Phuket’s Blooming Tourism

The Flourishing Tourism of Phuket and Thailand

• Significant Growth: During the first nine months of 2024, Thailand welcomed over 26 million foreign tourists, a 30% increase compared to the same period last year. (Source)
• Phuket International Airport: In 2023, passenger traffic reached 7 million, getting close to the 9 million recorded in 2019 (post-COVID).
• Massive Tourist Influx: In April 2024, Phuket welcomed approximately 63,500 Russian visitors, making them the largest group of international travelers, closely followed by 46,700 Chinese visitors. (Source)
• Emerging Markets: Regional markets in Southeast Asia broke previous records, with significant increases in arrivals from Singapore and Malaysia, at 100% and 67% respectively. (Source)
• High-End Clientele: Phuket continues to attract more high-spending tourists, with a 43% increase in the average daily hotel rate in 2023, indicating a clientele willing to spend more on quality stays. (Source)
• 50 km of white sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters.
• 29 beaches, including Nai Harn Beach, ranked the fourth-best beach in Asia by TripAdvisor.
• Phuket is connected to the mainland by a road bridge in the north, allowing exploration of nearby areas, including the stunning Phang Nga Bay, Railay Beach, and Koh Phi Phi. Some sites are UNESCO World Heritage-listed, such as Khao Sok Lake.
• Buddhist culture is welcoming, and Thai people are known for their smiles and warm hospitality.
• No other island in Asia offers such spectacular landscapes and infrastructure.
• Close proximity to Asian countries like China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, which lack beaches and seas like those in Phuket.
• The presence of expatriate communities: French, Italian, Australian, English, etc. Phuket attracts families due to its infrastructure and quality of life (approximately 30,000 people).

Phuket Island’s Infrastructure

• The Thai government invests hundreds of millions each year in infrastructure, making it the crown jewel of Thai tourism.
• The most upscale and desirable island in Thailand, featuring hundreds of luxury villas valued at over a million euros, along with the most prestigious hotels and resorts.
• The presence of major global hotel groups: Hilton, Sheraton, Hyatt, JW Marriott, Accor, Holiday Inn, Mövenpick, etc. (750 hotels, 50,000 rooms). These groups’ analysts remain confident in Phuket’s future, hence the billions invested.
• 22 international schools
• 6 giant shopping centers, including Jungceylon, King Power, Robinson, and Central Festival.
• 4 marinas hosting the world’s most prestigious superyachts.
• 2 leisure ports + 1 commercial port
• A tram line connecting the north (airport) to the south, scheduled for 2031.

Real Estate Investment in Phuket

• Scarce land plots in prime locations mean short-term capital appreciation.
• Good rental yields between 6-8% net per year.
• Developers offer financing and guaranteed returns between 6-10% for 2 to 5 years.
• No property taxes
• Your income is not disclosed to France, as Thailand is not part of the G20 countries.
• An average budget of 150 USD / 130 EUR per night.
• 85% occupancy rate during peak season, 65% annually

The Possibility of Ownership in Thailand

Since the Condominium Act of 1979 revised in 2008, it has been possible for foreign investors to own property. In this case, apartments are the primary option.
For villas, ownership is also possible through various methods, such as setting up a real estate company.
It is also possible to have a long-term lease of 30 years, renewable twice, for a total of 90 years. This lease is officially registered with the land registry. However, renewal can sometimes be complex, so it is better to rely on the guaranteed 30-year base.