19/08/2024
𝔻𝕚𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨?
We asked 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐆𝐏𝐓, 𝐆𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢, and a simple 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡.
Below are the results. 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒔….
Q: “𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘩𝘶𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥? 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘴, 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘴”.
𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙂𝙋𝙏:
As of the most recent estimates in 2024, the population of Phuket, Thailand, is around 450,000 to 500,000 people. The population can be broadly categorized into three main groups:
1. Thais: The majority of the population in Phuket consists of Thai nationals. Approximately 60% to 65% of the population, or around 270,000 to 325,000 people, are Thais. This group includes both native Phuket residents and those who have moved from other parts of Thailand.
2. Working Foreigners: Phuket has a significant expatriate community, many of whom work in the tourism, hospitality, and real estate sectors. The working foreigner population is estimated to be around 15% to 20% of the total population, or roughly 67,500 to 100,000 people.
3. Retirees: Phuket is a popular destination for retirees from various countries, including Europe, Australia, and the U.S. Retirees make up about 10% to 15% of the population, or approximately 45,000 to 75,000 people.
𝙂𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙞:
Phuket's Population: A Complex Breakdown
Estimating an exact breakdown of Phuket's population into Thais, working foreigners, and retirees is challenging due to several factors:
• Rapid Population Growth: Phuket has experienced significant population growth in recent years, making accurate data difficult to obtain.
• Tourism Impact: The island's heavy reliance on tourism means a fluctuating population, especially during peak seasons.
• Unofficial Residents: Many foreign residents, particularly those working in the informal economy, may not be officially registered.
• Overlapping Categories: Some individuals might fit into multiple categories (e.g., a working foreigner who is also a long-term resident).
Estimated Overall Population
While precise figures vary, it's generally accepted that Phuket's population has surpassed 600,000.
Breakdown by Category
Given the challenges outlined above, providing exact numbers for each category is difficult. However, we can offer a general breakdown based on available information and expert estimates:
• Thais: The majority of Phuket's population is Thai. While exact figures are elusive, it's safe to say that Thais constitute the largest demographic.
• Working Foreigners: This group includes a diverse range of individuals, from hospitality workers to professionals in various industries. Their numbers have grown significantly in recent years, but they still represent a minority of the total population.
• Retirees: Phuket is a popular retirement destination for foreigners, especially from Europe and North America. While their numbers are substantial, they are generally considered a smaller segment compared to the overall foreign population.
Important Note: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic conditions might have impacted these demographics, potentially leading to shifts in population composition.
Reliable Sources for Further Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date data, consider exploring these sources:
• Phuket Provincial Office: They may have the most recent population statistics.
• Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket: While primarily focused on tourism, TAT might have relevant data on foreign visitors and residents.
• Local expat communities and forums: These can provide anecdotal evidence and insights into the foreign population.
Would you like to explore any of these sources further, or do you have other questions about Phuket's population?
𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙜𝙡𝙚:
Phuket has all of the infrastructure needed to make moving there an easy transition. It's Thailand's largest island, with a population of almost 600,000, with 115,000 expats from around the globe having made it their home.
Bottom line appears to be 4.9 millions foreigners, of which, 112k are professional and skilled workers, 50k are special law workers and 150k are retired/married/living with Thai's. In total, Western expats seem to total about 300k.
