While Koh Phangan has always thrived as a tourist destination, many readers will be well aware that it has of course become a major draw for expats, too.
In that way, the island perhaps reflects trends seen across Thailand as a whole, with World Population Review outlining how official research suggests the total expatriate population in the country is somewhere in the region of one million.
It is easy to see why people would opt to make a life in Koh Phangan, particularly with our island being such a picturesque setting. However, are there ways that we could look to develop its offering so that it becomes even more attractive to expats – which can mean immense benefits to local life as well as the economy.
The authorities could take a range of approaches on the issue, but one effective idea is to get some inspiration from other areas across the globe which have grown to be hugely attractive as expat hubs in their own right. One great example is the United Arab Emirates, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai offering state-of-the-art facilities and enticing job opportunities that are attracting many people from overseas.
It is notable that there is plenty online about what you can expect when moving to such areas, with several websites offering practical advice along the way too. Such online infrastructure, no matter whether it comes from the authorities or industry players, makes things that much easier for those considering making this move. For instance, Bayut data shows the property price trends that people can expect in Dubai both for renters and for those looking to buy a house, while the site also provides listings on accommodation currently available. Koh Phangan would benefit from the creation of similar information hubs, which give a clear idea of what life is like and what expats can expect in terms of monthly expenses for accommodation and utilities – a major part of moving abroad. Easily available information is key, and online is the way to provide it in the 21st century.
Another way the island, and perhaps Thailand as a whole, could be boosted is by looking at what it has in place to attract more international businesses to the region. For this, it may be able to take some inspiration from New Zealand.
As the New Zealand Now website details, the country was ranked second in the 2018 HSBC Expat Explorer survey and actually came first in the category of "overall experience". Perhaps most notably, it was also ranked as the best country in the world for the ease of doing business in the World Bank Group’s Doing Business 2020 report.
The study measured countries by ten areas, including starting a business, getting electricity and paying taxes. While Thailand came in at a respectable 21st in the research, authorities may well want to consider the steps taken by New Zealand and other higher-ranked nations. According to the World Bank, the best performers tended to use a range of digital tools, including online processes for business incorporation and property transfers. This is the type of help we should be looking to provide, as an incentive.
Koh Phangan has really taken off in terms of expats in recent times but there are plenty of places it could look to for inspiration if it wants to go even further. Our beautiful island is a wonderful place, and it will be intriguing to see if it is a location that more people choose to call home in the years ahead.
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