Is Thailand doing enough for Ukrainian refugees?

[webfact]

file photo

Currently, according to media reports, there are more than 7,000 tourists from Ukraine and Russia and still in Thailand.

Thailand may not be getting the same numbers of refugees pouring into Poland, however, through no fault of their own both Ukrainian and Russian tourists are facing a number of difficulties just to return home.

Initially, there was anger towards many Russians, but as we now know many of them had no idea what Putin was inflicting on Ukraine and its citizens, as their own media was heavily censored.

At last, the Thai government has realized that they cannot just ignore this large number of helpless tourists, so they are now being offered to extend their visas without any application fee.

With many running out of holiday spending money the government is also working out measures to offer humanitarian assistance to those affected by international flight cancellations.

Last week the TAT said there are approximately 7,000 tourists from the two countries in four tourism areas, comprising Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Krabi.

For tourists who are unable to return home, whether due to suspended flights or political unrest and cannot afford to stay in Thailand, the government plans to offer them shelter.

 

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Naturally many Russians do wish to return home to their families, but with closed air space, it will be up to negotiations with Thailand and Russia to arrange repatriation flights for their citizens.

It is a different situation for the Ukrainians who are here, as it would be unsafe for them to be forced to return home now. 

Thailand has stated that it will not deport any tourists back home without their consent.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved a budget of two million baht for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, because of the ongoing violence in the country, which continues to cause death, injuries, and infrastructure damage.

 

I suppose the bigger issue is will Thailand offer stranded Ukrainians permanent refugee status and allow them to get work.

 

Also, will the Thai government offer more Ukraine refugees currently pouring out of their country, an offer of a safe haven and a new life in the land of the smiles?

 

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[daveAustin]

Not doing enough, but when they’re practically doing f all for they’d own people, what hope is there for outsiders? 

[Scott]

Trolling meme removed. 

 

[TooMuchTime]

They do not have to do anything.

 

If they are doing anything at all, then yes, they are doing more than enough.

[thelasthornet]

Did this article really say people can't return to Ukraine because of political unrest? I thought it was only in Russia you couldn't call it a war. 

[Gottfrid]

Yes, they are doing far more than enough.

[Benmart]

29 minutes ago, thelasthornet said:

Did this article really say people can't return to Ukraine because of political unrest? I thought it was only in Russia you couldn't call it a war. 

So right.  War: A state of open, armed, often prolonged conflict carried on between nations, states, or parties.

 

[Tarteso]

Is Thailand doing enough for Ukrainian refugees?
 

Is Thailand doing enough for Burma refugees? ????

[RichardColeman]

My vote is they give the Ukranians free food and board in a low priced hotel on the government. I also vote they give the Russians a blanket and directions to the beach !

 

That said, none should be suffering too bad if they were on retirement visa, as they 'should' have 800,000 in the bank. Problem for them wont be the immediate future, but in a year after budgeting.

Edited March 24, 2022 by RichardColeman

[MasterBaker]

they are not a refugees, never claimed refugee status and haven't been accepted as such by Thailand. SWIFT works in Ukraine, should not be a problem to access funds. Required travel insurance will cover repatriation

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand may not be getting the same numbers of refugees pouring into Poland,

Thailands record on refugees is laughable, they're tourists who will be sent home eventually.

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

For tourists who are unable to return home, whether due to suspended flights or political unrest and cannot afford to stay in Thailand, the government plans to offer them shelter.

Such compassion.

[JoePai]

but with closed air space, it will be up to negotiations with Thailand and Russia to arrange repatriation flights for their citizens.

 

Nonsense, Russia can send planes for their people - can go via their mates airspace in China

[wombat]

Not the best country to pick when country shopping as UK is giving immediate 3 year visas with full NHS and Social Securitu benefits.

People of color are asking why the same wasn't extended to them after their sovereign country was invaded.

A valid question I thought?

[wombat]

51 minutes ago, Benmart said:

So right.  War: A state of open, armed, often prolonged conflict carried on between nations, states, or parties.

 

So it's a police action then?

[Xonax]

Maybe there are some unused Covid-19 quarantine hotel beds available?

[vandeventer]

18 minutes ago, MasterBaker said:

they are not a refugees, never claimed refugee status and haven't been accepted as such by Thailand. SWIFT works in Ukraine, should not be a problem to access funds. Required travel insurance will cover repatriation

Helping tourist is not the same as helping refugees. Poland has millions of refugees looking for new homes. How many has Thailand taken? These people need new homes now and not a bunch of red tape. All countries should do more and support Ukraine and it's people.

[bfc1980]

Would their offer of shelter be the one that's situated on Soi Suan Phlu in Sathorn? 

I'd rather be on the streets than in that hell hole. 

[brianthainess]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Initially, there was anger towards many Russians, but as we now know many of them had no idea what Putin was inflicting on Ukraine and its citizens, as their own media was heavily censored.

Utter nonsense ! Russians don't just look at their own media, Does any ex-pat/tourist only look at their home country's media ? 

[brianthainess]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand has stated that it will not deport any tourists back home without their consent.

ANY tourist ?

5 hours ago, webfact said:

I suppose the bigger issue is will Thailand offer stranded Ukrainians permanent refugee status and allow them to get work.

Mmm let me think for a Nano second  ⛔

[brianthainess]

27 minutes ago, JoePai said:

but with closed air space, it will be up to negotiations with Thailand and Russia to arrange repatriation flights for their citizens.

 

Nonsense, Russia can send planes for their people - can go via their mates airspace in China

Always the Trans-Siberian last time I went it only took 5 days from Beijing to Moscow.

[brianthainess]

As I have stated before, there are plenty of VERY expensive Russian Churches all over Thailand in almost every city there is even one on Koh Chang. There base is in the USA, but where their funds come from I have no idea but what I do know is it's a tax free enterprise. A bit of delving and money tracking wouldn't go amiss. Must go I have to do my Laundry.

[edwinchester]

"Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved a budget of two million baht for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine"

 

Pathetic, most members of the Govt spend more than that on a wristwatch.

[toho]

Russians can go home through China.

Russian embassy executes Russian policy: let them have the consequences and let them assist their own comrades abroad. Why help this aggressive bunch?

Thai government helps Ukraine with 2 million THB: wow, could they miss it?

[NoshowJones]

1 hour ago, Tarteso said:

Is Thailand doing enough for Ukrainian refugees?
 

Is Thailand doing enough for Burma refugees? ????

Is Thailand doing enough for there own people? ie following Cambodia and The Philippines example and opening the country up? Their own people need the tourists for their livelihoods.

[FinChin67]

2 hours ago, TooMuchTime said:

They do not have to do anything.

 

If they are doing anything at all, then yes, they are doing more than enough.

I have donated with my friends more than Thailand did… Anyways, each for themselves what feels right. 
 

If you do, do not donate through leechees such as Red Cross or others that use suffering children in their advertisement. 
 

https://help.gov.ua/en

[koele2]

If one of them would sell their brand name watch, maybe there would be more than 2 million baht to help 7000 Russian and ukranian tourists stuck here.

[sammieuk1]

They are finding out for themselves that they have been trapped in the wrong country when the money runs out no doubt in the land of grimacing smiles ????

[KhunLA]

Not sure why Ukraine should be helped at all.  Amazing how their bad press of just a few years ago, has turned into, they are the victims now.

 

"the enemy of my enemy, is now my friend" comes to mind.

[kennw]

2 hours ago, brianthainess said:

Utter nonsense ! Russians don't just look at their own media, Does any ex-pat/tourist only look at their home country's media ? 

Thai govt should help the Ukranians with accommodation and food, tell the Russians to go to their embassy for help.