Phuket’s $14B Pipeline: Global Residential Market Boom
Phuket, Thailand’s vibrant island destination, is accelerating its transformation into a long-term global residential and lifestyle hub, backed by a powerful new pipeline of investment totaling USD 14 billion (THB 455 billion). This momentum was spotlighted at the high-impact debut of the Phuket Real Estate Forum 2025 on November 25, which brought together over 300 industry leaders.
A Market in Transition
Phuket’s fundamentals remain robust, demonstrating resilience and growing international appeal. As of September 2025, Phuket International Airport recorded 6.3 million arrivals, with the first quarter seeing a 9.2% surge driven by strong global demand.
The real estate landscape reflects this shift. The island now boasts 43,481 residential units in the primary market. Reinforcing its position as a compelling investment and luxury lifestyle destination, the hotel sector has a pipeline of 5,208 new keys slated to open between 2026 and 2029, bringing the total inventory to over 102,000 keys within four years.
Industry Leaders on the Future of Phuket
Hosted by C9 Hotelworks in collaboration with key partners, the forum explored how investment, lifestyle, and design are converging to redefine the island’s future.
Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks, emphasized the profound transition underway.
“Phuket is moving beyond tourism toward becoming a world community,” Bill said. “The convergence of real estate and hotels is reshaping resort economies across Asia. The next growth story will be written at this intersection.”
He highlighted the impressive scale, noting USD 10 billion in existing resort-grade real estate alongside the new USD 14 billion future supply currently in development.
The Sophistication of Global Buyers
Panel discussions revealed that the next wave of development is distinctly lifestyle-led.
Proudputh Liptapanlop, Executive Director of Proud Real Estate PLC, noted the growing sophistication of international buyers, stating, “Phuket has matured into a global residential destination. Buyers prioritize wellness, design, and long-term community living—and branded residences allow us to deliver that with credibility and consistency.”
Titiwat Kulvijitsuwan, CEO of Capstone Asset, reinforced this view: “The next wave of development in Phuket is driven by lifestyle. Buyers want authenticity, wellness, and purposeful design—not just square meters.” Design leaders echoed the emphasis on placemaking, sustainability, and projects deeply integrated with the island’s natural environment.
Flexibility and Global Access: The ThirdHome Advantage
A notable highlight was the participation of ThirdHome, the world’s largest luxury home exchange platform, which has recently launched in the region.
Wade Shealy, Founder, CEO & Chairman, highlighted the platform’s value proposition for affluent second-home buyers.
“Second-home buyers today want more than a deed; they want flexibility, mobility, and global access,” he said. “By integrating ThirdHome, Phuket developers can transform their properties into passports to the world.”
He underscored that this feature is crucial for developers seeking to stand out in a competitive premium market, allowing them to capture a new wave of affluent buyers seeking flexible, borderless lifestyles.
Driving Factors and Emerging Trends
Industry leaders, including Boon Yongsakul of Boat Pattana and Adeline Phua of The Ascott Limited, discussed how improved fundamentals are fueling this growth. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, such as enhanced drainage, expanded water supply, new expressways, and planned airport expansion, are set to support the next decade of development.
Emerging trends like co-living, serviced apartments, rent-to-own models, and crypto-enabled transactions further solidify Phuket’s status as a sophisticated, multi-layered real estate ecosystem. The inaugural Phuket Real Estate Forum 2025 provided an essential front-row view of how Asia’s resort economies are being redefined through the powerful convergence of real estate, hospitality, finance, and design.
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