Expats in Phuket in 2021
Phuket is more than just a popular beach destination, although it does have stunningly beautiful beaches. Phuket’s infrastructure and moderate cost of living make it not only a beautiful beach location but a practical place to call home. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island with a population of almost 600,000. Around 20% of the population are expatriates. It’s more than the tropical paradise atmosphere bringing in the Phuket expat community. Phuket has plenty of practical reasons why so many have chosen it for their home.
Phuket Beaches
First, let’s talk about the beaches. Phuket has over 30 outstanding beaches to choose from. Which one you think is the best depends largely on how you rate your beaches. Some like the hustle and bustle of nearby shops and dining, while others prefer a remote spot of paradise.
Here are a few of the most famous beaches:
- Patong Beach. If you love excitement, Patong is the beach for you. It’s a popular spot full of nightlife, dining, and shops.
- Kata Beach. Less crowded, but not completely remote, Kata offers the perfect mix of sand, sun, and activities. With white sand and crystal blue waters, Kata has a variety of activities including sunbathing, relaxing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
- Karon Beach. One of the longest beaches on the island, Karon is located on the western coast between Kata and Patong. If you’re looking for quiet, head to the northern end, which is often deserted.
- Kamala Beach. North of Patong is the beautiful shoreline of Kamala Beach. The atmosphere here is quieter than in busier Patong, making it a popular spot for retirees looking for a peaceful locale.
Phuket Lifestyle
Gorgeous beaches are perfect for vacation, but what about the practical aspects of living in Phuket? For one thing, Phuket’s new International airport makes traveling to and from the island convenient for any country. There are even direct flights to locations as far as Australia and Germany.
And parents relocating to the island will find a choice of new International schools that have recently opened. BCIS Phuket has a three-language-based learning stream, making it one of the only French schools in Thailand. Its English stream option is based on the Cambridge curriculum.
A Few Things You Should Know
- Property laws. Thai laws do not allow foreigners to buy land. However, they can lease land, and they can also own buildings such as condominiums and apartments.
- Thailand rules. Foreigners need to know it is illegal to insult the royal family. It’s called the lese-majeste law, and it’s serious, with penalties of 3 to 15 years imprisonment.
Available Properties
Here are just a few of the gorgeous properties currently available:
- Ocean Stone is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 91 sqM, with a stunning view over Laguna resort lake and a 10-minute walk to Bangtao Beach.
- Cape Heights is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 200 sqM colonial-style villa located in Pa Khlok. Here you have your choice of mountain, garden, or partial sea view.
- Mission Heights Village is a 4 bedroom, 4 bath, 429 sqM one-story villa located in northeast Phuket. The view of the surrounding tropical gardens is unmatched.
- The Privilege, located in Patong, has a 5 bedroom, 6 bath, 332 sqM whole floor penthouse. This penthouse boasts stunning views of Patong Bay, the ocean, and surroundings mountains.
