Thailand Business Directory

 

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island in the Andaman Sea. It is located 900 kilometers south of the capital Bangkok by road, and about one hour by air. It is connected to the mainland by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge to Phang Nga province. The area of Phuket with its small islands is approximately 570 square kilometers. The average temperature ranges from 23 to 33 degree Celsius. The average rainfall is 1,600 millimeter per year or about 62 inches.  About 70% of its land is mountainous, which runs from north to south, 30% are plains located in central and eastern part of the island. About 25% of the plains are rubber plantation. About 50% of Phuket remains forest jungle. It has no rivers except 9 creeks and brooks.

 

 

Phuket’s main attraction is its topography. Along with its own international airport and upgrade infrastructure, Phuket becomes one of the world’s alluring tropical destinations complete with natural beauty, pleasant climate, relaxed cultures and luxury lifestyle.  Tourism statistics in 2007 showed 3,100,000 foreign visitors to Phuket (doubled from 2005).

 

 

Prime locations for properties in Phuket include southern coastal hotspots such as Patong, Karon, and Kata; and east-western coastal areas such as Layan, Ban Toa, Surin and Chalong. Prices of beachfront and sea view land on Patong is now 101,203 baht per square meter, Karon and Kata beach land are at 40 million baht per Rai (1 Rai=1,600 square meter). A brand new, luxury 500 square meters villa can start out at 20 million baht and larger houses can sell for 100 million baht or more. The ground of Phuket’s luxury villas often boast a central terrace, swimming pool, lush gardens and ocean frontage if not breath taking sea or mountain view. A Phuket condos or apartments is popular with Thailand property buyers. Price varies dramatically, from 5 million baht for 44-60 square meter one bedroom apartment to 30 million baht for a higher end condominium. Phuket condos and apartment complexes generally offer upscale amenities such as swimming pools and recreation and fitness centers. Shared maintenance costs also make purchasing Phuket condos and apartments attractive for those who do not live year round in Thailand.

 

 

Since there are ever increasing numbers of foreign retirees from Northern Europe, United Kingdom, Middle East and Russia, Phuket is home away from home to many celebrities. About 250,000 residents registered their domicile in Phuket. With 75,000 visitors at any one time along with large numbers of semi permanent work force (who have house census in other provinces) and semi resident’s foreigners, the numbers of people who make home in Phuket is higher than reported.

 

 

Water sports are the big draw: Snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, sail boarding, water skiing, jet skiing and deep sea fishing.  Places to visit are gorgeous beaches and capes; the View Point; cultural theme park; Phuket Fantasea; Phuket aquarium; small islands; waterfalls; wildlife sanctuary; national park; zoo; orchid farms; museums; temples-30 Buddhist temples, 34 mosques, 2 churches; monuments; souvenir shops for sea shells, gems and jewelries (rubies and sapphires), ceramics-along Wichitsongkram Road; bird’s nests-popular among Asian tourists; and batik products.