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

[bendejo]

I would think Russian nationals are more adept at dealing with a corrupt system than most occidentals.

 

[ChipButty]

The real question is how many Russians are working without a WP? 

[leverito]

Another real question is how many work permits are purchased from Thai employers for long staying in the country.

[edwardflory]

"""the enduring appeal of Phuket among Russians, not just as a holiday destination but increasingly as a place to live and work""".... and therefore NOT get forcefully drafted into the Russian Army?

Just wondering what will happen for passport renewal?

 

SEE NEXT TOPIC

HINT: A 24-year-old Russian man has been arrested for overstaying his entry stamp by 268 days

 

After deported, the newest member of Russian army?

[Hakuna Matata]

1 hour ago, ChipButty said:

The real question is how many Russians are working without a WP? 

 

[Hakuna Matata]

5 minutes ago, leverito said:

Another real question is how many work permits are purchased from Thai employers for long staying in the country.

 

70% of those work permits are purchased through agents, Phuket being a hub of corruption, a mafia hub!

[hotchilli]

19 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

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.

Not surprising as many Russians bailed out of Russia to dodge the draft.

They are now funding their long term stay.

[sikishrory]

3 minutes ago, Hakuna Matata said:

 

70% of those work permits are purchased through agents, Phuket being a hub of corruption, a mafia hub!

This is it.

[ronster]

So what are they doing in hotels apart from managers jobs , chefs and I thought travel agents and tour operator work was restricted business 🤔

[newbee2022]

19 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

 

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

 

Unfortunately it's not saying what job foreigners got there.

I thought foreigners can only get jobs where a demand is or Thais cannot fulfill?

What kind of job a Russian can get here?

And in what business foreign consultants are needed?

😳

[Nigeone]

9 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Unfortunately it's not saying what job foreigners got there.

I thought foreigners can only get jobs where a demand is or Thais cannot fulfill?

What kind of job a Russian can get here?

And in what business foreign consultants are needed?

😳

Well we know what job a Russian girl can get don’t we ! 

[wavodavo]

18 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

Something going on there.

They must be sharing their work permits.

Must be a Russian migration agent with a  lot of brown envelopes helping them get their permits.

[newbee2022]

6 minutes ago, Nigeone said:

Well we know what job a Russian girl can get don’t we ! 

And men too??😳

[LudwigK]

CRIMEA of Thailand !!!!

[impulse]

38 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

I thought foreigners can only get jobs where a demand is or Thais cannot fulfill?

 

That's not accurate.  They can take any job that's not on the list of occupations reserved for Thai citizens.

 

Edit:  Subject to provisions like the employer has to be registered and hire 4 Thai citizens for every foreigner, and the foreigners have to pay taxes on some minimum salary one year to get their WP extended the next.

 

[newbee2022]

Just now, impulse said:

 

That's not accurate.  They can take any job that's not on the list of occupations reserved for Thai citizens.

 

That's what I said. Thank you

[impulse]

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

That's what I said. Thank you

 

No it's not.

 

 

[newbee2022]

Just now, impulse said:

 

No it's not.

 

 

Ok, then I do not thank you 😂😂😂

[kuzmabruk]

20 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

6,184 work permits fall under the category of ‘Other Activity Types’

That wouldn’t be prostitution would it?   No, I forgot there is no prostitution in Thailand.  I keep making that mistake whenever I go for a walk down beach road.   They are prostitutes they are tour guides.  

[Seeall]

Consulting on how to obtain work payments

[Seeall]

1 hour ago, kuzmabruk said:

That wouldn’t be prostitution would it?   No, I forgot there is no prostitution in Thailand.  I keep making that mistake whenever I go for a walk down beach road.   They are prostitutes they are tour guides.  

Where's my bedroom?

[ChipButty]

That doesn't seem right to me, Myanmar (191). Must be that many in Rawai, 

[digger70]

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

 

It's easy enough to get an WP and Not working.

For only a few bucks one can Aquire an  Visa and WP   With an Agent  a Non-Immigrant Visa “B.   B-A.   IB   ( business and work or  undertake investment activities  ) while  one is in their own country. 

Even if this isn't quit legal but it gets done very often .

 

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. 

 

There are also  many more without a valid Visa / WP  .