Influx and impact of western settlement in Phuket (2004-2014) : a case study of Ban Saiyuan, Tambon Rawai, Amphoe Mueng Phuket, Changwat Phuket

Abstract

This thesis aims at examining the phenomenon of the influx of Westerners in Phuket during 2004 – 2014 and at analyzing various aspects of change caused by these Westerners and their impact on present-day Phuket society. Data collection methods are documentary and fieldwork by conducting in-depth interviews and observation. The fieldwork was conducted from 2014 to 2016 at Ban Saiyuan, Tambon Rawai, Amphoe Mueng Phuket, Changwat Phuket. The research findings reveal that the influx of western settlers from 2004 to 2014 is noticeably detected as it can be proved by the considerably increasing number of foreign honorary or general consulates, throughout the province. These western settlers who come from a variety of background and profession occupied many areas, especially in the southern part of Phuket. Furthermore, it can be observed that investment of housing property and building construction to accommodate these groups of foreign residents have grown drastically. Data from the fieldwork at Ban Saiyuan indicate that, the influx of the western settlers has its consequences in rapid changes in terms of physical landscape, demographic composition, cultural diversity, and local residents’ ways of living. Data analysis demonstrates that western settlers become a key component of the island’s demographics. The new generation of luk kreung farang, children of mixed ethnic Thai and Westerner parentage is on the rise and generates more diversity in Phuket demographics. Various nationalities of western settlers produce an increase of cultural diversity in the society of Phuket by introducing diversified culture, with a high concentration of international restaurants and the emergence of Thai Pidgin English derived from the linguistic diversity among Westerners and local people. The influence of western settlement on the locals’ way of life lies mainly on their livelihoods by doing new business as landlords providing houses/land for rent, some work as taxi drivers with gaining most from their foreign clients and some run small local restaurants. The physical landscape has changed from green forest into areas with a high concentration of property development projects and large residential areas. Land and property in the residential zones of Phuket have continued to increasingly fall under foreign possession. The fortress-like building styles and tall fences that some Westerners favor, and which are so different from the way the locals build, have altered surroundings, atmosphere and way of living. The change in the education sector with an increase in international school establishments is an indicator of a massive change and has resulted in a clear characteristic of Phuket´s internationalization.