is it just me or does it seem like half of russia has suddenly moved over here since christmas?
 

whats going on?

 

never seen so many in my life. and many seem to be here for the long haul.

 

they must have some rubles in their pockets to stay here chilling on the beach with their families all year. .

 

are they dodging the draft or something? a friend of mine told me he had a chat with a Ruskie who could speak english a few days ago. he said he was a supporter of the war and of putin and Thailand is the only place he can go at the moment since most countries dont want them and Thailand is considered friendly to Russians.

 

go figure.

8 minutes ago, bob smith said:

he said he was a supporter of the war

A lot of them are until it is their turn to be fed into the meat grinder. I would imagine they might feel differently about it then.

Not only you Bob....soi Buakhaow market packed with them this morning.....the 10/20 baht clothing stalls are doing a roaring trade with the big spending Ruskies...

 Your right, left Koh Chang a few weeks ago and it too is full of Russians. As an American, I just kept my distance even though there was USAF sticker with an American Flag on my truck back window.  Looks like the sanctions put on the Russians didn't work because they are spending lot's rubbles that is helping Thai Tourist industry. We shall see if there will be some long strays in a few months. It is going to interesting when the U.S. Navy visits Pattaya. 

13 minutes ago, bob smith said:

he said he was a supporter of the war and of putin and Thailand is the only place he can go at the moment since most countries dont want them

With luck, a KGB press gang will arrive to show him a uniform and the way to the front line.

not everywhere, western Europe, not accepted/welcome them, thus the easy way out for Orcs was their "friendly" Thailand..... and, Bob, the funny thing is, nobody asked our opinion about it, we are residents here and should/could have a say so .... 555

 

 just kidding  5555

The Ruskies must just like coast areas.

How do you know if they are all Ruskies. ?

2 minutes ago, Kwasaki said:

The Ruskies must just like coast areas.

They and the Chinese just stick to established tourist areas .................. praise the Lord. None of either around here.

Can't wait for this calamitous decision to let them in turns to where are they to get them out ???? 

If i were a Russian i would too, run away from that place myself, and as far as i could, not a nice place to be in at the moment.

Perhaps they are not on vacation here and a it is a Russian invasion but more cleverly done than in Ukraine.

A bunch have moved into my condo building.   Guys and girls loud taking over the gym and pool.  They say the word" bubushka" a lot in researching the meaning I am not sure why.

1 hour ago, Dan747 said:

 It is going to interesting when the U.S. Navy visits Pattaya. 

Why?

 

43 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

They say the word" bubushka"

Up to now I only associated it with Babushka dolls (Matryoshka doll).

Babushka means grandmother?

Grandmothers at the pool? Guess not (or were there?).

Or it's just a similar sounding word...

1 hour ago, Kwasaki said:

The Ruskies must just like coast areas.

How do you know if they are all Ruskies. ?

Went to one of our favorite restaurants for a munch, and sadly, every table had a damn farang at it.   Actually rare, and if that wasn't bad enough.    I think the 1 was all Ruskies ... then I ruled it out, as they seemed like a very nice family simply enjoying their holiday meal.

Don't know if he was Russian, but did see a farang yesterday.......first one I've seen in more than six months.

Business is good.  Thais are happy.  Let it be.

38 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

Why?

Potential conflict.  Duh!

Just now, Jerno said:

Potential conflict.  Duh!

With all Yanks being loud & obnoxious and

with all Ruskies being loud & obnoxious ...

... expect WW3 ????

 

Can't wait for the first news-blip of a disturbance, and could turn into one of the longest threads on AN, with the repetitive expert analysis.  

 

Hope it's 2 gay guys, having a cat fight at a gay club

 

I too would want to escape from a Russian winter. Especially one under economic sanctions, under Putin and under the threat of being called up to fight a war.

 

Going by what I have seen and heard, many are here for the long term. I have seen the same faces in the gym for months and many Russian children are attending the international schools.

 

Can't blame them. Hot weather, nice beaches, and no threat of call up.

2 hours ago, Kwasaki said:

The Ruskies must just like coast areas.

How do you know if they are all Ruskies. ?

Thanks to his second-to-none Russian language skills ..????‍????

3 hours ago, bob smith said:

half of russia

You are RIGHT!!!   I'm in Russia now and most of the buildings are empty.  I just found a sweet castle to stay in........sign on the front..... "Went to Pattaya, won't come back!!!!"

I much prefer the company/presence of the average Russian to the generally under educated lower socioeconomic demographics that comprises the Murican military personnel (specifically the enlisted ranks, which make up the vast majority of the force).

3 hours ago, Dan747 said:

Looks like the sanctions put on the Russians didn't work because they are spending lot's rubbles that is helping Thai Tourist industry.

Reportedly, the sanctions have a minimal effect on the Russian economy.

16 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Reportedly, the sanctions have a minimal effect on the Russian economy.

Which report?

Sanctions did nothing but hurt the western countries that benefitted from Russian tourist.  If they can't fly there, they'll simply fly to where they can, and that seems to be via China.

 

Along with routing their rubles through China's Union Pay Intern'l.

Win win all around, except for the west ... LOSERS ????

 

Couple years of covid and sanctions, and them Ruskies got a few rubles saved up to spend somewhere.

 

Everybody wants to, but it certainly isn't USA, UK or EU ... 

 

I'm in an all Russian condo complex in Jomtien for another month and despise them. Loud arrogent abusive and that's just the kids

Mum and dad could teach the Chinese a lesson in que jumping. 

You can watch them storm the baht buses from Pattaya to jomtien happy to trample children to get a seat ????

They've all pretty much left Phuket after flooding the island. Good. Hope the next purported Chinese invasion falls flat too. Bring back faux vid.

9 minutes ago, whereyougo said:

I'm in an all Russian condo complex in Jomtien for another month and despise them. Loud arrogent abusive

And could teach the Chinese a lesson in que jumping. 

You can watch them storm the baht buses from Pattaya to jomtien happy to trample children to get a seat ????

I loathe them and don't feel bad about it. They are rude, loud, standoffish and don't integrate. Every forum or social media platform seems to have a small minority of posters claiming unwarranted racism is directed towards them but the majority of people seem to thoroughly dislike them, Thai people included. I have no interest in my very expensive gym membership or using my developments pool because they have taken them over and are forever loud, rude and unfriendly. 

 

The question is what happens in 6-12 months from now when the savings run out and the Russians have no intention of leaving Thailand even though they have extremely limited employment opportunities. The running narrative is that most are well off professionals but I call BS. I have seen many that appear to be skint based on their rented or purchased motor vehicles. Wealthy people don't ride a bicycle or a 125cc scooter as their one and only means of transport.

 

Deport!

What would Thailand look like without Russian arrivals........ similar to the pandemic era......?