Want to know the proof of how '
heaven on Earth' doesn't exist? Go to Phuket. With its beautiful beaches, calm seas, sunny weather, great food, and the like, you'd swear this place is the very definition of paradise. And for some, it's true. However, as with any other famous destination out there, there's no denying that Phuket still sees a lot of crime. It's the ugly side of paradise, one that even a place like this can't avoid. But how dangerous is the place, exactly? Well, you'll only if you check out at the city's crime rates.
Phuket's General Crime Rate
First up, it's important to know Phuket's general crime rate to get a good idea of the current situation. As of November 2021, the city's general crime rate is 46.32%, considered moderately high. At first glance, this doesn't seem all that bad. Many other cities have worse general crime rates. In fact,
Bangkok's crime rate is 42.65%, which isn't too far off and that's the country's capital city. But then, Phuket's rate for increasing crimes is at an alarmingly high 63.66%. What does this mean, exactly? It means that if the situation doesn't improve, the island's general crime rate will likely go higher.
Phuket's Top-Rated Crime
Now, what exactly are the crimes contributing to Phuket's alarming 63.66% rate of increasing crimes? Right off the bat, corruption & bribery take the highest spot at 80.85%. This rate isn't just considered high but very high, which means these crimes are a huge problem for the island overall. The silver lining here is that these aren't directly violent crimes altogether, however, they can affect those working here. Moreover, corruption & river can also lead to more sinister and deadlier crimes in the future. Phuket has to be very careful when dealing with those committing these offenses.
Source: Flickr.com/ Thai Police Vehicles
Phuket's Other Highly-Rated Crimes
With a rate of 59.57%, drug dealing takes the second-highest spot among Phuket's most commonly committed crimes. This doesn't come as a complete surprise considering that the island, in general, is a vacation hotspot. It's likely those committing these acts are targeting tourists who want to have fun and for many out there, this includes drugs. Meanwhile, the third highest-rated crime is burglary with a rate of 50.93%. Although this rate is considered only moderately high, it still poses a major concern among homeowners and new residents in Phuket. Locking the door might not be enough to avoid falling victim to this crime.
Phuket's Safety Rate
Let's switch it up a bit this time. What are Phuket's safety rates? Well,
according to Numbeo.com, it's currently 81.52% during the day and 58.56% at night. Contrary to what the city's crime rates imply, this actually bodes well for tourists on the island. 81.52% is considered quite high, allowing for many to explore Phuket, go on
public transport, and simply walk around with very little worry at all. And come nightfall, although 58.56% is only considered moderately high, it's still pretty notable. This just means that if you want to go out, you'll want to have some company to keep you safe.
Phuket's Areas You Need to Avoid
As paradisical as Phuket is, it can't avoid having a few areas you'd do well to avoid. Most of
Phuket's neighborhoods are beautiful and idyllic, yes, but there are still a good few that are dangerous, especially at night. A good example is the resort town of Paton, or rather, Patong's infamous red-light district. Lots of sketchy characters roam these streets and while it may seem lively at night, you never know what sort of danger lurks in every corner. Also while the famous Banana Beach and Naithon Beach of Phuket are great during the day, they become deserted and not the best place to hang out at night.
As beautiful of a destination Phuket is, the sad reality here is that it's infested with a lot of crime. In fact, the crime rates of the island are so notable that tourists can't simply brush them off. Anyone who goes here will have to be very careful!
No matter Phuket's crime rates, always go for
luxury homes in safer areas here.
