Immigration tops list of “most worn-out complaint’ in Phuket poll

PHUKET: Griping about immigration requirements is overwhelmingly the topic readers are most tired of hearing foreigners in Phuket complain about, according to the most recent Phuket Gazette Readers’ Poll.

A total of 1,982 readers took part in the poll, which ran from February 17 until this morning.

Readers were asked: “Which of the following topics are you most tired of hearing foreigners in Phuket complain about?”

Overall, 61.4% of those taking part answered “Immigration requirements”, almost four times as many as the second most popular choice “tuk-tuks, taxis” at 15.6%.

Less popular choices were “local driving habits” (8.6%), “overpriced alcohol” (5%) and “double-pricing” (5%). The least popular option was “jet-skis” (4.4%).

A breakdown by demographic revealed some interesting trends.

Those who identified themselves as “local foreign residents” overwhelmingly (71%) identified “immigration requirements” as the most irksome topic of common complaint.

In contrast, Thais were more likely to opts for “tuk-tuks, taxis” (40%) or “local driving habits” (33%), with “immigration requirements” coming in third at 12%.

Among tourists, “tuk-tuks, taxis” was the most popular choice at 38%, followed by “jet-skis” (16%) and “immigration requirements” (14%).

Perhaps ironically, the poll itself became a topic of complaint among many in the Readers’ Forum.

Some readers angrily charged that the poll downplayed the seriousness of the issues listed, while others correctly guessed that there was a tongue-in-cheek element intended.

To view the complete results click here.

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If you have already voted in the new poll and want to see the up-to-date results, click here.

To comment on the poll results, proceed to the Readers’ Forum below. The Phuket Gazette values all input that meets our “house rules” requirements.