Thailand eyes record 2 million Russian tourists despite geopolitical tensions

[webfact]

 

With an increase in flights and a neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) is poised to welcome a record-breaking 2 million Russian tourists next year. Khanittha Phanworawat, the Moscow office director, emphasises the urgent need to preserve Thailand’s image as a friend to Russian travellers, as a measure to achieve this ambitious goal, especially if other countries persist in imposing sanctions on Russia.

 

Previously, Russian tourists commonly travelled to European destinations for the summer. But, counterintuitively, the war with Ukraine has seen them extend their excursions throughout the year, turning Thailand into a premier year-round destination. Khanittha acknowledges Thailand’s shifting status as the primary choice for most Russians, particularly those who spend generously and stay longer.

 

Since this year began, Thailand has received upwards of 840,000 visitors from Russia, placing the nation within the top five tourist-generating countries. The Moscow office director projected an increase in this number, hinting at a potential match or surpass of the 1.48 million Russian tourists welcomed in 2019.

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, conveyed his optimism about the return of flights between Thailand and Europe, including Russia. According to him, around 70% of the flight capacity noted in 2019 has been restored this year. This figure is expected to rise further during the forthcoming hot season.

 

by Alex Morgan

Photo courtesy of Achadthaya Chuenniran, Bangkok Post

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailand-eyes-record-2m-russian-tourists-despite-geopolitical-tensions

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-26

 

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[JoePai]

Thailand eyes record 2 million Russian tourists because of geopolitical tensions

[Lacessit]

Tourists my aching butt. Olympic-grade euphemism. They are refugees - the wealthier ones.

Not many Russians of military age want to be thrown into the meat grinder of Ukraine, presumably they are seeing the body bags coming back.

I forget who said you can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time. You can't fool all people all of the time.

[Pouatchee]

easy to see thailand's allegiances

[Emdog]

3 minutes ago, Pouatchee said:

easy to see thailand's allegiances

Money? money

[ezzra]

Thailand will be friendly with anyone, even the worst despot regime in the world as long as the the money will be coming in, money talks, dignity walks.

[Gottfrid]

Darn! Now we have the perfect recipe for more vodka drinking aggressive Necromancher´s roaming streets and parking lots all over Thailand.

[SiSePuede419]

Thailand New Russian Ad Campaign...

 

Make Love-ski, not War-ski. ✌️

[billd766]

A very misleading headline.

 

It is NOT Thailand, but

 

quote "Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) is poised to welcome a record-breaking 2 million Russian tourists next year".

 

I gave up believing ANYTHING that the TAT says many years ago.

[a3tsw]

Thumbs up!

The eagle has landed in matching leisure wear..????

[CANSIAM]

It appears  the Nation is proud of Putin’s citizens numbers, where else can they bask in the sun North Korea, Syria ? 

[bendejo]

3 hours ago, Lacessit said:

Not many Russians of military age want to be thrown into the meat grinder of Ukraine

You said the secret word!

Russia raises the maximum age of conscription as it seeks to replenish Ukraine forces

 

Maybe TAT will raise its figures in light of this.  I don't think tourists is the right word.

 

[Zack61]

Tourist is just another way of saying draft dodgers. 
The more the merrier. It’ll help deplete Pootin’s meat grinder resources that are available to him and put a brain drain on his economy. 

[Smokey and the Bandit]

Are they referring to draft dodgers, or do the really mean tourists? Because TAT have a history of telling less than the truth?

[Hamus Yaigh]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

With an increase in flights and a neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT)

How can one have a neutral position on people who are led by war criminals killing people and stealing their property? Didn't the Thais welcome the Japanese during WW2, how did that work out?

[BarraMarra]

Disgraceful as usual from Thailand. Most of the world is giving Aid and Arms to defeat Russian Terror and issuing warrants on Putin and his Butchers who are happy killing innocent Men Woman and Children and kidnapping Children from the Ukraine. How is Thailand responding well, There aiding Putin by allowing Russian planes to land in Thailand,welcoming Russians with open arms,and most sickening inviting there Foreign Minister to Thailand. If they carry on supporting Russia they will find themselves with Sanctions being imposed on them same as South Africa's president who last week after being told to arrest Putin on landing refused, a word was given in his ear and low and behold Putin is not now going.  

[IAMHERE]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand has received upwards of 840,000 visitors from Russia,

I have to wonder how many of those overstayed their visa?  

[Digitalbanana]

Judging by the lead photo I suppose having lost all sense of human decency as a nation, they have tossed all fashion sense to the wind like wise.

[madmitch]

Those that think it's just draft dodgers can't have been to Karon or Kata in Phuket, where Russian tourists are by far the biggest in number. Typical two week holidaymakers, alongside a suspicious few that extend their visas again and again????

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

With an increase in flights and a neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Thailand’s Tourism Authority (TAT) is poised to welcome a record-breaking 2 million Russian tourists next year

And a following crime rise soon after.

Russians not willing to go back will need to raise funds to stay here.

And they won't care about your virtual no-work policies.

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

easy to see thailand's allegiances

Money.

[RichardColeman]

The shameful but true face of Thailand

[freeworld]

2 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Money.

Money very important for all govts.

[Lucky Bones]

43 minutes ago, bendejo said:

You said the secret word!

Russia raises the maximum age of conscription as it seeks to replenish Ukraine forces

 

Maybe TAT will raise its figures in light of this.  I don't think tourists is the right word.

 

TAT will simply buy a bigger calculator and stronger batteries to up the numbers. Therefore room for more zeroes at the end.

Luckily nobody at TAT knows what a Excel spreadsheet is, and what Excel can do with numbers.????????

[freeworld]

12 minutes ago, BarraMarra said:

Disgraceful as usual from Thailand. Most of the world is giving Aid and Arms to defeat Russian Terror and issuing warrants on Putin and his Butchers who are happy killing innocent Men Woman and Children and kidnapping Children from the Ukraine. How is Thailand responding well, There aiding Putin by allowing Russian planes to land in Thailand,welcoming Russians with open arms,and most sickening inviting there Foreign Minister to Thailand. If they carry on supporting Russia they will find themselves with Sanctions being imposed on them same as South Africa's president who last week after being told to arrest Putin on landing refused, a word was given in his ear and low and behold Putin is not now going.  

Good for Thailand. Being diplomatic and putting their country and nation first of all.

[hotchilli]

1 minute ago, freeworld said:

Money very important for all govts.

Pockets

[freeworld]

5 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

And a following crime rise soon after.

Russians not willing to go back will need to raise funds to stay here.

And they won't care about your virtual no-work policies.

Pure speculation.

[hotchilli]

2 minutes ago, freeworld said:

Pure speculation.

Wait and see.

[freeworld]

23 minutes ago, IAMHERE said:

I have to wonder how many of those overstayed their visa?  

Do you also wonder about other nationalities overstaying their visa.

[stix40]

Mmm Ruski wearing a NASA Space suit? In unobtrusive yellow .

Nice ?