With 24 years in Phuket plus the 4-5 years "after covid" split between central Thailand and Phuket, I honestly don't know. Too much traffic yes, too many undesirable and drug addicts yes. But for me personally, with the same place of residence for 24 years among the local population on the outskirts of the city center, I feel at home. And even in today's traffic I cycle there, yes you have to get up early, half a dozen swimming pools and that's just the ones I've used, King Rama IX Park, (Suan Luang Park) for a walk/jog or just to hang out for a while away from the rat race and not least the plus that what you can't buy/shop in Phuket, there is no reason to look for it elsewhere. Having said that shopping is not exactly "my thing" Summary it was a Paradise turned 180 degrees...but in my heart Phuket will always be number one. Not to forget, Phuket have the best air quality in Thailand. But as the saying goes horses for courses.
Felt