tourists to visiting this island. From January to October, the number of hotel check-in is still around 71 percent occupancy. There have been 10.184 million tourists, including 1.55 million Thais and the other 8.624 million foreigners.

“These tourists have generated 299,483.49 million baht income for the island.”

For the second year, the dining guide wing of tire company Michelin has released its recommendations for Thailand. In 2018, Michelin sent its inspectors to restaurants in Phuket and Phang-nga in addition to Bangkok. And yet, there are just 27 restaurants in Thailand with Michelin stars, only 10 more than in last year’s inaugural guide, and not a single Phang-nga restaurant on the list.

There are 10 new one-star restaurants in the guide, nine of them located in and around Bangkok. Farm-to-table tasting menu restaurant Pru, also with one star, is the only restaurant from Phuket on the list. Once again, a single street food vendor has a Michelin star in the 2019 guide: Supinya Junsuta’s crab omelette stall Raan Jay Fai maintains one star, even though Junsuta, who goes by Jay Fai, expressed regret last year over receiving the star and the uptick in business that followed.

Meanwhile, modern German restaurant Sühring makes the leap from one to two stars, joining two-star restaurants Gaggan, Le Normandie, and Mezzaluna. As with the first Michelin guide to Bangkok, there are no three-star restaurants in new book.

Check out the full list of Michelin stars for Bangkok and Phuket below, because apparently, no restaurants in Phang-nga were worthy:

Two Michelin stars

Gaggan

Le Normandie

Mezzaluna

Restaurant Sühring (New)

One Michelin star

Bo.lan

Canvas (New)

Chim by Siam Wisdom

Elements

Gaa (New)

Ginza Sushi Ichi

Jay Fai

J’AIME by Jean-Michel Lorrain

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Le Du (New)

Methavalai Sorndaeng (New)

nahm

Paste

PRU (New)

R-Haan (New)

Ruean Panya (New)

Saneh Jaan

Saawaan (New)

Sorn (New)

Suan Thip (New)

Savelberg

Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin

Upstairs at Mikkeller

• MICHELIN Guide Bangkok, Phuket and Phang-Nga 2019 Selection [Michelin]
• Bangkok’s First-Ever Michelin Guide Is Here [E]

Vying for USD20,000 prize money, top athletes will compete at the 25^th Laguna Phuket Triathlon to be hosted on Phuket island 18 November. Celebrating its 25^th year the race is Asia’s longest standing triathlon attracting a big turnout ouf ‘elite’ competitors. Headlining this year’s pro field is Bart Aernouts (Belgium) who recently finished 2nd at World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

He will be joined by Stuart Hayes (UK), Per van Vlerken (Germany), Marcel Zamora Perez (Spain) and Massimo Cigana (Italy) who currently holds four-time LPT champions title.

In the women’s field, sports fans will get to see top performances by LPT podium veterans Emma Pallent (UK) and Yvonne van Vlerken (Netherlands), the latter is nicknamed “The Flying Dutchwoman” and holding a world record by breaking the 9-hour barrier 13 times.

Both are expected to race neck-and-neck with World Champion Annabel Luxford (Australia) who raced her first triathlon at the age of nine and was invited to join the Australian national team at 17. Annabel won her first ITU World Championship (under-23 category) in 2004.

Thai triathletes will be led by Phuket-born, Jaray Jearanai, who holds the record as LPT’s Thai champion for seven consecutive years (since 2011) and recently broke his own record at the World Championship in Kona.

The 25th Laguna Phuket Triathlon will consist of a 1.8Km swim, 50Km bike and 12Km run on a circuit in and around the ‘Laguna Phuket’ resort complex.

LPT’s first short distance race 25 For 25 Sprint will be staged for the first time this year as a part of LPT’s 25th anniversary celebration.

The sold-out sprint triathlon race comprises a 0.5Km swim, 18.5Km bike and 6Km run, totalling 25Km to echo LPT’s 25th year. The race day will be participated by thousands of athletes and spectators from around the world.

2018 LPT will also see the second annual LPT Charity Fun Run. Scheduled for Saturday 17 November it will feature a 2Km Kids run, 5Km and 10Km runs. The Charity Fun Run raises funds to support more than 400 underprivileged children in Phuket’s seven orphanages through the Children First Fund (CFF).