Choosing Phuket as your next holiday home destination

Let's take a brief look at why you should consider the island of Phuket to be your next holiday home destination.

By Teerawin (Win) Thaviwatkhongsin

Why Phuket?

According to expats that live here...the island of Phuket is the best place for expats to live. Many even say that retiring in Thailand is the best decision they have ever made. As you look out over the sparkling, turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, from any point on Phuket’s picturesque coastline, it's pretty difficult to argue with them!

There's More Than 30 Spectacular Beaches to Discover in the island of Phuket.

Weather in Phuket

Thailand’s largest island is still considered paradise by expats and tourists alike. With jungle-topped mountains and white-sand beaches surrounded by warm and clear waters, it has been aptly named the “Pearl of the Andaman”. While it is not unusual for temperatures to reach the 90s F, the ever-present breeze tends to keep the averages closer to 80 F.

The Lifestyle

Expats are drawn to the comfortable, convenient lifestyle Phuket has to offer.  You can go for a swim and a relaxing lunch on quiet Bango Tao Beach, or you can join the buzz in the bar-lined Patong area, where music throbs and cabaret shows continue into the night.

Phuket is especially famous for having some of the best seafood in the country at very affordable prices. There are few amenities that are lacking. Imported foods, great shopping, spectacular golf courses, sailing…it’s all here.

"Top-notch medical care is available at a fraction of the cost of back home."

Lonley Planet

Thailand Healthcare

Widely known as the birthplace of modern health tourism, Thailand has combined its natural flair for impeccable hospitality with a healthcare model that has strong internal standards of quality assurance. In fact, Thailand is ranked among the world’s 50 best healthcare systems by the World Health Organization.

Costs vary from hospital to hospital and region to region, but many locations have Western-standard private hospitals. Thai hospitals offer very competitive prices for healthcare services. Indeed, costs for medical services in Thailand can be 50% to 80% less than similar procedures in the U.S.

Living Costs

At 6 million visits annually, Phuket remains one of the most popular destinations in Thailand. There are now direct flights from many worldwide destinations made possible by the new Phuket international airport.

The popularity of Phuket is largely due to its reasonably priced accommodation, food and entertainment. Trying the delicious local Thai food will only set you back a few dollars that includes a beverage!

Many tourists opt for renting out vehicles and those that are the lone traveler or a couple go for renting a scooter/moped for only 6 to 8 dollars a day, with families renting out cars and SUV's at only 50 to 80 dollars / day.

Day trips are also very cheap, starting at 50 dollars, you can go Island hopping and enjoy scuba diving or fishing activities at Phuket's neighboring exotic islands.

Visa Requirements

Visas in Thailand are pretty flexible compared to other countries, weather your visiting from the US, Canada, UK, Australia etc, you'll be able to get a 30-day visa on arrival, which can be extended by another 30 days for as little as $60 USD. If you applied for a tourist visa at your embassy you'll get a 60-day tourist visa which can also be extended by up to 90 days.

There are two immigration offices in Phuket where you can extend your visa: Phuket Town and Patong Beach.

For those wishing to permanently live in Thailand, there are many options which one can pursue, these come in the form of obtaining a work permit, through marriage, a retirement visa or by purchasing property and getting a long-term visa - for more information regarding obtaining a visa through buying property - please contact us.

Buying Property In Phuket

The first question that arises is ... can foreigners actually buy and own property in Thailand? And the answer is YES!, but this depends on the property and ownership type available for a particular development. Condominiums and apartments can be purchased by foreigners as long as at least 51% of the building is owned by Thais.

There has also been confusion regarding property tax in Thailand and when it was recently revamped in 2017. Currently Foreigners who buy and own property in Thailand pay no property tax..you heard correctly!, and the only cost to owning a property in Thailand is a small maintenance fee which is removed if you opt for pursuing the yearly rental guarantee program.

Ensure that when purchasing property in Phuket, that the ownership type is 'FREEHOLD' - this equates to the buyer having full ownership of the property under his/her name.

For the ultimate guide on buying property in Phuket and across Thailand, please subscribe for FREE below.

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guide-v1


    This Guide includes:

    • The A - Z of successfully buying property in Thailand
    • Avoiding common pitfalls and scams
    • Legal and financing advise
    • BONUS: Official report of  the best locations to secure the perfect holiday home in Thailand

    Sign up for FREE and receive the ultimate guide to buying property in Thailand.

    guide-v1


      This Guide includes:

      • The A - Z of successfully buying property in Thailand
      • Avoiding common pitfalls and scams
      • Legal and financing advise
      • BONUS: Official report of  the best locations to secure the perfect holiday home in Thailand