Chinese Buyers Set New Record in Phuket: 34% of All Foreign Transactions in Q1 2026

Chinese nationals have reclaimed the top spot among foreign property buyers in Phuket, accounting for 34% of all foreign-buyer transactions in Q1 2026 — the highest share since Thailand reopened its borders after the pandemic, according to data from the Phuket Land Office and the Real Estate Information Center (REIC).

The surge marks a sharp acceleration from Q4 2025, when Chinese buyers represented 27% of foreign transactions. Total Chinese purchases in Q1 2026 reached ฿4.2 billion, up 41% year-on-year.

Key Figures: Chinese Buyers Q1 2026

Metric	Q1 2026	Q1 2025	Change
Share of foreign transactions	34%	26%	+8 pp
Total transaction value	฿4.2B	฿2.97B	+41%
Average ticket size	฿12.4M	฿9.8M	+27%
Top area	Bang Tao	Patong	—

The average transaction size of ฿12.4M (approximately $345,000 USD) reflects a shift toward mid-premium and luxury segments, with condominiums in the ฿8M–฿20M range dominating the purchase mix.

Where Are They Buying?

Bang Tao has become the top destination for Chinese buyers, overtaking Patong for the first time. The shift is attributed to the area’s resort lifestyle positioning, proximity to international schools, and major branded residences from Banyan Tree and Angsana.

Surin Beach and Kamala follow as the second and third most popular zones, driven by beachfront condo inventory from projects completed in 2023–2025.

Patong remains relevant for yield-focused buyers, as the zone delivers the highest short-term rental occupancy on the island — averaging 81% in Q1 2026 according to Airbnb and Booking.com aggregated data.

What’s Driving the Demand

Several structural factors underpin the 2026 surge:

Direct flight expansion: As of April 2026, 14 Chinese cities have direct routes to Phuket International Airport, up from 9 in 2024. Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou routes were added in late 2025.
Thailand’s LTR visa: The Long-Term Resident visa, which grants 10-year residency, has seen strong uptake among Chinese professionals and HNWIs. Over 6,800 LTR visas were issued to Chinese nationals by end of Q1 2026.
Capital diversification: Ongoing economic uncertainty in China has accelerated offshore asset allocation. Thailand, with no capital gains tax and low transaction costs, offers an attractive environment.
Currency dynamics: The CNY/THB rate has remained favourable for Chinese buyers through Q1 2026, effectively reducing acquisition costs by approximately 4% compared to 2024.

Impact on Prices

Analysts note that concentrated Chinese buying activity in Bang Tao has contributed to a 6.2% year-on-year price increase in that corridor — the fastest appreciation on the island. New-launch projects in the zone are pricing 12–18% above 2024 comparable inventory.

For existing owners, this represents positive equity growth. For investors entering the market now, it underscores the importance of securing allocations in pre-launch phases before public pricing is set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Chinese buyers the biggest foreign buyers in Phuket in 2026?

Yes. Chinese nationals represented 34% of all foreign property transactions in Phuket in Q1 2026, the highest share since 2019 and a 5-year record, according to REIC data.

Which areas of Phuket are most popular with Chinese buyers?

Bang Tao leads in 2026, followed by Surin Beach and Kamala. These areas combine resort lifestyle, branded residences, and strong rental demand — key factors for Chinese investors.

What is the average budget of a Chinese buyer in Phuket?

The average transaction size for Chinese buyers in Q1 2026 was ฿12.4M (approximately $345,000 USD), up 27% from the same period in 2025. Most purchases are in the ฿8M–฿20M range.

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