Registered population keeps rising

PHUKET: The island’s official population climbed by 2,146 to 323,660 from June 21 to July 20, but the figure still under-represents the number of Thais calling Phuket home – not including the number of expats and low-wage laborers from abroad who have migrated here in recent years.

The rise is slightly lower than during the previous reporting period, when a gain of 2,976 was recorded from May 21 and June 20.

The biggest population increase was 1,441 in Muang District, followed by Kathu (405) and Thalang (300).

Muang District also continues to have the district with the largest official population at 204,283, followed by Thalang (75,019) and Kathu (44,358).

During the period, 175 births were recorded in the province compared with 88 deaths.

Overall, 2,687 new house registrations were filed, while just 634 people deregistered.

The continued rise is attributed in part to a campaign initiated by Phuket Governor Niran Kalayanamit late last year to increase the number of Thai citizens whose names appear on provincial household registration forms.

The registration drive was proposed as a way to more accurately report the number of residents on Phuket, which could lead to a larger slice of government funding.

Based on the number of vehicles registered in the province, Phuket’s actual population is believed to be at least double the reported figure, partly due to the large number of workers migrating here from other parts of the country to work.

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