I've been in Pattaya 6 years and don't remember the last time I went to Bangkok for something other than to fly somewhere.

 

I'm considering moving to Phuket. I think the rarity of me flying places means, there is no downside to having Bangkok outside of driving distance.

 

Or do you Phuket locals disagree? I'm happy to hear considerations I'm not thinking about, thanks!

I think if you're based in any of the islands, you might pine for the big city and being been based in Pattaya, you perhaps see no need to head to BKK as you are already in a fairly big city with all the bright lights etc. For me, being in the South, I always want to go to either BKK, Chiang Mai or Pattaya for getaways and a reality check...........

For retirees, there is nothing of significant value that you can find in Bangkok that you can’t also find in Phuket. 

Phuket airport is also convenient and very well connected to other thai cities and most major global cities.

Nothing. For shopping, casino and fun i fly from HKT to KUL or SIN but not BKK.

Living in Phuket for decades, absolutely nothing I miss about being an 1.10 minute flight from Bangkok.

20 years ago ,,, it was different

OP, its only things like visiting your embassy, Ministry of foreign affairs etc, That would be the major difference. Shopping can be a little less extensive outside of Bangkok, there is pretty much a mall/district/factory that specialises in everything in Bangkok. Example: regionally you can buy computers and bits and pieces, Bangkok you can buy the actual components, chips, diodes etc, or get something manufactured. An interest or hobby etc may be better served in Bangkok.

But them again you can get a lot delivered in a couple of days

Bangkok is only for flying out, and flying in, Bangkok Hospital, and embassy related. Trying my best to avoid bangkok, and rather driving outside when passing by going south or heading back home North. 

 

But when Im first there, it is the quality hotels and restaurants you find there I like, and I  Can mention two places we often go, Marriots Goji restaurant and No Idea Sukhumvit 22. absolutely worth every baht you pay. 

 

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/pr/1823344/goji-kitchen-bar-wins-top-52-best-restaurants-bars-

Absolutely nothing at all.  haven't been near the place in 8 years, bar the airport. 

Thee only thing that once concerned me was the distance from my Embassy.

This was solved when Australia opened a Consulate General in Phuket - obtaining a new passport last year was a breeze.

Phuket has an international airport linked to almost anywhere on the planet and also has numerous cheap daily flights to Bangkok for those who have to go there.

Goods unavailable on the Island can be sent down overnight.

 

(flight info pre-covid)

Bangkok is just in the way when I go to korat.  I go to the west and north of it. I have no need for it whatsoever.  

Some would say it is inconveniently not far enough!

14 minutes ago, bobfish said:

Some would say it is inconveniently not far enough!

Been there, done that. seen all the sights. Now if it wasn't for arriving there and catching  a connecting flight to Khon Kaen, I would never see Bangkok again. Everything we need is in KK. 

Ok perhaps if friends or family were visiting , and I wanted to show them around.  

Over here in North America I feel your pain in being too far away from Bangkok.  I'd say it's beyond inconvenient at this point!

If you want to buy used bikes in Phuket forget it, Bangkok has so much more variety, better quality (not ex-rental <deleted>) and 20% cheaper ...! Cars too probably, haven't checked...., but that's just one small annoyance, don't miss Bangkok otherwise.... ????

 

Absolutely nothing, can't stand BKK.