News & Updates

All the latest Phuket news and updates. At Local Dive Thailand we are always trying to improve our customer service standards, boat safety and striving to make our dive tours the best in Phuket, so stay up to date with us by checking out our latest projects, improvements, staff and much much more in this section!

enjoy beautiful phuket with changes to the tourist sandbox scheme

Changes For Phuket Sandbox From October 01st

The much heralded Phuket Sandbox scheme did bring in some extra income for Phuket's beleaguered tourism sector but it was nowhere near enough. Changes had to be made and from October 01st we will see some easing of restrictions. We're still not where we want to be but none the less the changes are welcome and we hope it will boost the appeal for a holiday and diving in Phuket. The changes for the Phuket Sandbox were officially published in th [...]

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longtail boats in rawai waiting for the phuket tourism sandbox

News & Updates

Phuket Tourism Sandbox Is Finally Official!

After 15 months of what can only be described as despair for Phuket tour operators. The Phuket Tourism Sandbox finally gives a little hope for the islands residents. From the 01st July, much needed tourists can stay in Phuket without being quarantined in a hotel. There are of course rules to be adhered to but they're not particularly intrusive and so won't impact your enjoyment of our beautiful island. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster ri [...]

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extra protection for some of phukets reefs

News & Updates

Protection For Phuket Reefs But Not All

Two popular Phuket reefs have been afforded extra protection. Fishing of any kind was banned at Shark Point and Koh Doc Mai from the 28th April 2021. The ban will be in place for 5 years, perpetrators can be fined up to THB 100,000 or face up to a year in jail. The fishing community have been informed so we don't expect to see fishing of any kind from here on in.... A further 19 dive sites in 6 provinces have also been given the same level [...]

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diving directly from liveaboards is now banned in the similan islands

News & Updates

Diving From Liveaboards Banned In The Similan Islands

If you're not a fan of diving from dinghies then we have some bad news for you. Diving directly from your liveaboards has now been banned. It's a move that is supposed to protect corals and marine life, personally I've never seen a liveaboard in the Similan Islands National Park go near a reef. Liveaboards will have to keep their distance from the dive site or use official mooring lines. The other reason touted is safety. A diver unfortuna [...]

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great scuba diving is available at low cost in thailand

News & Updates

How Much Does Scuba Diving In Thailand Cost

The cost of scuba diving in Thailand will vary depending on location, type of dive centre and in some respects yourself. Phuket probably offers the best all round diving in Thailand but it's also amongst the most expensive. It's not simply that we think you should pay more for better diving, simply down to logistics. Apart from a few really nice beach dives, most of our recognised dive sites are over an hour journey from port. You'll find [...]

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News & Updates

When Will Thailand Reopen For Tourists?

For short term tourists, we simply don't know when Thailand will reopen for tourists. The various tourist associations on Phuket do have a plan to privately vaccinate the tourist workers. The plan will hopefully enable vaccinated tourists to arrive on the island in October 2021. However this has yet to be approved by the government but we have our fingers firmly crossed. *Update: Phuket has been chosen for what the government are calling t [...]

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News & Updates

Green Light To Go Diving Again

Officially from the 01st June, we'll be able to take MV Kebsup out to our local dive sites. The Thai government has finally given the green light for us to go diving again. Although a relief, there is still a plethora of hoops to jump through for even domestic tourists to get to Phuket. The latest news is that Phuket international airport will open from 15th June but such statements have been made before only to be retracted at the last minut [...]

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