There’s an old saying that goes, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” There is as much truth to that saying in Phuket as there is anywhere. Phuket is a fairly small island and seems to gradually get smaller the longer you’re here. Of course having skills that are in demand go a long way to making a living here, but having a variety of connections is key to making friends, opening up opportunities, and building or becoming part of a community.
Phuket Coast to Coast Cycling Tour | Cr. Siam Bike Tours
Everyone’s needs and desires differ somewhat, but searching out like minded individuals is always a good place to start. One of the beautiful things about Phuket is the wide range of people that can be found here. You’ll find people from all over the world and from many different backgrounds with interests in all kinds of things. Whether it’s sports like golf, cycling, fishing, surfing, or Muay Thai, or things like online gaming, cryptocurrencies, or live music, you’ll be able to find a community with these interests.
Golf Course In Phuket | Cr: kolfers.com
For some, it’s simply a matter of getting out there and making friends on the golf course or at the gym. In Thailand, and Phuket specifically, Facebook groups are a very popular tool that is often used to connect. The website meetup.com is also a handy way to find people into all kinds of activities and hobbies no matter how obscure. Phuket is also a great place to get into something new. Many expats come here for a fresh start or find themselves at a point in their lives where they need to shake things up a bit. You can find tons of outgoing and open minded people happy to share their experience or knowledge, but it might take a bit of proactiveness on your part to search them out.
Latin dance Cr: Facebook Green Man Pub
It’s not hard to find social outings happening all the time around the island – it’s probably more difficult to avoid them. Enjoy a specific type of music? You can find bars and clubs that specialize in or have nights dedicated to all sorts of genres from drum and bass, techno, funk, jazz, and more. Like to dance? There are latin dance nights at the Green Man Pub, Chalong Bay Distillery, and more. Want to learn to breakdance? There’s a school for that. Guided hike? Yes. Outings and events for families and kids? For sure. The Phuket Events and Activities Facebook group is a great place to start.
Keeping an eye out for events is another way to make meaningful connections. Phuket is a popular location for the hosting of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) events. Keep an eye out in local news outlets and on social media for tradeshows and other industry events. Whether you already work in that industry or have an interest in any other capacity, it can’t hurt to make an appearance and see who you might meet and what you may learn.
As we discussed in a previous article, coworking spaces have been popping up around Phuket and becoming more popular. While these spaces are intended to foster a work-focused environment, the fact of the matter is many people choose to work at these places to find a community. Those who work remotely can not only start to feel isolated and lonely working from their home office day in and day out, but they are afforded far fewer opportunities to make new friends and networking possibilities whether for work or fun.