The big race
From Prince Bira to the Thailand Grand Prix Few motorsport fans today would guess that one of the very first names in Formula 1 history belonged to a Thai national. Yet on May 13, 1950, as the flag dropped at Silverstone for the inaugural Formula 1 World Championship race, Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh – better…
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The new Golden Age of print
Lesson’s from Vogue’s global reset and the rise of 72 Magazine For years, we’ve been told the same thing: print journalism is dead. This summer, that tired chorus returned – louder than ever – and just as wrong. What made the moment especially striking is that it coincided with one of the most important shifts…
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Naomi Campbell to empower Thai models
This year is shaping up to be a landmark one for young Thai women and men aspiring to step into the global spotlight of fashion and film. The momentum began in February with the premiere of The White Lotus season three, featuring the acting debut of global music icon Lalisa Manoban. Shortly after, former Prime…
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Thailand’s high stakes
From prohibition to “Island Monaco” off Phuket Shores For a country globally adored for its temples, beaches, and cuisine, Thailand’s stance on gambling has long been a paradox – firmly illegal in law, quietly embedded in daily life. Bordering several casino safe havens, Thailand has for decades been a popular choice among global poker enthusiasts.…
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Dior Gold House shines bright in Bangkok
Throughout 2024, Thailand solidified its position as Asia’s premier fashion destination, drawing global attention and a surge of investments into the Kingdom’s burgeoning luxury market. The year concluded with a monumental debut on December 8: Dior unveiled its second Gold House pop-up concept store in Bangkok’s upscale Ploenchit district. This striking addition cemented the city’s…
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Phuket beach among world’s best in Tripadvisor ranking
Dreaming of a beach weekend off the beaten path even in the high season? We’ve got something to say! Banana Beach on Ko Hey has been named the 2nd best beach in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Known for its vibrant coral reefs and thrilling water activities, this secluded paradise, just minutes…
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Lotus Arena
A world-class concert ground in Phuket Samui, Krabi, Pattaya, Khao Lak, and Koh Phangan may each argue about which of them is Thailand’s best destination. Yet, no one disputes that the top New Year’s concerts take place in Bangkok and Phuket. Bangkok has long been the music capital of the Kingdom, if not the region.…
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Chic Republic opens first home fashion store in Phuket
Chic Republic has proudly held the grand opening of Chic Republic Phuket, the island’s first and only “Home Fashion Store,” marking a significant milestone in retail innovation for Phuket’s home décor and lifestyle market. Strategically located on Thepkasattri Road with the expansive 120-meter storefront, it is easily recognizable for travelers arriving from the airport. A…
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Live Phuket
Report confirms Phuket’s transforms into global luxury lifestyle destination Phuket has changed dramatically in recent years. Fringed by the Andaman Sea, the tropical oasis has evolved from a popular beach resort destination into one of the world’s most attractive luxury residential markets, with elite luxury consumer brands, Michelin-dining and international quality education and medical care…
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Shaman ushers in a new season
As the green months in Phuket draw to a close, the team behind Shaman Lounge Cafe Bar sat down with RL to reflect on their accomplishments and share their exciting plans for the upcoming high season. In the kitchen, Shaman has plenty to boast about. Under the supervision of brand chef Ruslan Sultanov, the menu…
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Phuket crowned as the City of Festivals! Now it’s official!
This past weekend, Phuket was honoured with a prestigious new title City of Festivals at the 2024 IFEA World Festival & Event City Awards, marking a monumental victory for the island. The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) recognized Phuket’s vibrant cultural scene, and two of its standout events received top honors in both general…
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In Thailand we live
Why global expats love and hate Thailand? Every member of the RL Phuket team has their own reasons to love and hate the Land of Smiles, but what about the thousands of other foreign residents of the Kingdom? What do they think? This is exactly the focus of the Expat Insider ranking compiled for 11…
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Madness in Privacy
Inside Phuket and Samui hotels featured in The White Lotus Described by IMDB as “comedy” and “drama,” The White Lotus series has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. In its essence, it stands far apart from traditional genres, much like how Game of Thrones defied simple categorization. Both are emblematic HBO productions, renowned for pushing…
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Peranakan Heritage Shines in Phuket
Phuket’s rich and complex cultural background often remains unknown to tourists who are typically drawn by the postcard images of its seascapes and vibrant nightlife. One of the island’s hidden gems is the Phuket Peranakan, or Baba-Yaya, culture, which has flourished in Phuket Town for centuries but only recently started making headlines. In 2023, Phuket…
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The warp space
TShaman Lounge makes magic in Phuket Whether it’s a restaurant, a bar, or a car wash, opening a popular venue in Phuket and leading it to fame requires one key element—making it for somebody. Knowing your customer might seem like a business cliché, yet even seasoned business people in Phuket often overlook this simple but…
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Sue Ultmann life-changing journey with PHBGTU
Calling Phuket home is a great privilege that comes with a great deal of responsibility. For Sue Ultmann, the equation is pretty straightforward: Phuket has been good to her, and in return, she gives back to the community through the Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation (PHBGTU), where she serves as the Chairperson of…
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Valentine’s Day in Phuket
The sweetest day of all is right around the corner. Have you already made plans for Valentine’s Day this Wednesday, Feb 14? If not, here is our shortlist of options for any budget. Sunrise Viewing Greet the rising sun with your partner at Samet Nangshe or Saphan Hin. Or book a night at View Cafe…
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Kids Day at Jungceylon
Every Thai parent knows about this day and waits for it with mixed feelings. An adult’s common desire on a weekend morning is to stay in bed, but the second Saturday of January is a special day – it’s Children’s Day, meaning intense fun. Children’s Day in Thailand is all about kids and their desires,…
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Securing your Baht
A visitor’s guide to safe currency exchange and payments in Phuket Planning a foreign trip involves considering currency exchange options. Despite the prevalence of cashless alternatives in the 21st century, visitors to Phuket still require crisp Thai Baht for meals, tours, souvenirs, and more. For significant transactions like purchasing property in Phuket, it’s crucial to…
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Thai visa
A short guide to a long stay in Thailand When planning an overseas trip, checking visa requirements is often a crucial first step. However, for most travelers heading to Thailand, this isn’t a concern, as the Kingdom is visa-free for the majority of visitors. Depending on your passport, you are granted 30, 45, or even…
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Island living
Thing you need to know before moving to Phuket Phuket captivates most visitors at first glance. Its scenic landscapes, sun-kissed beaches, diverse cuisine, and lively leisure options weave a spell that prompts some to ponder the idea of making Phuket their home for an extended period. In our “Moving Rules” section, we delve into the…
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Feeling the Sunday Lard
Thai markets are renowned around the world as travelers’ one-stop-shop to buy souvenirs, savor authentic food, and feel the beat of local life. Some ten years ago, most Phuket night markets targeted predominantly tourists from abroad and thus lacked the authentic vibes “not fit for foreigners.” The game changed when Phuket Town launched its Lard…
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KRSR
KATA ROCKS SUPERYACHT RENDEZVOUS: HISTORY AND LEGACY Since its inception in 2016, the KRSR Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous has charted an impressive journey, swiftly ascending to the pinnacle of luxury yachting events in Asia. Born out of the vision of Kata Rocks & Infinite Luxury, this grand event was not merely a gathering; it was…
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Real Life in Phuket Magazine 