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 realities of daily life in Phuket, examining how they contrast with the typical holiday experience. Today’s feature focuses on the top 5 “pros” of Phuket, which might be “cons” for some.

Thai visa rules. Thai visa rules are relaxed, so trying Phuket living doesn’t take anything but desire – just book your tickets, move in, and stay for a couple of months before considering full relocation with family, pets, and property. Travelers from 60+ countries and territories can enter Thailand visa-free for 30 or even 90 days (with extension options!), while assorted long-term visas allow them to enjoy tropical living for a year or even ten. Yet getting proper permanent residency is a challenging task as it is not offered for either buying real estate or marrying a Thai national.

East meets west environment. Combining Thai and European lifestyles, Phuket offers a unique blend of the best and worst of both worlds. You can keep your formal outfit, visit Starbucks for your coffees, play golf on Sundays, and remain an urban dweller in the tropics. You can immerse yourself in a Thai community, clad in shorts and sandals, while savoring fried rice like a local. Just be aware that, whatever way you choose – you can never hide from the other. To be truly happy in Phuket, you need to love the Phuket mix.

Newcomer-friendly destination. As an international tourist destination, Phuket is always ready to embrace those completely unfamiliar with the island. This makes the adjustment for newcomers smoother compared to, let’s say, most European cities. However, a potential downside is the constant challenge of being treated as a tourist, encountering tourist services, prices, and attitudes even after a decade of your Phuket residency.

Mature expat community. One of the most compelling aspects of Phuket is its multicultural and multinational community. Celebrating diversity, Phuket brings together a Belgian baker, a Filipino jazz player, an Australian biker, or a Ukrainian teacher. Residing in Phuket means becoming a part of an international community where different cultures, values, and beliefs coexist. So, if you have prejudice against a certain religion, nationality, or race, Phuket life might not be quite perfect for you.Comfortable modernity. Stereotypes about inexpensive, underdeveloped, and exotic Thailand are nothing more than outdated nonsense in Phuket. You cannot rent a seaside bungalow for $100 per month and feast on Andaman seafood for $1 per kilo. Phuket is rather money for quality and big money for luxury. Think H&M and IKEA, think international hospitals and private schools, think Friday night traffic jams as locals head out to dine at pizza and sushi joints. While not as bustling as Bangkok, Phuket stands out as Thailand’s second most dynamic and modern province. Let’s not deny it – for a taste of cheap, rural Thai fun, we venture to the mainland.