You might be thinking about visiting Phuket, but are you sure it's the right decision? In this video, we're going to share with you some shocking reasons why you shouldn't visit Phuket. From the environment to the people, there are plenty of reasons why you should reconsider your trip to this cesspit of a country!
The cost of living in Phuket can be relatively high compared to other parts of Thailand, particularly if you are living in tourist areas. As one of the country's most popular destinations, Phuket's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which drives up the prices of many goods and services. For instance, the cost of accommodation, transportation, food, and other essentials can be significantly higher in Phuket than in other parts of Thailand.
Housing is particularly expensive in Phuket, especially in areas that are popular with tourists. Rent for a basic apartment or a small house can be quite high, and even necessities like groceries and utilities can be more expensive than in other parts of the country. Additionally, dining out, shopping, and entertainment can be costly, particularly in upscale areas like Patong and Kamala.
While it's still possible to find affordable options in Phuket, particularly if you're willing to live outside of the main tourist areas, the cost of living is still relatively high compared to other parts of Thailand. So, if you're on a tight budget, Phuket may not be the best place to live.
Crowded and Busy
Phuket is one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations, and this popularity brings with it a significant amount of traffic and crowds. The island's roads can become congested, particularly during peak tourist season, and it can take a long time to get around, especially in areas like Patong and Kata, where the majority of tourists tend to stay.
In addition to traffic, Phuket's beaches can also be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Many of the island's beaches are famous for their beauty and the variety of water activities available, so it's no surprise that they attract large numbers of visitors. However, this can mean that it can be challenging to find a quiet spot to relax, and you may have to contend with crowds, noise, and litter.
Moreover, the island's tourist areas are often bustling with activity, with vendors, touts, and other people trying to sell you things or offer you services. This can be overwhelming for some people, and it's worth noting that the hustle and bustle of Phuket may not be for everyone.
Overall, if you're looking for a quiet, peaceful place to live, Phuket may not be the best choice. However, if you enjoy the energy and excitement of a busy tourist destination, then Phuket might be just what you're looking for.
Weather
Phuket is in a tropical climate zone, which means it can be hot and humid throughout the year. Average temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F), and humidity levels can reach up to 90%, particularly during the rainy season. The rainy season in Phuket typically runs from May to October and is characterized by frequent rainfall and occasional tropical storms. During this time, the island can experience flash floods and landslides, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and disrupt travel.
On the other hand, the dry season, which runs from November to April, is characterized by sunny and hot weather, with temperatures sometimes reaching up to 35°C (95°F). While this can be great for those who love the sun and warm weather, it can be uncomfortable for some people, particularly those who are not used to the heat. It's important to note that Phuket's weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in weather patterns, so it's essential to be prepared for all types of weather if you plan to live there.
Overall, if you enjoy hot, humid weather and don't mind occasional tropical storms, Phuket's weather might be ideal for you. However, if you prefer cooler, drier weather, or are sensitive to humidity, you may want to consider other destinations.
Limited Job Opportunities
While Phuket's tourism industry provides numerous job opportunities, particularly in hospitality and the service sector, finding work outside of these fields can be challenging. Most jobs available in Phuket are related to the tourism industry, such as hotel staff, tour guides, restaurant workers, and customer service representatives.
While there are some international companies and organizations operating on the island, they typically have a limited number of job openings. Additionally, many of these positions require specialized skills and experience, making it challenging for people without these qualifications to find work.
The competition for jobs in Phuket can also be intense, particularly during peak tourist season when many businesses are looking to hire additional staff. While there may be some job opportunities for English teachers, the salaries in the teaching field are typically lower than in other parts of Thailand.
Overall, if you're looking for a wide range of job opportunities, Phuket may not be the best place to live. However, if you're interested in working in the hospitality or service industry, or are willing to start your own business, Phuket could be a good choice.
Lack of Cultural Diversity:
Phuket is predominantly populated by ethnic Thais, and as such, it can lack cultural diversity compared to other parts of Thailand or other countries. While the island has a sizeable expat community, the majority of these individuals come from Western countries, which can further contribute to the lack of cultural diversity.
The lack of cultural diversity in Phuket can mean that it can be challenging to find ethnic foods, cultural events, or opportunities to learn about other cultures. Additionally, the lack of diversity can lead to a lack of tolerance or understanding of other cultures, particularly among those who have not had the opportunity to experience or learn about different cultures.
While some cultural events do take place on the island, particularly during major festivals like Songkran, many of these events tend to be geared towards tourists rather than the local community. For those who value cultural diversity and want to be part of a more multicultural community, Phuket may not be the ideal place to live.
However, it's worth noting that Phuket does have a rich history and culture of its own, with a unique blend of Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences. Exploring the island's temples, markets, and local festivals can be a great way to learn more about this unique culture and connect with the local community.
Corruption
Corruption is an issue in many parts of Thailand, including Phuket. While efforts have been made to tackle corruption in recent years, it still remains a significant problem, particularly in the construction and property sectors.
One of the main issues with corruption in Phuket is the illegal occupation of public land, particularly in areas close to the beach. This has led to disputes between local residents, business owners, and the authorities, with some accusing others of illegal land grabbing or using bribes to obtain land-use permits.
Additionally, corruption can also affect the quality of infrastructure and services in Phuket, particularly in areas where there is little oversight or regulation. This can lead to issues like poor road conditions, inadequate waste management, and inadequate law enforcement, all of which can affect the quality of life for residents.
Overall, corruption is a serious issue in Phuket, and those considering living on the island should be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with it. It's important to do your research and seek advice from reliable sources before making any major investments or decisions.
Prostitution in Phuket
Prostitution is a sensitive and complex issue in Phuket, as it is in many parts of Thailand. While prostitution is technically illegal in Thailand, it is widespread and tolerated to some degree, particularly in tourist areas like Phuket.
There are numerous bars, clubs, and massage parlors in Phuket that are known to be frequented by sex workers, many of whom are not there by choice but have been coerced or trafficked into the industry. Additionally, there are reports of underage prostitution and exploitation in the sex industry in Phuket, which is a major concern.
Prostitution can have negative social, health, and economic impacts on the individuals involved, as well as on the wider community. It can also contribute to issues like sex trafficking, drug use, and the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
While there are efforts being made to tackle prostitution and related issues in Phuket, it remains a significant problem. Those considering living in Phuket should be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with prostitution and should take steps to protect themselves and others from exploitation or harm.
Scams
Scams are unfortunately common in tourist areas like Phuket, and visitors and residents should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect themselves.
One common scam in Phuket is the tuk-tuk scam, where drivers offer to take tourists on a tour of the island, but then take them to overpriced or low-quality shops and restaurants where they receive a commission. Another common scam involves jet ski rentals, where tourists are accused of causing damage to the jet ski and then pressured into paying exorbitant repair fees.
There are also scams involving counterfeit goods, such as fake designer products or low-quality gemstones. Visitors should be cautious when shopping and avoid buying goods from unlicensed or untrustworthy vendors.
Finally, there are scams involving accommodation and travel, such as fake hotel bookings or rigged taxi meters. It's important to book accommodation through reputable sources and to use official taxi services where possible.
Overall, it's important to be vigilant and exercise common sense when dealing with unfamiliar situations in Phuket. Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true and seek advice from trusted sources when in doubt.
