Phuket has long been an important source of revenue for the Kingdom. The economy was dominated by tin mining in the 16 – 17th centuries. At the end of the nineteenth century as tin deposits and prices started to dive, the island's rubber industry began to prosper. Large chunks of the interior were cleared for rubber plantations and many are still present today.
It wasn’t until the 1970’s that Phuket’s natural charms started to attract adventure seekers on the backpacker trail. Word soon spread about Phuket’s qualities and in the mid 70s the airport was built and the island’s status as a tourist haven was destined.
Today Phuket welcomes over 3 million visitors annually and there are resorts, hotels and guest houses to accommodate all budgets. In the last five years there has been a definite sway toward the luxury market however the costs of living in Phuket are still significantly lower than in the UK, US and Europe.
One of the Kingdom’s wealthiest provinces, Phuket offers a wonderful mix of leisure and lifestyle amenities with the best golf, sailing and diving in the region, glorious spas and wellness centres, exotic shops and lively entertainment venues, all wrapped in Phuket’s scenic ocean surrounds.
Low-Cost Living
Phuket is a very affordable place to spend your holiday. Spend less, work less’ has become a viable way of life for many people living on this island.
To give you a rough idea of the cost of individual travel in Phuket, by introducing some sample budgets. |
Economic
