I am sure we can have fun with this article.

http://property-report.com/thailand-proper...erty+Watch+July

I say Phuket has potential. You can easily live an ideal retirement lifestyle of the rich and famous there or get a decent tropical vacation for much less than in the America's. Gunning by charging exuberant prices and having fewer tourists is a strategy for big easy money and simply excludes 98% of everyone like how Americas did it for many years. Now, bargains are to be had, but it's still at least $100 a night for a room. My sister paid $4400 for a 5 day 4 night vacation to Jamaica for 2 adults and 2 kids leaving next week from Kansas City and it's low season as well as the fact you have to stay at the resort and only participate in the activities the resort offers as it's too dangerous to go out on your own as a tourist. Phuket is nothing like that; it's cool. Even with modern things like nice boats, cars, and all the luxuries, it's still cheaper than the expensive tropical area of the Americas lacking infrastructure and services while Africa is not yet at all suitable for most Westerners due to corruptions, military situations, and lack of infrastructure. All the fresh seafood, ocean cruises, and resort lifestyle is to be had off of Phuket. It's just a short boat ride to gorgeous picturesque white sand honey hole coconut grove crescent beaches with emerald blue waters teaming with neon fish and corrals. I know I was blown away by the beauty of taking boat trips off the Southern tip of Phuket and was surprised by how cheap it was with plenty of services available unlike in the Carribean where it's almost impossible to island hop and get around due to lacking infrastructure like a network of boats and places to stay as it's set up strictly for package tourists. I do find the Thai to be a bit overly, "bossy," felt too baby sat, restricted often times, controlled, monitored, and policed, but some people need this or like being looked after. Overall, it's livable and offers all you need with a fun time to be had not to say it's all rosy because there was an airport shut down and a tsunami and other problems.

I say it can and will develop much more to be a more expensive destination offering more luxuries as much of the worlds tropical locales are too corrupt or politically unstable to develop and offer adequate public safety. Of course there are threats to the South and it depends on how stable Thailand holds itself together. It sure beats the pants of Pattaya.

216 views and only one coment I am dissapointed.

Short attention spans, perhaps?

216 views and only one coment I am dissapointed.

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I say Phuket has potential. You can easily live an ideal retirement lifestyle of the rich and famous there or get a decent tropical vacation for much less than in the America's.

Lifestyles of the rich and famous ??

Lower middle class about breaks even, but 'rich and famous' lifestyles here (cars, toys, etc) stack up very poorly in comparative terms. Priced up a porsche in Thailand lately ?? Or a Patek ?? Or even simply high end electronics ?? Fact is 'luxury' items from the west cost far more.

I always tell people that one of the great things about Phuket is that you can choose the level of luxury or affordability that you want. The choices are there for you to make and not many places can say that. I can eat Thai food for 30 Baht or gourmet for 3000 Baht. Up to you but at least you have the options.

I always tell people that one of the great things about Phuket is that you can choose the level of luxury or affordability that you want. The choices are there for you to make and not many places can say that. I can eat Thai food for 30 Baht or gourmet for 3000 Baht. Up to you but at least you have the options.

Agreed, but if you talk about cost no object you can do that in many many places.. My contention is to those that claim a 'High end luxury lifestyle' is cheaper here than the west, in this case the US.. I strongly disagree with that, and suspect their definition of high end luxury is not what I would think it to mean.

I should point out I am not saying I am high end luxury spending levels, however last weekend here in the UK I spent the weekend surrounded by the real rich, 1m GBP Bugatti's, ferrari collections, bently's and rollers filling the country house grounds etc, private planes and helis bringing them in and out, champers and salmon on the lawn, celebrities galore etc.. If you think Phuket offers a cheaper way to live this lifestyle your dreaming.

Phukets fine for a budget, but step above low end honda money and it rapidly becomes less of a bargain.. Something the TAT would be well advised to remember.