#Phuket

A recent profile of a seasoned editor who moved from bustling global cities to Phuket to restart a career reveals a simple truth: living well on $1,500 a month is not only possible, it’s increasingly plausible for certain expats and remote workers in Thailand. The story traces rent that can be surprisingly affordable, groceries that stretch a long way, and a lifestyle built around flexibility rather than high salaries. It’s more than a personal anecdote. It maps a growing conversation about affordable relocation, work-life balance, and what makes a place truly livable in Southeast Asia today.

Helsinki has retained its title as the world’s most sustainable tourist destination for 2025, a distinction awarded by the Global Destination Sustainability Index which tallies 70 indicators across more than a hundred cities. The top ranking underscores a growing global appetite for tourism that protects the climate, uplifts local communities, and keeps everyday life livable for residents. For Thai readers, the findings offer a concrete blueprint—an invitation to look beyond visitor numbers and toward how cities shape experiences, economies, and environments in the long run.

A new analysis of UK Biobank data using advanced brain imaging reframes depression as three distinct symptom groups rather than a single disorder. The clusters are: mood-dominant, motivation-dominant, and a combination of both. Each group shows unique brain activation patterns and responds differently to treatment approaches, suggesting more precise, personalized care.

Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine and collaborators argue that this symptom-driven view challenges traditional one-size-fits-all therapies. For Thai clinicians and policymakers, the work points to new ways to tailor interventions to neurobiological profiles, potentially improving outcomes in Thailand’s evolving mental health system.

Thailand’s tourism sector is rebuilding with a clear objective: lasting recovery and inclusive growth. New analyses show the shift from mass arrivals to a model that centers value, safety, and local authenticity. The insights highlight how the pandemic disrupted livelihoods and how smart policies can guide a more resilient comeback.

Before the crisis, Thailand welcomed a record 40 million visitors in 2019, with tourism contributing around 20% of GDP and supporting millions of jobs. International travelers typically spent more per person than domestic visitors, fueling growth in hotels, dining, and retail. The pandemic froze travel, devastating both major hubs and small operators dependent on visitor spending.

Phuket is redefining itself as a morning-food destination. A recent Asia Nikkei feature spotlights the rising appeal of early-morning eateries, sparking renewed interest in culinary tourism on Thailand’s famed island.

This shift matters for visitors and residents alike. With over 8.65 million tourists in a year, these modest yet exceptional breakfast spots are reshaping routines and energizing Phuket’s historic town center. Food-focused tourism diversifies the island’s appeal beyond nightlife and beaches, encouraging longer stays and deeper engagement with Thai culture.

Thailand’s real estate sector is undergoing a notable shift in 2024–2025, driven by rising foreign investment, policy reforms, a resilient tourism rebound, and evolving legal precedents. The changes promise new opportunities while introducing complexities for both Thai and international buyers, with impact felt across Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and coastal tourism hubs.

Data indicates a robust rise in foreign interest. In 2024, foreign direct investment in real estate climbed sharply, underscoring Thailand’s appeal as a top regional property destination. The economy grew around 3.4% that year, supported by infrastructure spending and a tourism revival, fueling activity in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Transactions in these cities rose by the mid-teens year over year, signaling strong market momentum even as leftover pandemic-era inventory tempers price growth.