To those who aren’t familiar with Phuket, raising kids here might seem like an unlikely choice. However, with a booming economy, many international schools to choose from, and a vibrant local and expat culture, raising children in Phuket can be an incredible experience. But just as expat life on the island has a unique set of challenges, so does adding a child into the equation. While life here can offer freedom, nature, and a relaxed lifestyle, day-to-day family life may not quite be the same as what social media makes it out to be.
When talking with expat parents on this subject, they say one of their biggest concerns is transience. For a wide range of reasons, Phuket’s expat families come and go, with only a small percentage putting down roots for the long term. Even without leaving the island, kids are often moved to different schools because of cost or convenience. This can make it tough for children to maintain some continuity as they may form close friendships only to have their friends disappear in a matter of months. This constant turnover can be emotionally difficult, especially for younger kids who may not understand where their friends have gone. As a parent, it means helping kids repeatedly adjust and say goodbyes.
Schooling is another major hurdle for expat parents. Several international schools offer strong academic programs, but come at a significant cost. Beyond tuition, families also have to budget for transport, uniforms, and the cost of extracurricular activities. Additionally, teacher turnover is high at many schools due to low salaries, understaffing, and poor management. Again, this is tough for kids who may get attached to a specific teacher who might not be around for the next term.
Raising costs of living and unforeseen expenses can also catch expat parents unaware. Thailand historically had a reputation for being an inexpensive destination where Western currencies went a long way. This is becoming less so. Along with Bangkok, Phuket is the most expensive province in the country. A development boom has quickly skyrocketed property prices with the overall cost of living steadily on the rise. Depending on which country you come from, you may have had free public education, free or subsidized pediatric healthcare, or other government assistance programs. None of that will be available to you here, and while there may be cheaper options, the quality might not match what you’re used to.
Another often overlooked issue that may also affect children more than expected is transportation. Unlike many Western cities, kids’ ability to get around on their own is limited. Poor urban planning means that, in many cases, there aren’t even sidewalks. There are many reckless and speeding drivers who are careless of pedestrians or cyclists. As such, walking or cycling is often unsafe, so parents must plan on spending a significant amount of time driving kids to school, activities, and social events. The island’s traffic gets more congested each year making even short trips challenging during certain times of day.
All of this being said, Phuket is nonetheless overall a great place for families, and none of these challenges make raising kids in Phuket a bad decision. Instead, it’s important to have realistic expectations. The fact of the matter is that it’s not a perfect fit for everyone – some parents are going to find the challenges in adapting to the island’s lifestyle to be too much. For others, the unique experience of growing up in Phuket makes it all worthwhile.
