Russians Hold One in Four Foreign Work Permits in Phuket, Official Report Reveals

[Georgealbert]

 

File picture for reference only

 

A newly published report from the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO) has shed light on a significant demographic shift in the island’s workforce: Russian nationals now account for one in every four valid work permits issued to foreigners in the province.

 

According to the PPEO’s Labour Market Overview for April 2025, a total of 15,620 valid work permits have been granted to foreign nationals currently working legally in Phuket. Of these, 3,926 were issued to citizens of the Russian Federation, making up a remarkable 25% of all foreign work permit holders on the island.

 

 

This sharp rise in Russian work permit holders underscores the enduring appeal of Phuket among Russians, not just as a holiday destination but increasingly as a place to live and work. The island’s sunny climate, relatively low cost of living, and business opportunities in tourism, wellness, and real estate are believed to be key drivers behind this trend.

 

Following Russia, the leading countries of origin for foreign work permit holders in Phuket are:

 

• Philippines – 1,470 permits

• China – 1,202 permits

• United Kingdom – 1,150 permits

• France – 856 permits

• India – 707 permits

• Italy – 446 permits

• United States – 402 permits

• Australia – 363 permits

• Ukraine – 355 permits

• Germany – 333 permits

 

Several other nationalities are also notably represented in Phuket’s foreign workforce, including Turkey (232), South Africa (201), Canada (191), and Myanmar (191).

 

Beyond nationality, the report also provides a detailed breakdown of the industries in which foreigners are legally employed in Phuket. The hospitality sector remains dominant, with:

 

• 1,538 work permits issued to foreigners working in hotels

• 1,461 permits for those in the food and beverage industry

• 1,301 permits for individuals working in schools and other educational institutions

 

In addition, 1,102 foreigners are employed as consultants, while 876 are working with travel agents and tour operators. Other notable categories include:

 

• 224 permits in computer-related establishments

• 199 permits in sports facilities, such as diving, windsurfing, golf, and tennis

• 187 permits in other entertainment activities

• 141 permits in other residential facilities

 

The report also notes that 6,184 work permits fall under the category of ‘Other Activity Types’, highlighting the breadth of roles undertaken by foreign nationals on the island.

 

The growing diversity of Phuket’s expatriate workforce has prompted renewed conversations among policymakers and business leaders regarding labour integration, the enforcement of work regulations, and the need for strategic planning to support the island’s economic and social development.

-- 2025-04-07

 

[Mavideol]

understanding it correctly Phuket(grad) belongs to Russia and China, well done Thailand you asked for it  555

[JoePai]

underscores the enduring appeal of Phuket among Russians, not just as a holiday destination but increasingly as a place to live and work

 

So nothing to do with running away from the mother country because of Putrid's invasion of Ukraine ?

[MalcolmB]

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

Myanmar (191).

Something going on there.

They must be sharing their work permits.

[NativeBob]

Interesting play with stats. It shows only WP issued in certain period of time. not a total WP over Phuket. So obviously the topic is not correctly made.

Otherwise we can see only slightly above 7,000 legally employed foreigners over whole Phuket? Seriously? 

[stevenl]

4 hours ago, NativeBob said:

Interesting play with stats. It shows only WP issued in certain period of time. not a total WP over Phuket. So obviously the topic is not correctly made.

Otherwise we can see only slightly above 7,000 legally employed foreigners over whole Phuket? Seriously? 

So how about the 15620 mentioned? I think that is the number of permits valid in April 2025.

[BayArea]

Now show us the real numbers of foreign workers without legal permits