This study aimed to investigate historical land use and land cover changes, 1989-2011, in Phuket, Thailand. Based on data collected from the satellite images of Landsat 4 TM (1989) Landsat 7 ETM+(2000) and THEOS (2011), using geographical information system and remote sensing. During this 23-year period, forests and agricultural lands, as expected, decreased with the extensive expansion of urban areas throughout Phuket, particularly on the coastal lines of the west coast of the Island. In the period of 12 years (1989-2000), forests decreased by 7.53 sq. km (4,700 rai), and thereafter, 11 years later from 2000 to 2011, forests dramatically decreased by 23.37 sq. km (14,600 rai). It indicates severe deforestation by a factor of 3.5. Meanwhile, mangrove forests decreased in the first period of study and then increased, pointing out effective mangrove-planting campaigns by local conservationists. Built-up areas have replaced all types of land use, including beaches, coconut trees, paddy fields, water bodies, para rubber, mangrove forests, and forests. There are the needs for more housing to accommodate an increasing of population from tourism activities. These findings are the basis for future land use planning policy in Phuket with a consideration of tourism development and environmental protection.