Popular Post webfact Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 Phuket expects to welcome a million Russians this year. Some are dodging the draft, others buying property as a ticket to a new life. By Katharine Lake Berz Special to the Star PHUKET, Thailand—It is no wonder that Russians facing travel restrictions to most of the rest of the world are flocking to Thailand. With its fine white sands, stunning landscapes and rich culture, “the land of a thousand smiles” has much to offer paradise seekers, never mind those fleeing a tightening autocracy, economic downturn and war. The Thai island of Phuket expects to welcome one million Russians this year — the biggest group of foreign visitors by far — according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Some are escaping the dim of winter. Some are dodging the draft. Others are buying local property as a ticket to a new life. But the influx of Russians, since the Thai foreign minister visited Moscow and direct flights resumed in October, is a conundrum for Phuket, which depends on tourism for 90 per cent of its economy and is still struggling to recover after the deadly 2004 tsunami and COVID-19 travel bans. Although many Russian visitors are just terrified young men, there are tensions simmering between visiting Russians and other residents. Full story: https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2023/05/21/not-thailand-anymore-russians-are-flocking-to-this-resort-island-but-not-all-is-well-in-paradise.html - © Copyright TORONTO STAR 2023-05-22 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information. 1 1 7 2 1 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Celsius Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 Article by Toronto Star, not the usual tripe from other well known "jurnalistic" establishments. 3 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Will B Good Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 Isaan is looking more and more attractive everyday. 12 2 2 4 11 19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post quake Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 Keep them there. Think they should introduce free visa extensions at Phuket immigration. 4 4 18 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post SAFETY FIRST Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 (edited) 29 minutes ago, webfact said: Russians are flocking to this resort island I don't mind the Russians, they keep to themselves, most don't bother others and you rarely hear them moaning and complaining like some. We've got a few moaners and complainers here. Edited May 22, 2023 by SAFETY FIRST 15 5 4 2 5 28 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post anchadian Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 3 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said: I don't mind the Russians, they keep to themselves, most don't bother others and you rarely hear them moaning and complaining like some. We've got a few moaners and complainers here, they know who I'm talking about. Until visas, extensions and overstay problems set in. 13 5 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Smokey and the Bandit Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 4 minutes ago, anchadian said: Until visas, extensions and overstay problems set in. Quite so, if the young men are dodging the draft, how are they staying long term in Thailand? Not just young men, many have families? I bet the agents are real happy. 7 5 4 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mikeymike100 Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 6 minutes ago, Smokey and the Bandit said: Quite so, if the young men are dodging the draft, how are they staying long term in Thailand? Not just young men, many have families? I bet the agents are real happy. Indeed, many are 'purchasing' ED visas? 8 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post KhunBENQ Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 27 minutes ago, Will B Good said: Isaan is looking more and more attractive everyday. More than a 1000 km as the crow flies. Enough for now. What a fun it was to travel there during Covid for Christmas 2021. But even then I had a feeling it might be the last visit for long. 5 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink Mist Posted May 22, 2023 Share Posted May 22, 2023 An off topic post and replies have been removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Will B Good Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 1 minute ago, KhunBENQ said: More than a 1000 km as the crow flies. Enough for now. What a fun it was to travel there during Covid for Christmas 2021. But even then I had a feeling it might be the last visit for long. Mmmmm.....not sure I am going to tough it out much longer......BKK beckons. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Hamus Yaigh Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 36 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said: I don't mind the Russians, they keep to themselves, most don't bother others and you rarely hear them moaning and complaining like some. You don't hear them moaning like the Ukrainians eh? Perhaps all the money they spend in Phuket can be redirected out of Thailand to damage costs they have inflicted on their neighbor and they might be more welcome. 11 3 2 2 9 3 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post KhunLA Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 I never considered Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala a destination for Thais. Thais are smarter than that ???? 11 5 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post NanLaew Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 41 minutes ago, Will B Good said: Isaan is looking more and more attractive everyday. No, no, no! It's truly awful. Believe me. People really, really need to stay well away from Isaan. 1 2 1 34 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post NanLaew Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 38 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said: I don't mind the Russians, they keep to themselves, most don't bother others and you rarely hear them moaning and complaining like some. We've got a few moaners and complainers here. Only a few? 1 1 2 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Will B Good Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 Just now, NanLaew said: No, no, no! It's truly awful. Believe me. People really, really need to stay well away from Isaan. Ha...is this reverse psychology? 2 1 1 4 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post isaanistical Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 49 minutes ago, Celsius said: Article by Toronto Star, not the usual tripe from other well known "jurnalistic" establishments. ah yes, the internationally renowned go-to for Asian affairs. Kid reporter on vacation or fam-trip more likely. 5 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post JoseThailand Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 34 minutes ago, Smokey and the Bandit said: Quite so, if the young men are dodging the draft, how are they staying long term in Thailand? Border runs. Dozens of minivans going to the Malaysian border and back every day. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post JoseThailand Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 36 minutes ago, Smokey and the Bandit said: I bet the agents are real happy. Border run companies are really happy 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bob smith Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 1 hour ago, webfact said: “the land of a thousand smiles” has much to offer paradise seekers, never mind those fleeing a tightening autocracy, economic downturn and war. a war which Russia started. To be clear. 17 3 2 8 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post nickmondo Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 1 hour ago, Henryford said: I went to Phuket last month. I thought i had got on the wrong plane and ended up in Moscow by mistake. I would never go back while it is filled with disgusting Russians. i totally agree! I did not go to Phuket, but Jomtien........I thought exactly the same. I wont go back. 7 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bob smith Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 1 hour ago, Henryford said: I would never go back while it is filled with disgusting Russians. they are indeed disgusting. i could a lot more about them here but I'll probably get banned. 15 1 1 1 1 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Walker88 Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 18 minutes ago, isaanistical said: ah yes, the internationally renowned go-to for Asian affairs. Kid reporter on vacation or fam-trip more likely. It's a well-written article, and I don't believe the female writer is a kid. Perhaps you should open the LINK and read it. 4 1 1 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ezzra Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 (edited) I would fly in couple plane's loads of Ukrainians hooligan for free and let the fun begin. Edited May 22, 2023 by ezzra 2 1 3 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post JoseThailand Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 27 minutes ago, bogs smith said: a war which Russia started. Not Russia but Putin, to be clear 12 5 2 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAFETY FIRST Posted May 22, 2023 Share Posted May 22, 2023 43 minutes ago, Hamus Yaigh said: 1 hour ago, SAFETY FIRST said: I don't mind the Russians, they keep to themselves, most don't bother others and you rarely hear them moaning and complaining like some. You don't hear them moaning like the Ukrainians eh? I can't tell the difference. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post owl sees all Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 48 minutes ago, NanLaew said: No, no, no! It's truly awful. Believe me. People really, really need to stay well away from Isaan. Why? I live in Isaan; and I love it. Don't think there is a better place to live in the world. 1 6 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celsius Posted May 22, 2023 Share Posted May 22, 2023 Just now, owl sees all said: Why? I live in Isaan; and I love it. Don't think there is a better place to live in the world. A lot of people say the same about Dubai Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post KhunLA Posted May 22, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2023 (edited) 38 minutes ago, bogs smith said: they are indeed disgusting. i could a lot more about them here but I'll probably get banned. Nah ... bad mouthing TH, RU, USA & CH is never reported. As long as not mentioning UK, nobody will report you. Edited May 22, 2023 by KhunLA 2 1 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will B Good Posted May 22, 2023 Share Posted May 22, 2023 That has to be four very wealthy, well heeled Indians enjoying the sunset? The Russians would be sat next to their flag. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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