Happy New Year Everyone! These are my 10 predictions for Phuket in 2025, based on crowd-sourcing from Phuket's FB Exapt group, news headlines, and on the ground personal experience after living on the island the past 4 years. What are your predictions for Phuket in 2025?
On January 6 2024 I sold my condo in Karon and moved to a small town outside Khon Kaen. I'm so glad that I did. I don't even want to visit Phuket due to the traffic and number of tourists.
@@karanchandnani8169We are about 1 hour NE from KKC and about 90 minutes South from UT. You should visit both. We probably go into KKC once every 3 or 4 weeks for trips to Makro plus immigration is there. I'd probably choose UT over KKC. Seem to be more food options there.
I left Phuket after 11 years back in April. I never thought id leave but It was the best decision I have made, i'll never go back there again, even to visit. It was like living in europe, not Thailand. I was also in Kata / Karon
Traffic in Phuket became a nightmare. Needed often more than 1h to get from airport to Surin beach. I now moved to Khao Lak. Also 1h from Phuket airport: uncrowded large beaches, friendlier people and everything is 25% cheaper !
I agree with you on all points. I'm currently back living in Pattaya again after being gone for 3 years, and I gotta say say this place has changed drastically. The Thais are not as friendly as before. Almost no smiles, but dirty looks everyday, that is unless you're spending money, and even then the smiles are few and far between. The 7-11 and Lotus workers are almost all incredibly rude. Whatever was bad before is worse now. Even Thais that I have known for 7+ years say the same thing. Many say the quality of farangs has gone down and that they want the farangs of the past to come back.
Ditto from local Thais in Phuket - they admit the quality of foreigners is low. They say the average worker is not benefiting financially from the over-crowding and is feeling fatigued. They recognize the problem but assume it is good for the economy, because this is what the government tells them.
Have noticed that all of the hotels I booked in Phuket in January/February 2023 are all either fully booked or going for twice as much as what I paid two years ago. Ao Nang and Krabi Town are seeming more appealing now!
What is happenning to Phuket is a mirror image of Bali, Indonesia. All of a sudden you will see more pollution, more traffic congestion and I'm not sure how much worse it can get than right now, you will see popular beaches that turn into ghost towns ie Kuta and Legian. Waste water and rubbish is already too much for the Island to handle and I'm sorry to say, corruption drives the Russian influence and over development on many levels, For the local Thai's, it must be a living hell.
Being a Swede, growing up, many of us would visit Phuket, especially families with the sole purpose to tan, enjoy some nice thai food, and have a peaceful time there, but since digital nomads became a thing, the war in Russia, and the raise of prices of flight tickets by more than 50%, many here have turned to cheaper and closer options such as Greece and Turkey, so the demographics of Tourists have changed a lot. I went back to Phuket in 2019, 14 years after my first visit, and couldn't recognize it, it had changed so much!
My intro to Phuket was a Swedish show called "30 degrees in February". It came out in 2012. It was about Swedes from all walks of life traveling to or moving to Thailand. Through the show I got to see what Phuket was like and always wanted to go, but seeing what I see now I can tell it doesn't look the same. Cheers.
Right on the money mate. We first visited Phuket in Jan 2023 once the ridiculous travel `restrictions` were lifted. Visited another 4 times that year and we loved it, especially Karon. We visited another 4 times in 2024 and we started noticing some significant changes. First was the traffic and the time it would take to get to the airport from Patong, we now allow 2 hours and its needed. We can see Thai people becoming impatient with a lot of the rude tourists from some of the named homelands, Riauss, Iidna and East of the middle, a lot of these people are completely inconsiderate of the Thai people and their culture and of other tourists. We head back in February but wont go again until the wet season when its much quieter. We are also visiting other areas you have mentioned plus Krabbi and Hua Hin. Thailand certainly faces some challenges in the coming years with an ageing population, vital infrastructure requirements and the tourist industry being their main source of employment and income. I wish them well, Cheers from Melbourne, Australia.
Just discovered this great channel. You have a wonderful interview style with quality content. Im in the process of tying up loose ends in my country so I can have a much more relaxed quality of life - Thailand is my first choice. Thank you
It’s so depressing hearing that the quality of life in Phuket is going downhill. It was to go to destination when I first going to Thailand six years ago why doesn’t the Thai government stepped in and sent all the corrupt Russians, back to their country instead of ruining the quality of life for their people, and all the retired ex-pats that are just there to live and enjoy life.
We started Travelling Thailand over forty years ago and Phuket was very quiet and felt a bit exotic but as soon as the Russians got out and the Chinese buffet swallowing groups appeared it went very rapidly downhill.Goa was the same ,That first years the Russians started travelling we had to stop renting a home in Candolim and go further south.One good thing is it’s easy to stay ahead of these trends as we travel as small groups whereas the Russians and Chinese tend to all know each other and don’t like being out of their comfort zone .
Visiting Phuket and Pattaya since 2003 I see significant chances in people visiting the country traffic pollution of environment and of course costs of life. Western tourists is less and Asians and Russians more now and that's effect straight on prices money income behaviour of tai people and the picture of today. Pattaya is India destination now and Phuket Russian and Arabic immigrants destination without doubts
Pattaya is seeing 20% LOWER numbers this year according to the local visa offices. I've definitely noticed a lower high season this year. To be real, it feels more like 'India' than 'Thailand' in Pattaya these days.
The demographics have really changed quickly in Pattaya with Indians, Arabs and Russians. I won't be here to see this place in 3 years from now, can't imagine what it will look like and how much more rude the Thais will be by then because of this.
In Khao Lak right now. Place is expensive and overrun with Europeans who like to spend. I can only imagine what the island is like. No thanks. I’m cutting my visit short here. Where is a good place to go that isn’t swamped with tourism?
My first time to Phuket was 1980. Nothing there then. A few bars and people used to smuggle/sell cameras and gold to make money then. I lived there for three years from 2005 January just after the tsunami until 2008. but I never liked the place really. You need a car. It was like cowboy town. Everyone on the make. The transport was awful and run by a mafia type. They drivers often had fights cos they clashed with each group. No sidewalks along the beach road in Patong. I stayed in a little bungalow amidst coconut trees where McDonalds is now just across from the beach.I never want to go back.
I’ve been to Phuket 3 times over the last 3 years and I’m here now for the New year period. It’s so over crowded and there’s so much traffic that it’s honestly turned me off Phuket. Also I was disappointed because I brought over friends who had never been here before and it’s left a bad impression on them. On another bad note, the Russians here are becoming menaces, I witnessed an incident of a Russian man being so rude to a bartender it made me sick honestly. She was such a polite and sweet lady to us. Anyway I just hope Phuket doesn’t get ruined any further but I think it’s best to go to the many other cities and islands in Thailand.
"I brought over friends who had never been here before and it’s left a bad impression on them" This is something the local economy should fear... many first timers are saying they never want to return. Then, they'll tell their friends as well.
I live off grid in Buriram now. So peaceful here no tourist here in my village. I can go to Bangkok by bus only 4 hours away if I want the city life. 😅
As for the authorities saying they would check property deals to find underlying money laundering or whatever. It’s hilarious. We all know the corruption level there and how money hungry they are. All those talks about checking the source of money are not gonna turn into any action. Bangkok, maybe. But not Phuket. Even if govt enforces the regulations, there will be lotta ways and “solvers” to find a way around
You're correct that place is totally screwed. I went there as a backpacker in 1978, was pristine, continued visiting thru the 80s- mid 90s. Last time was pre covid around 2015 we took a boat from Krabi expecting to stay on Phuket for a few days. After one night was more than quite enough, headed back to Krabi. Never went back or will. Our family splits time between our rural home just outside Udon and a condo S. of Hua Hin. Is Samui on the way to becoming what Phuket has become?
@@PhilipJames360 yes, if you haven't been, try a visit. We live about 10k from city center but go into town most everyday. Has everything one needs shopping from dozens of markets to the large Central Plaza. Great restaurants and genuinely nice locals. We can be at the beaches in a few hrs.
Im in patong visting for 7 days.cant wait to get back to khon kaen.havent been here since before covid.but in 2019 patong was over run then.now it has massive amount of tourist's once again.im older now and dont like being over crowdedpatong in jan.of 2013 patong was my best place to be.not any more.
They didn’t build Big Buddha without permits. They added buildings on the backside and allegedly didn’t have permission. Does anyone know if they reopened Big Buddha for tourist?
After all, Thailand resp Phuket authorities could regulate and influence the future of this island. But all have one goal only and that is making more and more money. There’s no long term interest or view. Yes, some foreigners can be blamed for misbehavior etc. but the authorities see these bad developments and all they do is planning for another airport. The old saying is true here, be careful what you wish for.
And not just puket pattya too Thailand should stop from people from overseas buying property 🙄 its dosint help local Thais only rich and courpt make money 💰
I have to say I am not a typical Russian, I lived for many years and studied in the west. I love Thailand and it saddens me to see so many Russians there. Yes they are rude and unfriendly, not all but many, I wish they were not there. I also hate to see russian signs (or any other than Thai) everywhere. It kills authenticity. As of the drunk guy I hope he will be banned from Thailand for life and put behind bars in a Russian prison. What a disgrace. However, let's be honest drunk idiots come from all countries. I hope flights from Russia to Thai will quadruple in price in the near future (please God!).
Phuket has been steadily downhill since 2000, and of course it will continue that trend with more tourists/ex-pats, more housing, more traffic and strained infrastructure. But there will always be new people arriving thinking the current state of Phuket is beautiful, only to be replaced in X years when the cycle repeats...It's still better than Pattaya...but that gap will shrink...
Phuket is much better place then once beautiful Bali in my opinion. Generally speaking any popular tourists destination is the same, it's wear and tear. And yes there's few extra Russians there but they bring cash, investment, jobs and spend lots of money to be in Phuket. We have to except the fact for something to be perfect fit one must allow little discomfort to make it right/fit. Please show me any other destination which is perfect. Russians aren't the real problem its other greedy forigners trying to buy slice of this paridise next to, nothing so they can live in beautiful Phuket. I respect your opinion but your prediction fall short or little over baked. Respect
I think there is a lot of misconception about Russians & sweeping generalizations and stereotypes due to western media. I live in Pattaya & there are more Russians here than Phuket & they are the most Family Oriented People contrary to what many think, Russians always travel with their whole families get married early, have kids early, they spend a lot in local markets even when their currency has crashed 8% against Thai bhat. There are two huge markets in Jomtien frequented by 99% Russians, & it runs the economy of Jomtien. I really hope Phil interviews few Russians & visits Jomtien near Pattaya to see how Russians & Eastern Europeans in general live here. I think it would be really unfair to Russians if we do not hear their side of the story.
The point is they don’t adapt. Don’t speak Thai or Barely even English. If 800 000 people form one country move into an other country longterm … it has serious impact. I lived in Phuket 10 months.. I hear more Russian than I hear Thai. That there are good Russians doesn’t matter… What matters is people come on holiday to Phuket to be in Thai environment. Not to be in little Moscow
Russian? I dated a single mother in Jomtiem. Against my better judgement. Lying, manipulative, blackmailing gold digger. Vile piece of work. I binned this POS after a few weeks.
There is massive demand for property in phuket..lot of wealth has moved there and the island is more popular than ever...u hand pick negative comments from clueless peiple and post them in this video..is there any evidence these people have any idea what theyre talking about?..yes phuket has gpt busier,same as bali and dubai,and with the migration prices go up,and prices the poorer people out..its happening in many places ,not only phuket and all it shows it that phuket is a very desirable place to live
It’s not all doom and gloom admittedly there are issues to be addressed such as traffic congestion and over development prior to improving the infrastructure which has led to flooding but as we have witnessed in Bangkok. I think that Phuket will continue to grow but at a more sustainable realistic pace and be a jewel in the Thai economy.
Same… I was in rawai en kata 10 months. Now in lamai Samui. But it’s the same 😂 the only difference is the police doesn’t hunt you down to steal 1000 baht. Other than that.. crowded, prices are not cheap and half the island is Russian or French 🎉😂 Roads are not even roads Only lamai is developed to drive proper
@somai13-x8r they already have its way overcrowded and ruined by insta and RUclips bloggers .none of them know what it was like 20 even 10 years ago There is hardly any value and its nothing like the value of 20 years ago
Your videos are the hype videos during last several months. Is it the kind of the marketing?! You have mentioned Russian people several times, but it is the same for all foreigners. Drunk guys are crazy everywhere - in Russia, USA, UK, China, and etc. You have mentioned the new Condos, however Thai guys make a lot of money for such new projects, together with the fact that Bangkok is REALLY rich city and there are a lot of buyers in Thailand who can and who will buy the new flats and houses on Phuket. So, yellow press and local chats are not the best source for any info. Good luck and happy New Year!
You are dellusional Anyonw that has been to phuket in the last 3 years can easily see that phuket is now a basket case , and it is the russian invasion and they have bought off local officials and pretty much own the island now . This paradise is now becoming a sad and ugly place , and within a decade , no western visitors will be choosing phuket as a holiday destination , as they are already avoiding this place , and its a massive win for places like vietnam, cambodia & the philippines . Its hard to believe that the Thai government cant see that phuket is dying and it wont be long before it becomes a getto and becomes bankrupt from this current addiction to overpopulating the place and creating a haven for money laundering and criminal activities .
Lmao it wasn’t Russians who destroyed Bali and Ibiza. Those were your fellow Europeans and Aussies. I don’t get the hate towards Russians. I’ve seen way more drunk fights started by Brits and Aussies. At this point all those hateful comments are just xenophobic nonsense
😂😂😂 the foreigners that blame foreigners in Thailand are the same that blame foreigners in their own country (see a pattern there?) I was in Phuket in March 2020...all these foreigners run away from Thailand because "it wasn't safe" so now they re back lecturing? Long time residents were begging for tourists to rent their houses/condos, locals didn't have enough to eat...until russians came, like it or not, they re building Phuket, not British not Americans, so please keep this non sense for yourself. Real estate price drop???? So where in the US or Europe you can buy a beachfront appartment for less than 3K$/sqm???? So maybe it's not for you (I respect it if you re looking for something else) but believe me there are millions of people for whom it's a bargain...Phuket always been a touristic destination...that's how you arrived here the first place remember that
His point is that 800k of one nationality that stays longterm maybe forever … obviously has serious impact. Low season is k no on existing anymore. It still rains yes! But the overpopulation stays all year Around. Also people all over the world come to Phuket to experience Thailand and Thai culture and environment. Not to wake up in little Moscow. I lived there 10 months🫡 did some vodniks and have many Russian friends. Does that mean I like to have 90% odd daily to have Russian neighbors, Russian restaurants, Russian signs and menu’s everywhere. Imagine you are with that many in a place that menus come in your language. Also because English skills are that of children with most of them offcourse. Imagine I speak 3 languages and stills have to hear one I don’t understand 🎉 No wait? We should be happy right? Of 800k Dutch people made little Amsterdam off Phuket it would have the same problems Or make it little London Make it little Paris It’s not because it’s Russians… it’s not a racist problem. Reality is that it’s ruining Thailand longterm. Only the elite makes profits. 90% only has downsides 🎉🎉🎉
Understand 100% but lets positive. I love Russians, chinese and Indian culture. Lets be positive bro. If you don't like it, hop on a boat go to Aonang, ko Lanta. 🎉
Lol, every year thousands of Russians emmigrate to the US and many more would like if they were able to. Almost no one wants to immigrate to Russia. At least no one from a Western country. In almost every metric (health, wealth, education, jobs, crime, corruption,...) Russia is among the worst countries in the world, even many African countries became more attractive in the recent past than Russia. So much about losing 🤣
Happy New Year Everyone! These are my 10 predictions for Phuket in 2025, based on crowd-sourcing from Phuket's FB Exapt group, news headlines, and on the ground personal experience after living on the island the past 4 years.
What are your predictions for Phuket in 2025?
On January 6 2024 I sold my condo in Karon and moved to a small town outside Khon Kaen. I'm so glad that I did. I don't even want to visit Phuket due to the traffic and number of tourists.
How is life in Khon Kaen? I'm confused between Udon or Khon Kaen. Too many tourists in BKK. I'm sick and tired of tourists from my own country.
@@karanchandnani8169We are about 1 hour NE from KKC and about 90 minutes South from UT.
You should visit both.
We probably go into KKC once every 3 or 4 weeks for trips to Makro plus immigration is there.
I'd probably choose UT over KKC. Seem to be more food options there.
I left Phuket after 11 years back in April. I never thought id leave but It was the best decision I have made, i'll never go back there again, even to visit. It was like living in europe, not Thailand. I was also in Kata / Karon
Why do you have Yakult Swallows cap? Been to Tokyo?
Isn’t all popular places like that, bali
Just returned to US after three weeks in Phuket. Traffic, crowds and pollution are all up significantly, sad to say.
Curious if you would consider a return to Phuket... or based on your most recent experience it may be off your list?
Traffic in Phuket became a nightmare. Needed often more than 1h to get from airport to Surin beach. I now moved to Khao Lak. Also 1h from Phuket airport: uncrowded large beaches, friendlier people and everything is 25% cheaper !
I agree with you on all points. I'm currently back living in Pattaya again after being gone for 3 years, and I gotta say say this place has changed drastically. The Thais are not as friendly as before. Almost no smiles, but dirty looks everyday, that is unless you're spending money, and even then the smiles are few and far between. The 7-11 and Lotus workers are almost all incredibly rude. Whatever was bad before is worse now. Even Thais that I have known for 7+ years say the same thing. Many say the quality of farangs has gone down and that they want the farangs of the past to come back.
Ditto from local Thais in Phuket - they admit the quality of foreigners is low. They say the average worker is not benefiting financially from the over-crowding and is feeling fatigued. They recognize the problem but assume it is good for the economy, because this is what the government tells them.
Too many Russians
I live in Jomtien, I find Thais a lot more receptive if I speak Thai. Russians are obnoxious especially on the road.
This seems to be a global trend.
Fact
Have noticed that all of the hotels I booked in Phuket in January/February 2023 are all either fully booked or going for twice as much as what I paid two years ago. Ao Nang and Krabi Town are seeming more appealing now!
What is happenning to Phuket is a mirror image of Bali, Indonesia. All of a sudden you will see more pollution, more traffic congestion and I'm not sure how much worse it can get than right now, you will see popular beaches that turn into ghost towns ie Kuta and Legian. Waste water and rubbish is already too much for the Island to handle and I'm sorry to say, corruption drives the Russian influence and over development on many levels, For the local Thai's, it must be a living hell.
So what they gonna do? Stop the Russians?
And Bali is dead to old time visitors who remember a different place. Same with Thailand soon.
Being a Swede, growing up, many of us would visit Phuket, especially families with the sole purpose to tan, enjoy some nice thai food, and have a peaceful time there, but since digital nomads became a thing, the war in Russia, and the raise of prices of flight tickets by more than 50%, many here have turned to cheaper and closer options such as Greece and Turkey, so the demographics of Tourists have changed a lot. I went back to Phuket in 2019, 14 years after my first visit, and couldn't recognize it, it had changed so much!
I guess you aren’t in the young gym bro crypto bro crowd
My intro to Phuket was a Swedish show called "30 degrees in February". It came out in 2012. It was about Swedes from all walks of life traveling to or moving to Thailand. Through the show I got to see what Phuket was like and always wanted to go, but seeing what I see now I can tell it doesn't look the same. Cheers.
things do change
Phuket, overrated and now more crowded with annoying rude tourists. Glad to leave when my lease ended.
Where did you move to?
for me only annoying tourists there are russians....especially wheen u can understand how rude they are to thais they talk like their them dogs
Right on the money mate. We first visited Phuket in Jan 2023 once the ridiculous travel `restrictions` were lifted. Visited another 4 times that year and we loved it, especially Karon. We visited another 4 times in 2024 and we started noticing some significant changes. First was the traffic and the time it would take to get to the airport from Patong, we now allow 2 hours and its needed. We can see Thai people becoming impatient with a lot of the rude tourists from some of the named homelands, Riauss, Iidna and East of the middle, a lot of these people are completely inconsiderate of the Thai people and their culture and of other tourists. We head back in February but wont go again until the wet season when its much quieter. We are also visiting other areas you have mentioned plus Krabbi and Hua Hin. Thailand certainly faces some challenges in the coming years with an ageing population, vital infrastructure requirements and the tourist industry being their main source of employment and income. I wish them well, Cheers from Melbourne, Australia.
Man. Your production quality is impressive. Nice man!
Thank you Steve
nice video and good topics and predictions. keep it up
Just discovered this great channel. You have a wonderful interview style with quality content. Im in the process of tying up loose ends in my country so I can have a much more relaxed quality of life - Thailand is my first choice. Thank you
It’s so depressing hearing that the quality of life in Phuket is going downhill. It was to go to destination when I first going to Thailand six years ago why doesn’t the Thai government stepped in and sent all the corrupt Russians, back to their country instead of ruining the quality of life for their people, and all the retired ex-pats that are just there to live and enjoy life.
because of money
all the corrupt Russians,🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@SLOC1992 so much for taking care of your own people1 :-(
Was Phuket 25 years ago happy times in those days
We started Travelling Thailand over forty years ago and Phuket was very quiet and felt a bit exotic but as soon as the Russians got out and the Chinese buffet swallowing groups appeared it went very rapidly downhill.Goa was the same ,That first years the Russians started travelling we had to stop renting a home in Candolim and go further south.One good thing is it’s easy to stay ahead of these trends as we travel as small groups whereas the Russians and Chinese tend to all know each other and don’t like being out of their comfort zone .
Visiting Phuket and Pattaya since 2003 I see significant chances in people visiting the country traffic pollution of environment and of course costs of life.
Western tourists is less and Asians and Russians more now and that's effect straight on prices money income behaviour of tai people and the picture of today.
Pattaya is India destination now and Phuket Russian and Arabic immigrants destination without doubts
I lived in Patong for 3 years. 2 months ago I left Phuket for Hua Hin. Never going back!
Pattaya is seeing 20% LOWER numbers this year according to the local visa offices. I've definitely noticed a lower high season this year. To be real, it feels more like 'India' than 'Thailand' in Pattaya these days.
The demographics have really changed quickly in Pattaya with Indians, Arabs and Russians. I won't be here to see this place in 3 years from now, can't imagine what it will look like and how much more rude the Thais will be by then because of this.
Yes. INDIANS have effed up Pattaya
Yes, Russia and India, the vast majority
In Khao Lak right now. Place is expensive and overrun with Europeans who like to spend.
I can only imagine what the island is like. No thanks. I’m cutting my visit short here.
Where is a good place to go that isn’t swamped with tourism?
So how’s Khao Lak? Worth staying there long term?
@ Definitely not in my opinion.
If you hate tourists then try Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, or Haiti.
@@stegura83 😂🤣😂
Laos, Cambodia and Philippines
😆 first Russians spotted smiling 😃 😊
It’s not just Phuket…it’s Thailand.
Not even close, just a few areas where low life's flock.
I agree
Korrek
That is a business waiting to happen in Phuket, Drone delivery will be big in Phuket.
My first time to Phuket was 1980. Nothing there then. A few bars and people used to smuggle/sell cameras and gold to make money then. I lived there for three years from 2005 January just after the tsunami until 2008. but I never liked the place really. You need a car. It was like cowboy town. Everyone on the make. The transport was awful and run by a mafia type. They drivers often had fights cos they clashed with each group. No sidewalks along the beach road in Patong. I stayed in a little bungalow amidst coconut trees where McDonalds is now just across from the beach.I never want to go back.
Phuket is basically Russia. Pattaya is becoming like it too
I’ve been to Phuket 3 times over the last 3 years and I’m here now for the New year period. It’s so over crowded and there’s so much traffic that it’s honestly turned me off Phuket. Also I was disappointed because I brought over friends who had never been here before and it’s left a bad impression on them. On another bad note, the Russians here are becoming menaces, I witnessed an incident of a Russian man being so rude to a bartender it made me sick honestly. She was such a polite and sweet lady to us. Anyway I just hope Phuket doesn’t get ruined any further but I think it’s best to go to the many other cities and islands in Thailand.
"I brought over friends who had never been here before and it’s left a bad impression on them"
This is something the local economy should fear... many first timers are saying they never want to return. Then, they'll tell their friends as well.
I live off grid in Buriram now. So peaceful here no tourist here in my village. I can go to Bangkok by bus only 4 hours away if I want the city life. 😅
Would be great to see your setup in Buriram if you are open to sharing it.
Russian money in Phuket is definitely suspicious
As for the authorities saying they would check property deals to find underlying money laundering or whatever. It’s hilarious. We all know the corruption level there and how money hungry they are. All those talks about checking the source of money are not gonna turn into any action. Bangkok, maybe. But not Phuket. Even if govt enforces the regulations, there will be lotta ways and “solvers” to find a way around
Way overcrowded and too many Russians. Traffic is worse than a major city. It's lost its charm.
Barry Anderson is a 40 year Expat on Phuket island of Thailand and he will share his views later and thank you
Naiharn lake island once was once a barred space for birds breeding.
You're correct that place is totally screwed. I went there as a backpacker in 1978, was pristine, continued visiting thru the 80s- mid 90s. Last time was pre covid around 2015 we took a boat from Krabi expecting to stay on Phuket for a few days. After one night was more than quite enough, headed back to Krabi. Never went back or will. Our family splits time between our rural home just outside Udon and a condo S. of Hua Hin. Is Samui on the way to becoming what Phuket has become?
Would be great to see your rural life in Udon. It sounds peaceful there.
@@PhilipJames360 yes, if you haven't been, try a visit. We live about 10k from city center but go into town most everyday. Has everything one needs shopping from dozens of markets to the large Central Plaza. Great restaurants and genuinely nice locals. We can be at the beaches in a few hrs.
We have same Russian issue in Jomtien. Flipping obnoxious!!!
What's the main issue?
Im in patong visting for 7 days.cant wait to get back to khon kaen.havent been here since before covid.but in 2019 patong was over run then.now it has massive amount of tourist's once again.im older now and dont like being over crowdedpatong in jan.of 2013 patong was my best place to be.not any more.
I agree Garth, and prefer Khon Kaen over Phuket these days.
They didn’t build Big Buddha without permits. They added buildings on the backside and allegedly didn’t have permission. Does anyone know if they reopened Big Buddha for tourist?
BB is closed.
After all, Thailand resp Phuket authorities could regulate and influence the future of this island. But all have one goal only and that is making more and more money. There’s no long term interest or view. Yes, some foreigners can be blamed for misbehavior etc. but the authorities see these bad developments and all they do is planning for another airport. The old saying is true here, be careful what you wish for.
Rip Phuket...🐳
Great memories though…some of my best.
It was dead long time ago
i live phuket before and since 2 years i live between krabi and ao nang and its a wonderful place
And not just puket pattya too Thailand should stop from people from overseas buying property 🙄 its dosint help local Thais only rich and courpt make money 💰
I never went to begin with. It's not an island if a highway connects to it.
Well said, feels more like a land mass than an island
Just wait until White Lotus start in March...will get worse...Samui is next to be destroyed
I will be going to Hua Hin
I have to say I am not a typical Russian, I lived for many years and studied in the west. I love Thailand and it saddens me to see so many Russians there. Yes they are rude and unfriendly, not all but many, I wish they were not there. I also hate to see russian signs (or any other than Thai) everywhere. It kills authenticity. As of the drunk guy I hope he will be banned from Thailand for life and put behind bars in a Russian prison. What a disgrace. However, let's be honest drunk idiots come from all countries.
I hope flights from Russia to Thai will quadruple in price in the near future (please God!).
Thank you for your comment. Are you currently in Phuket?
All those predictions were made about Bangkok before it got HUMONGOUS, for that matter any city on earth .
Phuket has been steadily downhill since 2000, and of course it will continue that trend with more tourists/ex-pats, more housing, more traffic and strained infrastructure. But there will always be new people arriving thinking the current state of Phuket is beautiful, only to be replaced in X years when the cycle repeats...It's still better than Pattaya...but that gap will shrink...
Pattaya is very dirty
I never go because of the taxi mafia
TiP --> Rayong !
SHHHHHHHH ;)
Mae Rampueng ❤.
7:05 the way he said Kamala reminded Trump😆
21yrs Phuket, currently in a hotel which will remain in named.
Karon is 6degrees from patong
Second round of Russian bs.
Happed 15 years ago.
Brown sand. Youll know white if you ever see it. I’m nitpicking, but it’s a pet peeve of mine.
Zanzibar, like icing sugar.
Phuket is the Mallorca of Thailand.
Phuket is much better place then once beautiful Bali in my opinion.
Generally speaking any popular tourists destination is the same, it's wear and tear. And yes there's few extra Russians there but they bring cash, investment, jobs and spend lots of money to be in Phuket. We have to except the fact for something to be perfect fit one must allow little discomfort to make it right/fit.
Please show me any other destination which is perfect.
Russians aren't the real problem its other greedy forigners trying to buy slice of this paridise next to, nothing so they can live in beautiful Phuket.
I respect your opinion but your prediction fall short or little over baked. Respect
Your home. Glad u made it out of America alive
I think there is a lot of misconception about Russians & sweeping generalizations and stereotypes due to western media. I live in Pattaya & there are more Russians here than Phuket & they are the most Family Oriented People contrary to what many think, Russians always travel with their whole families get married early, have kids early, they spend a lot in local markets even when their currency has crashed 8% against Thai bhat.
There are two huge markets in Jomtien frequented by 99% Russians, & it runs the economy of Jomtien. I really hope Phil interviews few Russians & visits Jomtien near Pattaya to see how Russians & Eastern Europeans in general live here. I think it would be really unfair to Russians if we do not hear their side of the story.
They are very rude and unfriendly (I live here). The rest you said probably true though.
The point is they don’t adapt. Don’t speak Thai or Barely even English. If 800 000 people form one country move into an other country longterm … it has serious impact.
I lived in Phuket 10 months.. I hear more Russian than I hear Thai.
That there are good Russians doesn’t matter…
What matters is people come on holiday to Phuket to be in Thai environment.
Not to be in little Moscow
Russian? I dated a single mother in Jomtiem.
Against my better judgement. Lying, manipulative, blackmailing gold digger.
Vile piece of work. I binned this POS after a few weeks.
That is very, very true, but don't let the facts get into the way of a good fantasy...
I’ve seen much more drunk fights started by Brits and Aussies than Russians. All that hatred is just xenophobic crap
I don’t think I would like to holiday in GORKY Park
No wish to visit this place
Tell me howthey treatdogs, if ine wants to move with a pet
HUA HIN!!!🎉❤
Was first (and only) time to Fuket was in '99. Never been back, never going back. It is a rat hole IMO. Up North is the way too go.
There is massive demand for property in phuket..lot of wealth has moved there and the island is more popular than ever...u hand pick negative comments from clueless peiple and post them in this video..is there any evidence these people have any idea what theyre talking about?..yes phuket has gpt busier,same as bali and dubai,and with the migration prices go up,and prices the poorer people out..its happening in many places ,not only phuket and all it shows it that phuket is a very desirable place to live
I live in Phuket. It has become a s*it hole. I am departing. Never to return. F'n russians. 😡😡🤬
He’s saying that means it’s now more expensive and budget type of people need to move out to “quieter” places
These aren’t predictions, it’s currently what’s happening, not sure why you use the wrong analogy as “Predictions” 😂😂😂😂
You blind to Arab...
It’s not all doom and gloom admittedly there are issues to be addressed such as traffic congestion and over development prior to improving the infrastructure which has led to flooding but as we have witnessed in Bangkok. I think that Phuket will continue to grow but at a more sustainable realistic pace and be a jewel in the Thai economy.
I left Phuket and went to Koh Samui
The same problems will reach Koh Samui very soon !!!
@@somai13-x8rso where is the place to be?
Same… I was in rawai en kata 10 months. Now in lamai Samui.
But it’s the same 😂 the only difference is the police doesn’t hunt you down to steal 1000 baht.
Other than that.. crowded, prices are not cheap and half the island is Russian or French 🎉😂
Roads are not even roads
Only lamai is developed to drive proper
Overcrowded over rated to overcrowded and very rated both places have been ruined by insta and rich expats
@somai13-x8r they already have its way overcrowded and ruined by insta and RUclips bloggers
.none of them know what it was like 20 even 10 years ago
There is hardly any value and its nothing like the value of 20 years ago
"Russian will become the official language" - said someone who hasn't spent enough time in Thailand. 😂😂
Twas a funny joke anyways innit 😂
Your videos are the hype videos during last several months. Is it the kind of the marketing?! You have mentioned Russian people several times, but it is the same for all foreigners. Drunk guys are crazy everywhere - in Russia, USA, UK, China, and etc. You have mentioned the new Condos, however Thai guys make a lot of money for such new projects, together with the fact that Bangkok is REALLY rich city and there are a lot of buyers in Thailand who can and who will buy the new flats and houses on Phuket. So, yellow press and local chats are not the best source for any info. Good luck and happy New Year!
You are dellusional
Anyonw that has been to phuket in the last 3 years can easily see that phuket is now a basket case , and it is the russian invasion and they have bought off local officials and pretty much own the island now .
This paradise is now becoming a sad and ugly place , and within a decade , no western visitors will be choosing phuket as a holiday destination , as they are already avoiding this place , and its a massive win for places like vietnam, cambodia & the philippines .
Its hard to believe that the Thai government cant see that phuket is dying and it wont be long before it becomes a getto and becomes bankrupt from this current addiction to overpopulating the place and creating a haven for money laundering and criminal activities .
Phuket is booming mate love the place good service good food good hospitals good beaches good shopping what more do you need got an airport aswell.
My electric bill was 1100 bhat this month cheap as chips I wouldn't say its expensive living here,
Yes if had good surf it would be perfect 🏄
Lmao it wasn’t Russians who destroyed Bali and Ibiza. Those were your fellow Europeans and Aussies. I don’t get the hate towards Russians. I’ve seen way more drunk fights started by Brits and Aussies. At this point all those hateful comments are just xenophobic nonsense
Oh Ya - Blame it on the Russians - stopped listening after that.
Truth hurt?
😂😂😂 the foreigners that blame foreigners in Thailand are the same that blame foreigners in their own country (see a pattern there?) I was in Phuket in March 2020...all these foreigners run away from Thailand because "it wasn't safe" so now they re back lecturing? Long time residents were begging for tourists to rent their houses/condos, locals didn't have enough to eat...until russians came, like it or not, they re building Phuket, not British not Americans, so please keep this non sense for yourself.
Real estate price drop???? So where in the US or Europe you can buy a beachfront appartment for less than 3K$/sqm???? So maybe it's not for you (I respect it if you re looking for something else) but believe me there are millions of people for whom it's a bargain...Phuket always been a touristic destination...that's how you arrived here the first place remember that
His point is that 800k of one nationality that stays longterm maybe forever … obviously has serious impact. Low season is k no on existing anymore.
It still rains yes! But the overpopulation stays all year Around.
Also people all over the world come to Phuket to experience Thailand and Thai culture and environment.
Not to wake up in little Moscow. I lived there 10 months🫡 did some vodniks and have many Russian friends.
Does that mean I like to have 90% odd daily to have Russian neighbors, Russian restaurants, Russian signs and menu’s everywhere.
Imagine you are with that many in a place that menus come in your language.
Also because English skills are that of children with most of them offcourse.
Imagine I speak 3 languages and stills have to hear one I don’t understand 🎉
No wait? We should be happy right?
Of 800k Dutch people made little Amsterdam off Phuket it would have the same problems
Or make it little London
Make it little Paris
It’s not because it’s Russians… it’s not a racist problem.
Reality is that it’s ruining Thailand longterm.
Only the elite makes profits. 90% only has downsides 🎉🎉🎉
Don't be bitter old expat.
Fr tho 😂 falangs coming to Thailand then complaining that others come here too 😂 like they are fcking exclusive or smth
Russian signs everywhere.....right next to English signs. lol.
Understand 100% but lets positive. I love Russians, chinese and Indian culture. Lets be positive bro. If you don't like it, hop on a boat go to Aonang, ko Lanta. 🎉
They've destroyed the tourist areas.
What a pity! Americans, you are not the richer guy anymore. Wellcome Russians.. thats History. Sorry for for the losers.
Someone's insecure. Lol
The Chinese and the Koreans are the rich kids on the block now, not the Russians.
Lol, every year thousands of Russians emmigrate to the US and many more would like if they were able to. Almost no one wants to immigrate to Russia. At least no one from a Western country. In almost every metric (health, wealth, education, jobs, crime, corruption,...) Russia is among the worst countries in the world, even many African countries became more attractive in the recent past than Russia. So much about losing 🤣
It is not about who is richer but about being civilized. Who wants to live between barbarians, loud voices, drunk, and vulgary behavior?
More Run.