Mixed Reactions to Russian Tourists Being Allowed to Stay Longer in Thailand

[webfact]

Tourism operators in Pattaya say they are concerned about the Thai government’s visa extension program for Russian tourists as they fear it could bring in an influx of illegal workers who might steal Thai people’s jobs. In contrast, operators in Phuket believe the program will contribute additional revenue to the country.

The Thai Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, on Monday approved for Russian tourists to stay up to 90 days, increased from 30 days, in Thailand on a visa-free program.

 

The new program, aiming to invigorate the number of Russian tourists during the high season, will start on November 1st, 2023, and end on April 30th, 2024.

 

In response to this development, tourism operators in Pattaya shared their concerns stating the program might lead to an uptick in illegal workers.

 

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, former president of the Chon Buri Tourism Council and group executive director of Sunshine Hotels and Resorts, expressed concern that the waiver could lead to an increase in illegal workers from Russia, which could potentially impact Thai tour guides.

 

He explained that since most Thai guides cannot speak Russian, there is a chance that some Russian individuals might exploit the visa-free program to come to Thailand in order to work illegally as guides or drivers in the tourism industry.

 

By Adam Judd

 

Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2023-10-18

 

- 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.

 

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[ezzra]

25 minutes ago, webfact said:

they fear it could bring in an influx of illegal workers who might steal Thai people’s jobs. In contrast,

They must have got the wires crossed, Who's talking about stealing work here? only an extension from 30 days to 90 days, i can't see anything wrong with it...

[Bobthegimp]

6 minutes ago, ezzra said:

They must have got the wires crossed, Who's talking about stealing work here? only an extension from 30 days to 90 days, i can't see anything wrong with it...

The filthy over stayers who set up shop in Phuket. 

[ChipButty]

I dont see what the problem is, They dont mind investing money most that I have met over the years have been fine.

[BE88]

Good, now to relaunch tourism in former LOS now I expect a tourist visa for me of 90 days + 90 days like in Japan.

[Will B Good]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

there is a chance that some Russian individuals might exploit the visa-free program 

Rather libellous statement to make.....555

[Trippy]

That's good, we need more Russian freelancers in Pattaya.

[webfact]

90 day extension for Russian visa-free entry gets mixed reaction

By Peter Roche

 

“Why only Russian people?”

 

“They’re waging war against Ukraine and they get special treatment. Why?”

 

“It’s cold in Canada as well. Can I also get a 90 day visa-waiver?”

 

Just a few of the many reactions to the Thai government’s announcement yesterday about Russian citizens being given an automatic 90 day visa waiver in their passport when they arrive in Thailand.

 

Full story: PhuketGO 2023-10-18

 

- 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.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[Will B Good]

Hardly surprising.

 

Policy on the hoof, with no serious consideration given to a policy's wider impact, is not good governance. 

[newbee2022]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

illegal workers who might steal Thai people’s jobs.

What kind of jobs they are thinking of?😂

Hopefully not prostitution ❤️ Though fresh meat sucks.

 

[DPKANKAN]

Purely racist ethics all the time.

 

[expat_4_life]

I applaud the 90 day visa exempt (if I read it right) entry for Russians.  Don't let politics cloud your vision/opinion.

It sets the precedent for the same treatment for other foreigners to come.

[Cabradelmar]

The PM has no original ideas... Just the same old same old tourism luring 🤷 we'll see how this plays out. I doubt it will make much difference one way or the other. The Russians that can and want to get out of Russia (for holiday or to escape Vlad's war) already have. And those that haven't can't or won't. 

[crazykopite]

The Thai cabinet is led by the guy in that plush police hospital the other guy is just the temporary stooge

[Docno]

11 minutes ago, expat_4_life said:

I applaud the 90 day visa exempt (if I read it right) entry for Russians.  Don't let politics cloud your vision/opinion.

It sets the precedent for the same treatment for other foreigners to come.

I have nothing against the Russian people (their government is another issue entirely), and have met some very nice Russians in the past, but it does send an 'interesting' message to the international community... special treatment for Russians at this time in history and all that. 

[TheFishman1]

Show the country that started the invasion of Ukraine is now being rewarded with a 90 day visa TIT

[ThailandGuy]

Why?

[Dexxter]

48 minutes ago, Docno said:

I have nothing against the Russian people (their government is another issue entirely), and have met some very nice Russians in the past, but it does send an 'interesting' message to the international community... special treatment for Russians at this time in history and all that. 

And in the other story for the day, the Thai PM meeting with that war criminal putin and publishing a disgusting photo of it for the world to see.

[pomchop]

So whatever happened to the idea to open the 90 day visa on arrival to many other countries?

 

Do you want to encourage people to stay longer, spend more $ on hotels, restaurants, transport etc or not?

 

Getting ready to spend two weeks in viet nam all just to be able to get a new visa...otherwise I would spend that two weeks and that $$ in Thailand. 

I figure if i have to go to the hassle and expense of flying to saigon etc i may as well spend a couple of weeks in viet nam.  

 

So that is money the local hotel, restaurants etc in Thailand will not be receiving thanks to the tourism "gurus".  Multiply that $$ by however many thousands are forced to play the "leave the country" to get new visa game and next thing you know it is some serious lost revenue.

 

Grow a brain.

 

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Tourism operators in Pattaya say they are concerned about the Thai government’s visa extension program for Russian tourists as they fear it could bring in an influx of illegal workers who might steal Thai people’s jobs. In contrast, operators in Phuket believe the program will contribute additional revenue to the country.

Two sides to every coin.

[Henkjan2]

I think the Russians aren't going home to get draughted anyway. So the Thai government will try to avoid an uncontrolable waterfall of overstayers?

 

Anyway, lets give the rest 90 days also. Save some visaruns  😉

[richard_smith237]

Thai's - frightened to death of any form of competition... If they were doing their jobs properly, competition would mean nothing. 

 

I see this as a fair, humane and common sense response from Thai Authorities.

They eased restrictions for Covid, good move. 

 

With this easing of restrictions Russians will spend more money here which helps the local economy. 

Of course, the are also negative aspects such as driving up prices, but who really is 'driving up the prices' ??? - its the locals profiteering, so they have no right to complain.

 

 

[Cake Monster]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Tourism operators in Pattaya say they are concerned about the Thai government’s visa extension program for Russian tourists as they fear it could bring in an influx of illegal workers who might steal Thai people’s jobs.

Dont worry about your Jobs

Worry instead about your Business's

[bradiston]

File under unintended consequences, be careful what you wish for.

[dougball]

Well, that's alright for the russian "tourist" but here I am in Canada struggling to work through the online application for a Tourist visa.....more specifically, the supporting documents  that must be attached electronically. An email to the Thai embassy was no assistance and Thailand has closed the consulate in Toronto.  My 60 day plus 30 vacation has been reduced to  30 using an "on arrival" free visa.  I guess some tourists are more important than others.

[Spock]

10 hours ago, ezzra said:

They must have got the wires crossed, Who's talking about stealing work here? only an extension from 30 days to 90 days, i can't see anything wrong with it...

I can. Why should the Russians get the extension to 90 days and not other nationalities? Personally I can't think of a nationality less deserving of favoured treatment.

[Spock]

10 hours ago, ezzra said:

They must have got the wires crossed, Who's talking about stealing work here? only an extension from 30 days to 90 days, i can't see anything wrong with it...

I can if its only the Russians given the extension.

[wwest5829]

My speculation … enough of Russian inroads have been in Phuket that their influence can be utilized. 90 day Visa Exempt for Russians only? This should be interesting. Russian Mafia versus the Thai system. Interesting? Yes but I fear the fallout for Thailand.

[Shocked farang]

10 minutes ago, Spock said:

I can. Why should the Russians get the extension to 90 days and not other nationalities? Personally I can't think of a nationality less deserving of favoured treatment.

Your point of view is from a western perspective, Thais are not exactly western and most of them could care less about the Ukraine war plus in their minds Russ are just " farangs" like all the other light skinned people who visit Thailand. 

[Spock]

Just now, Shocked farang said:

Your point of view is from a western perspective, Thais are not exactly western and most of them could care less about the Ukraine war plus in their minds Russ are just " farangs" like all the other light skinned people who visit Thailand. 

Which highlights one of the major shortcomings of the Thai political system - lack of a moral compass.