Phuket Expats Chat

An English-speaking Telegram chat for people living in or moving to Phuket.

English only · Free · ModeratedOpen since Oct 2026

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Who it's for

Made for digital nomads and families in Phuket.

Common questions in this chat

How long can I stay in Phuket visa-free right now?

From 15 Sep 2026 visa-free entry to Thailand is 30 days for eligible nationalities (60 countries; it was 60 days for 93 countries before), tourism only, under Interior Ministry notices published 31 Aug 2026. If you entered before 15 Sep you keep the stay you were given. Check your passport on the official list and look for any change before you fly. Source: visasnews.com/en/thailand-to-officially-cut-visa-free-stay-to-30-days-on-september-15-2026/ and siam-legal.com/travel-to-thailand/thailand-approves-end-of-60-day-visa-free-stay/. Checked: 2026-10.

How much does it cost to rent a one-bedroom in Phuket?

As of Oct 2026, guides put a 1-bed condo at about THB 14,000-25,000 in Rawai, 11,000-19,000 in Chalong, 15,000-28,000 in Kata/Karon, 20,000-40,000 in Kamala and 22,000-45,000 in Bang Tao, with sea views and pools at the top end. Listing sites show higher asking prices than guide averages, so compare several. Source: baanlyy.com/thailand/phuket/rental-market. Checked: 2026-10.

Do I need the Thailand Digital Arrival Card for Phuket?

Yes, every foreign visitor must submit the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arriving, whether you land at Phuket airport or elsewhere. Use only the official site; paid look-alike sites exist. Check the TDAC page for the exact submission window and keep the confirmation QR code on your phone. Source: tdac.immigration.go.th. Checked: 2026-10.

Where do I extend my stay in Phuket?

At Phuket Immigration in Phuket Town (most guides list 482 Phuket Road, Talat Yai; confirm before going) or the Blue Tree office in Cherngtalay. A tourist-stay extension of 30 days is possible with form TM7, passport copies and a photo; the fee is paid in cash and approval is discretionary. Arrive early, as offices stop issuing queue numbers mid-afternoon. Source: thai-visa-services.com/immigration-offices/phuket-immigration. Checked: 2026-10.

How do I do my 90-day report in Phuket?

If you stay 90+ consecutive days on a long-stay permission you file the 90-day report (TM47) at Phuket Immigration, by post, or online through the Immigration Bureau site. The window is from 15 days before to 7 days after the due date. Bring your passport, the TM6/arrival details and your TM30 receipt. First-time reports are often easier in person. Source: patong-thailand.com/2026/10/phuket-immigration-sorted-tm30-90-day.html. Checked: 2026-10.

Chat rules

  1. No spam. No ads, promo or referral links without a moderator's OK.
  2. Nothing illegal or dangerous: no escorts, drugs, scams, fake documents.
  3. No forwards from channels while you're new — write your own words.
  4. Respect each other. No insults, discrimination or harassment.
  5. English only so everyone can follow.
  6. Stay on topic: life in Phuket — housing, visas, work, health, events, tips.
  7. Report, don't argue: reply to the message with /report and moderators will look.

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