500+ in-depth guides written by 7-year Phuket residents. Real area names, real THB prices, real hospital and school recommendations. No fluff.
From visa options and housing costs to which hospital to register at and how to open a bank account — the one guide that covers everything. Seven years of living here, distilled into one honest resource.
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Over-50? Here's the full Non-OA process from Phuket Immigration in Chalong.
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Honest breakdown of who the Elite card makes sense for — and who should skip it.
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The Chalong office, the Phuket Town office — what each handles and how to prepare.
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From 8,000 THB/month studios in Phuket Town to 60,000 THB sea-view penthouses.
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Pool villas start at 25,000 THB/month in Chalong, 80,000+ in Rawai with a view.
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Freehold condos yes, land no. But there are legal structures. Here's what actually works.
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The deed type determines your property rights. Chanote is gold — everything else needs scrutiny.
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Leasehold land, local contractors, permits — the honest guide to building your own place here.
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PTT vs Shell cylinders, exchange vs refill, and how to order before you run out mid-cook.
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Some areas lose power 10+ times a year. Surge protectors, UPS sizing, and when to get a generator.
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After 6 years and a few ER visits, here's when to go where and what to expect.
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What each plan actually covers at Bangkok Hospital Phuket — with real claim examples.
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Dental work here costs 30–60% less than the UK/Australia. Here's who we trust.
Read guide →Bangkok Hospital's paediatric ward, expat vaccinations not on the Thai schedule, and the tropical illnesses to watch for.
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Gynaecology, contraception, Pap smear, mammogram, fertility and maternity in Phuket. English-speaking specialists, real THB costs.
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What documents you actually need, which branches are expat-friendly, and what to say.
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Real exchange rates, Thai banking rules, and how to avoid transfer problems.
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The Thai ATM fee catches everyone. Here's the workaround most expats eventually find.
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Honest review of Hatch in Chalong: speed tests, day pass costs, and community vibe.
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Full review of Coconut Coworking in Bang Tao: facilities, pricing, and internet speeds.
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Compare BOI 100% foreign ownership against the standard 49/51 structure. Real costs and trade-offs.
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Step-by-step Non-B guide for Phuket Immigration — documents, timelines, and renewal tips.
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Visa requirements, tax exposure, payment processors that work in Thailand, and real margins.
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How umbrella companies and EoR services let you work legally for ฿9,000–15,000/month.
Read guide →Bangkok Bank vs KBank vs SCB for your Thai company — fees, online banking, and Wise Business comparison.
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PND 90 vs PND 91, RD e-Filing walkthrough, deductions, and trusted Phuket accountants.
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Wise vs SWIFT, VAT threshold, legal invoice requirements, and the 2024 foreign income rule.
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Every coworking space reviewed — Bang Tao, Rawai, Phuket Town, Kamala and more.
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The ฿1.8M threshold, zero-rated exports, monthly filing, and when voluntary registration makes sense.
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Providers, costs, and annual compliance obligations for Thai companies in Phuket.
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180-day rule, 2024 foreign income change, DTV visa tax status, and real nomad tax scenarios.
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Non-B visa requirements, employer qualifications, Phuket Employment Office process, costs.
Read guide →Compare accounting firms, retainer pricing, right questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
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SSO contributions, hospital registration, 7 benefit types, and reclaiming funds on departure.
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6 must-have clauses, severance entitlements, red flags, and what to do when disputes arise.
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Best areas, ISP comparison, home office gear, coworking vs home, and time zone strategies.
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Register a Thai trademark, protect your brand, copyright basics, and Phuket IP agents.
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Chambers, BNI, coworking events, industry meetups, and online groups that actually deliver.
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FBA legal structure, 3 licences, startup costs ฿895k–3.9M, best areas, staffing, and seasonality.
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Compare providers, costs (฿300–1,200/employee/mo), PND 1 compliance, and when to outsource vs DIY.
Read guide →Full comparison of Xero, QuickBooks, Peak, and FlowAccount for Phuket SMEs — costs, Thai VAT support, and expat usability.
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Umbrella company comparison for Phuket freelancers — costs, work permits, LTR Visa alternative, and which suits your situation.
Read guide →Documents checklist, step-by-step Phuket Immigration process, costs (฿1,900 gov fee), 90-day report, and common rejection reasons.
Read guide →Area-by-area prices (virtual ฿500/mo → serviced ฿40k/mo), work permit suitability, and which option suits your business.
Read guide →Thai company vs BOI, ETDA notification, Omise vs Stripe vs 2C2P, Lazada/Shopee, and VAT for online businesses.
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Rassada Port, duty rates by product, ASEAN FTAs, customs brokers (฿3k–8k/shipment), and personal effects exemption.
Read guide →DBD process, shareholding structure, 49% foreign ownership rule, registered capital for work permits, costs, and the mistakes to avoid.
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100% foreign ownership, 3–8 year tax holidays, streamlined work permits — who qualifies and the real application process.
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Legal setup, TAT licensing, hotel act compliance, company structure, staffing economics, and villa management commission rates.
Read guide →Annual compliance calendar: DBD filing, CIT returns, VAT, Social Security deadlines — and what happens when you miss them.
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LTR Visa for remote workers, home office work permit grey areas, tourist visa legality, and the practical legal setup for different worker types.
Read guide →Public liability, professional indemnity, employer's liability, group health — costs, requirements, and the best Phuket brokers.
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Minimum wage (฿400/day), employment contracts, Social Security, probation periods, severance rules, and where to find great Thai employees.
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Hold within 4 months of fiscal year end, 7 days' shareholder notice, quorum rules, mandatory agenda items, minutes requirements, and fines for non-compliance.
Read guide →Customs registration, HS codes, product licences (FDA, NBTC), bonded warehouses and the real landed cost of importing goods to Phuket.
Read guide →EAT registration, FBA structure, co-broke agreements, commissions and how Phuket's property market actually works.
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Food establishment permit, food handler health cards, liquor licence and the 300-metre rule that catches most first-time Phuket restaurant owners.
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Therapist qualifications, establishment licence, the foreigners-cannot-massage rule, and real setup costs for Phuket spas.
Read guide →TAT Type B licence, THB 200,000 bond, guide licence restrictions and how to get properly licensed before your first tour.
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PADI affiliation, Marine Department licensing, work permits for foreign instructors, and high/low season economics.
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Vessel registration, passenger licences, captain certification, insurance requirements and the coastal trade restriction every Phuket charter operator must know.
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FBA rules, permits, company structure, and best locations to open a yoga or Pilates studio in Phuket — with real THB startup costs.
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Public health permits, hygiene requirements, autoclave, medical waste disposal, FBA rules and location strategy for opening a Phuket tattoo studio.
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FBA rules, work permits, CAAT drone licensing, best niches (weddings, real estate, hospitality) and how to get clients in the Phuket market.
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Company structure, TAT licence requirements, outdoor event permits, vendor networks and revenue models for Phuket's wedding and corporate events market.
Read guide →FBA structure, building permits, best locations (Bang Tao, Rawai), internet infrastructure, membership pricing and what Phuket remote workers actually want.
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LTR Visa, tourist visa work rules, Thai tax changes from 2024, company setup decisions and receiving international payments from Phuket legally.
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SAT registration, FBA structure, trainer work permits, ring specifications, location strategy (Chalong vs Rawai) and what makes a Phuket Muay Thai camp succeed.
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LTR Remote Worker visa, IGLU/BCG options, Wise for international payments, best creative co-working areas, and the real cost of living as a freelancer in Phuket.
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Grab, LINE MAN and Foodpanda onboarding, municipal kitchen licences, shared vs private kitchen models, and the best delivery zones (Bang Tao, Rawai, Phuket Town).
Read guide →Lazada, Shopee, Etsy and Amazon FBA from Phuket — FBA restrictions, platform commissions, Thai VAT, international shipping, and Wise for marketplace payouts.
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Work permit routes (gym vs own company), rate comparisons by area (THB 800–8,000/session), client building, online coaching, and the seasonal reality for PTs in Phuket.
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Private School Act registration, FBA structure, teacher work permits, Khu Ru Sapha licences, startup budget (THB 400K–1.1M), and the best market segments to target.
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Minimum wage (THB 370–380/day), social security, Thai labour law leave entitlements, 4:1 work permit ratio, and the severance pay numbers that surprise every business owner.
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LTR visa for established creators, Thai tax rules on overseas income, drone permits, best shooting areas, and the realistic income from brand deals and platform revenue in Phuket.
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Visa options, USD 15–60/hour rates, finding clients via Upwork and community referrals, Wise for international payments, and home office setup in Bang Tao and Rawai.
Read guide →FBA restriction, the legal employed-agent path, 3%–7% commission structures, agencies hiring foreign agents, and the Bang Tao luxury market income reality.
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FBA structure, Thai-Russian and Thai-Chinese demand, immigration law firm and Bangkok Hospital Phuket clients, THB 100–5,000 rate ranges by service type and language pair.
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LTR visa for tech workers, USD 60–150/hour Western rates, Phuket hospitality tech niche, Coconut Coworking community, and effective Thai tax rates for developers.
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OECC licensing, FBA structure, THB 300k–5M startup costs, Bang Tao vs Rawai market analysis, Child Development Teacher requirements, and THB 15k–45k/month fee ranges.
Read guide →Thai CPA restriction, Xero-based management accounting for expat businesses, THB 3k–18k/month per client rates, Thai CPA partnership model, and the THB 80k–150k/month income reality.
Read guide →Visa options, local hospitality clients, rates THB 8k–60k/month, overseas retainers at USD 800–3,000/month, and building a Phuket-based social media business.
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ICF credentials, wellness retreat partnerships, rates THB 2,500–15,000/session, online coaching at USD 500–1,500/month, and building a coaching practice from Phuket.
Read guide →LTR visa for overseas clients, Thai company for local work, brand identity rates THB 8k–80k, overseas retainers USD 1,500–5,000/month, and hiring Thai designers.
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CAAT drone permits, wedding season Nov–Apr, top venues Trisara/Amanpuri, rates THB 60k–200k+ per wedding, commercial photography THB 15k–40k/day, and gear for the tropical climate.
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Foreigners cannot hold Thai tour guide licences but CAN own tour companies. TAT licence setup, private charter rates THB 20k–50k/day, and what is actually legal for expats.
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Thai company + food business licences, start-up costs THB 200k–800k, best markets in Bang Tao and Phuket Town, and the honest seasonal challenges for expat F&B operators.
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Hotel licence for accommodation, best areas Rawai/Nai Harn/Kamala, 5-day retreat rates THB 20k–50k/person, 200-hour YTT at USD 1,500–3,500, and seasonal income planning.
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Kata Beach location strategy, ISA certification, beach concession reality, startup THB 200k–400k, group lesson pricing, and dry-season SUP/kayak diversification.
Read guide →Thai Massage Act licensing, best locations from Bang Tao to Kata, startup costs THB 200k–1.2m, treatment pricing, staffing Thai therapists, and building resident repeat business.
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Destination wedding market, best venues (Trisara, Kata Rocks, SALA, Paresa), planning fees THB 30k–600k, supplier commission model, low-capital startup, building portfolio.
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Villa catering market (Bang Tao, Surin), food business licensing, villa dinner pricing THB 15k–70k all-in, resident retainer THB 50k–120k/month, villa management relationships.
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CrossFit box or boutique studio in Bang Tao or Rawai — startup costs THB 250k–1.2m, membership pricing, CrossFit affiliate decision, equipment sourcing, building 100+ members.
Read guide →Marine Department vessel licensing, TAT licence, PADI Dive Centre status, startup THB 400k–900k, OW course pricing, Similan liveaboard revenue, and wet-season planning.
Read guide →Marine Department licensing, vessel costs from THB 400k to THB 20m, charter rates THB 8k–150k/day, departure points (Chalong, Ao Po, Yacht Haven), building booking pipeline.
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Sports facility licence, ring and equipment costs THB 250k–520k, kru salaries, training camp packages THB 12k–30k/week, best areas (Rawai, Chalong, Bang Tao), competitive reality.
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Management fee models 15–25% short-term, 8–12% long-term, housekeeping team, OTA management, Hotel Act complexity, and building a scalable villa portfolio in Phuket.
Read guide →OVEC Private School Licence (3–6 months), classroom setup THB 188k–401k, children's classes, adult/corporate training, teacher work permits, and student acquisition strategy.
Read guide →Thai Customs registration, import duties (alcohol 300%+, ASEAN 0%), premium F&B and villa fixtures niches, Ao Makham Port, FDA registration, FBA restrictions for foreign traders.
Read guide →Setup costs THB 600k–1.36m, hot desk THB 3k–6k/month, private office THB 12k–30k/month, Bang Tao vs Phuket Town analysis, internet infrastructure, and digital nomad community building.
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Startup costs THB 425k–757k, villa maintenance contracts THB 2k–15k/month, landscaping projects THB 150k–800k+, Thai gardener salaries, property management partnerships.
Read guide →Low startup costs THB 37k–82k, per-clean rates THB 800–5k, Airbnb changeover cleaning, Thai cleaner salaries, photo documentation quality control, and property management partnership strategy.
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3,000+ weddings/year at Trisara, SALA, Kata Rocks; villa property shoots THB 5k–20k; startup THB 115k–480k; high-season (Oct–Apr) delivers 60–70% of wedding revenue.
Read guide →Wedding catering 150–300 guests: THB 180k–600k; villa private dining; PEACH Convention Centre MICE market; HACCP certification for premium venues; shared kitchen startup from THB 335k.
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18M airport passengers/year; compete on reliability vs Grab; airport transfers THB 1,000–1,800; one established minivan earns THB 30k–60k/month net; yellow commercial plate registration required.
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฿170 flat fare airport to Rawai — stops, timetable, the real-time app, and who the Smart Bus is (and isn't) good for.
Read guide →฿200–฿500/day, ฿3,500–฿8,000/month — where to rent in Rawai, Bang Tao and Kata, charging guide and insurance reality.
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Why meters don't get used, official airport fare table, Grab vs taxi comparison, and how to negotiate without being overcharged.
Read guide →Por Ro Bor vs Type 1/2/3 — real annual costs, flood cover, how foreigners insure their cars, and what to do after an accident.
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Phuket has no train station — how to get to Phun Phin, board the overnight sleeper to Bangkok, costs vs flying, and booking tips.
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Trusted workshops, dealer vs independent costs, tropical wear tips and annual registration renewal — everything expats need for maintaining a car in Phuket.
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Direct ferry (Nov–Apr) ฿1,200–฿1,800; shared minivan + car ferry year-round ฿700–฿1,200; private transfer ฿3,500–฿5,500/vehicle; timing, luggage tips and low-season options.
Read guide →Hotel WiFi managed services THB 8k–30k/month; 800+ hotels as client base; startup from just THB 83k; non-seasonal income; one-person operation earns THB 60k–150k/month with 10–15 contracts.
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Large expat community with rescue dogs; grooming THB 350–1,500/dog; walking THB 400–650/hour; boarding THB 800–2,000/night; startup from THB 33k; Soi Dog Foundation in Bang Tao creates trust market.
Read guide →Three licensing tiers from yoga studios to IV therapy; IV clinic net THB 300k–450k/month; Thai doctor required for medical services; foreign practitioners cannot practice medicine in Thailand.
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Hotel linen THB 25–45/kg; villa turnover THB 800–2,000; startup THB 305k–760k; 10–15 hotel contracts generates THB 450k–1.5M/month gross; one of Phuket's most consistent, non-seasonal businesses.
Read guide →Tourist bespoke suits THB 6K–15K; expat alterations; hotel uniform contracts; startup THB 183K–555K; Phuket Town best for bespoke quality; Patong for tourist foot traffic.
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Hundreds of new luxury villas built annually; design fee THB 80K–300K; procurement commission 15–25%; Bali and Bangkok sourcing; service startup THB 100K–270K.
Read guide →TAT licence required; min. THB 1M registered capital; private yacht charters and food tours best niches; OTA commission 20–30%; operational startup THB 235K–585K.
Read guide →MOE Private School Licence required; English, Mandarin, Thai for expats in demand; children's programmes THB 1,500–3,000/month; hotel training contracts; startup THB 270K–615K.
Read guide →Expat SME market underserved; monthly packages THB 3K–20K; Thai CPA for audit sign-off; strong referral model; startup THB 159K–385K.
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Security Business Act licence required; THB 1M registered capital; villa nightly guard THB 600–1,200/shift; hotel position THB 18K–25K/month; startup THB 205K–465K.
Read guide →SE Asia's sailing hub; 3 major marinas; boat clean THB 3K–8K; marine technician THB 800–1,500/hr; annual yacht management THB 25K–80K; startup THB 50K–2M+ by service type.
Read guide →Thai CPA required for annual audit; bookkeeping THB 3K–12K/month; VAT registration above THB 1.8M revenue; full-service retainer THB 10K–18K/month.
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DTV visa THB 10K; Thai company + work permit THB 80K–120K/year; LTR visa for high earners; tax treaty considerations for expat consultants.
Read guide →Commission 3–5% on sales, 5–8% off-plan; FBA restrictions for foreigners; condo freehold yields 5–7%; Bang Tao strongest market.
Read guide →TAT licence, PADI/SSI accreditation; Chalong or Rawai locations; startup THB 1.8M–4.2M; high season revenue THB 300K–600K/month.
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Hotel Act licence + TAT registration required; Thai company structure; small guesthouse setup THB 3M–12M; Kata/Karon and Rawai top locations.
Read guide →Hot desk THB 3.5K–6K/month; dedicated desk THB 8K–15K; Bang Tao best hub; hybrid working popular; internet speeds 300–1,000 Mbps.
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BNI Phuket THB 20K–25K/year; BCCT & AUSTCHAM chambers; Hatch and Garage Society events; Internations; practical guide to building your business network.
Read guide →Minimum wage ฿370/day, employment contracts, SSF, severance tiers, overtime rates, and hiring foreign staff — what every Phuket employer needs to know.
Read guide →Legal setup, Wise banking, Thai tax rules, internet quality, co-working options, and product sourcing from Southeast Asia for Phuket-based FBA sellers.
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Runway economics vs London/SF, DTV and LTR visas, co-working infrastructure, community, and the honest downsides of building a startup from Phuket.
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MOE-registered schools, course costs ฿5,000–฿80,000, traditional vs oil massage, certification validity, and working as a therapist legally in Thailand.
Read guide →Budget to premium options ฿15,000–฿60,000/month, Rawai vs Bang Tao vs Kata, WiFi quality checklist, and co-living vs renting your own apartment.
Read guide →Facebook groups, Hatch and Garage Society events, sport-based networking, time zone realities, and building a genuine professional network in Phuket.
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Banking with Wise, Thai tax obligations, sourcing from Thai and Chinese manufacturers, and running FBA legally from Phuket.
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Where expats actually eat on Sunday mornings — Rawai, Bang Tao, Kamala, Phuket Town. Honest venue reviews with real prices.
Read guide →The honest guide to tipping culture in Phuket — restaurants, massage, taxis, hotels. Real THB amounts from a 6-year resident.
Read guide →Trisara, Anantara, Banyan Tree, Six Senses — honest comparison with real 2026 prices for day visitors.
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Public pools, membership clubs, and hotel pool days — where to swim laps and relax in Phuket.
Read guide →From yacht clubs to fishing charters, sailing schools to boat ownership — the complete boating guide.
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Where to watch movies in Phuket, ticket prices, IMAX options, and finding English-language films.
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Central Festival, Jungceylon, local markets, and online shopping guides for Phuket expats.
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Affordable laundry options across Phuket — self-service, drop-off, and premium dry cleaning services.
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Custom suits, dresses, and alterations in Phuket — which tailors are worth your time and budget.
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Finding reputable tattoo artists, safety standards, pricing, and the tattoo culture in Phuket.
Read guide →Where to find HomePro, Tops, Makro, Boots and everything else expats need week to week.
Read guide →Rawai is the longtail hub. Real 2026 charter prices to Koh Hae, Koh Bon, Coral Island and more.
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Marriage equality, best areas, social scene, healthcare and community for LGBTQ+ expats in Phuket.
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From Holy Redeemer to Chabad, mosques in Chalong and 40+ Buddhist wats — faith communities covered.
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Facebook groups, fitness communities, and professional networks for women expats in Rawai and Bang Tao.
Read guide →The honest guide — best areas for solo living, meeting people, dating, and building community in Phuket.
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Railay Beach crags, Tonsai climbing, indoor bouldering gyms in Phuket, and how to get there.
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Tiger, Rawai MT, Sinbi — costs, what to expect, and why it's Phuket's best workout.
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Reformer pilates, mat classes, barreformer across Bang Tao, Rawai and Kamala. Prices from ฿350.
Read guide →Kata Rocks, Bampot, Diavola, Rustica — honest picks with THB prices from a 6-year Phuket resident.
Read guide →Bang Tao, Rawai, Kamala and Phuket Town brunch picks. Costs 300–4,000 THB per person by category.
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Where to watch EPL, Champions League, rugby and UFC in Phuket. Patong, Bang Tao, Chalong and Rawai options.
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Best beaches, rental costs (300–600 THB/hr), beginner lessons and seasonal guide for SUP in Phuket.
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AIDA2 courses from 8,000 THB. Best spots: Koh Racha, Similan, King Cruiser. Safety rules and operator picks.
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Rawai Seafood Market, Sai Yuan Road hawker stalls, Nai Harn morning market — real prices, real spots, no tourist markup.
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Old town cafés, Sunday Walking Street (Lard Yai), Hokkien noodles and kopitiam breakfasts. Where the city eats.
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Boat Avenue complex, Rimping Supermarket, local village Thai food and beach club dining — the north's full food picture.
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Waterfront seafood, roundabout café culture, local morning market and budget Thai favourites in Phuket's central hub.
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Side-by-side costs, English fluency, direct billing and when to use each. The guide every Phuket expat needs.
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Korean BBQ in Bang Tao, Korean grocery stores, GrabFood picks — plus the growing Korean expat community guide.
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Hokkien noodles, o-tao oyster omelette, dim sum, khanom jeen — the Peranakan/Baba-Nyonya culinary legacy explained.
Read guide →Weekly updates: visa changes, property market, new openings, and insider tips. Join 5,000+ Phuket expats.
