According to experts, foreigners are forced to think about moving to the Kingdom because of the excellent local climate, well-developed social infrastructure and low real estate prices in Thailand.
In 2023, housing prices in the country still remain relatively affordable. Thus, a fully furnished apartment with an area of 37 m2 on the island of Phuket would cost you about $30,000. A two-bedroom villa is sold for $115,000. Among foreign freelancers, today Phuket is one of the most favourite regions of Thailand with a large multilingual speaking community.
So, why, apart from affordable housing prices, does Phuket attract migrants from all around the world?
Content:
Why do people go to Phuket?
According to migrants, the main reason for their relocation is stability and a quiet life in a pleasant climate.
People arrive and then easily find work on the island in the service sector, for example, some foreigners start their businesses here, while others choose to work remotely. Both groups of people are looking for a feeling of calmness and security on the island, which many of them might have lacked at home.
Moving to Phuket in 2023
Before the COVID-19, foreigners used to buy housing units in Phuket for rent or sale. However, during the pandemic, a new trend began to form: residents of different countries started moving here for permanent residence.
In 2023, the question remains relevant for many foreigners: how to prepare for moving to Phuket.
Moving with family: schools
One of the reasons why foreigners choose Phuket as a permanent place of residence is that it is rather easy to find a good kindergarten or a suitable secondary school on the island. There are many international schools here, after graduating from which any graduate can get enrolled in prestigious universities in the UK and the USA.
In 2023, children living in Phuket can attend such prestigious kindergartens and schools as:
- Indigo Kids Kindergarten1
- ABC Kindergarten
- International School of Buds
- International Headstart School
- British International School
- Montessori House Phuket International School
- Head Start Phuket
- BCIS Phuket International School
- OAK Medow School Phuket
- Palm School Phuket
- QSI International School
- Kajonkiet International School
Medicine
In addition to great international schools, Phuket attracts migrants by its high-quality medical facilities. Private and public hospitals operate here, with many international-level clinics. Every local hospital is equipped with expensive modern equipment.
Bangkok Hospital Phuket is a branch of a large network of hospitals in the Asia-Pacific region. Orthopedists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, dentists, oncologists, gynaecologists, traumatologists and other specialists work here.
In addition, there is a children's department and a plastic surgery center. The doctors working at the hospital speak perfect English. However, treatment in the clinic is expensive, so it's better to have insurance.
If you don’t have one, there is a cheaper clinic — Vachira Phuket Hospital. The locals choose it for the high professionalism of doctors.
There are many other clinics on the island, where highly qualified doctors work, such as:
- Thalang Hospital State Hospital
- Doctor Karon
- Phuket International Hospital
- Phuket International Health Clinic
- Bangla Clinic
Treatment in hospitals is paid, so, again, it is better for foreign citizens to get medical insurance.
Housing
There is a shortage of rental housing in Phuket in the economy class segment at the moment. These apartments worth up to $1,000 per month in the resort area and up to $500–600 per month in the center of Phuket. There is no shortage of business and premium class residential facilities.
Some migrants would purchase buy-to-let properties in the resort area, but would rent housing in the center of the island themselves. The reason for this is that rental residential facilities are cheaper there, while the infrastructure is still well-developed.
The funds received from an apartment on the seashore will be enough to rent a house with two or three bedrooms, a swimming pool and a garden in the center of the island.
What kind of property is for sale in Phuket right now?
- A 46 m2 condominium can be purchased for $185,000;
- A 3,680 m2 villa is sold for $6.87 million;
- A 26 m2 studio costs $112,000;
- A 4,500 m2 villa can be bought for $11.32 million;
- A 33 m2 studio costs $197,000;
- A 70 m2 penthouse is sold for $383,000;
- A 128 m2 duplex is sold for $109,000;
- A 150 m2 penthouse costs $273,000.
Money
Foreign citizens are allowed to open a bank account in Phuket. In order to do this, you need a contract for the purchase of housing or a long-term visa of any type.
In addition, some financial institutions open accounts for tourists, but in this case travellers will need to issue an insurance policy and provide a whole package of additional documents.
Payment systems operating in the Kingdom are MoneyGram, Western Union and Vipchanger.
Visas
In 2022, Thailand extended visa-free period from 30 to 45 days. In case you want to extend your stay beyond this period, you will have to apply for a visa. Foreign freelancers usually apply for the following types of visas.
- Guardian visa. It is issued to people whose children are currently studying in the Kingdom. One permit of this type of visa can be obtained for one child. So, if only one child studies in the country, the second parent will have to apply for a different type of visa.
- Student visa. It is issued to those who study in the Kingdom: schoolchildren and adults who attend courses.
There are many courses that foreigners can attend on the island. For example, you can go to a dance school, boxing, or English-Thai language courses.
Studying at one of the educational institutions in Phuket can help you stay there for permanent residence. However, it is not necessary to become a college or university student.
If you have money and time, you can regularly change the direction of studying and get enrolled on new courses. The main advantage is that you only need to attend them a few hours a week. Yet if you don’t go to school at all, your visa will be canceled.
Enrolling on courses won’t take you long, because all you need is to submit your passport, a copy of the rental agreement and your photos to the training center. You will receive more details on further instructions at the school you choose.
Summary
Phuket has everything for leading a quiet life and raising children. It has a mild climate, first-class medicine and the best international schools.
It’s true that moving to a permanent place of residence in another country cannot go without stress. However, the well-developed infrastructure and the friendliness of the island's local people will help to adapt to Phuket sooner than you expect.