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Map of Thailand illustrating the geography of foreign and expat communities, including Russians in Phuket, Israelis on Koh Phangan, Japanese in Si Racha, Scandinavians in Khao Lak and Hua Hin, and international communities in Bangkok.

The Geography of Expat Thailand: Where Different Foreign Communities Actually Live

Foreigners may live throughout Thailand, but they aren't distributed randomly. Russians have developed a major presence in Phuket, Israelis are highly visible on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, Japanese communities thrive in Si Racha and Bangkok, while Scandinavians have longstanding connections with Khao Lak and Hua Hin. Here's the geography behind Thailand's many foreign communities.

Robert D. Garrett

6 days ago14 min read