Phuket’s ‘Russian invasion’ – they’re here to stay

[webfact]

The conflict in Ukraine has reached far beyond its borders, affecting not only the lives of those inside Ukraine but also on global markets and economies. Thailand, although remaining neutral on the matter (or BECAUSE it declared a neutral stance) has been an unexpected beneficiary of Russia’s invasion and the ongoing war.

 

Thailand even took advantage of the situation, extending the usual 30 day visa exemption for Russian passports to 90 days. 60+ other countries only receive a 30 day visa exempt period (extendable for another 30 days). This favouring the Russian tourists has not gone unnoticed by just about every other country on 30 day visa exemptions.

 

But the appalling situation in Ukraine has ended up as a huge boom in arrivals of Russian citizens and, to a lesser extent, Ukrainians. Many come to Phuket for a short holiday, but a large number are staying and setting up a more permanent residency. This writer has seen many Russian families shopping in Lotus’s for frying pans and mattresses, buying cars and property, lots of property.

 

Over the past year Russian buyers have been the most numerous in the Phuket property market, by far. Almost single-handedly artificially inflating the value of the market after years of languishing, particularly during the Covid pandemic.

 

Last year, Russians ranked as the top tourists in Thailand from outside of Asia, with 1.4 million visitors. This year they are running second to the Chinese, but still very prominent at the arrival gates, particularly in Phuket.

 

So much so, that this surge in arrivals from one particular demographic, has transformed the island’s commercial and social landscape. The areas of Cherngtalay, Bang Tao and Surin are now being nick-named “Little Moscow” – some estimate the population in these areas has doubled in just two years – and places like Chalong and Rawai have witnessed an enormous cultural transformation in the same time.

 

As an example, rental prices for condominiums and villas have jumped, in some locations, more than 300%, pushing out other long-term expats into cheaper areas on the island or off the island altogether. Go to any real estate office on the island and there will be at least one Russian-speaking agent to service the rise in Russian and Ukrainian enquiries.

 

Developers can’t keep up with the demand and new condo stock is rising out of the ground as fast as they can build them – many sold off the plan before they can lay the first brick.

 

And many of these nouveau-tourists are monied, allowing them, in some cases, to circumvent some of the paperwork required by others, aided by corrupt lawyers, officials and agents who ‘smooth’ over visa and business applications.

 

There’s now a taskforce of immigration and labour officials who have been ramping up the policing of these ‘nominee’ businesses, using Thais to open bank accounts and set up businesses, usually reserved for Thais only. There has been hundreds of arrests this year alone (spurred on after the case of the Swiss man living in Cape Yamu who allegedly kicked a Thai doctor who was sitting on his rented property steps).

 

Whilst many Thais are reaping the benefits of increased Russian tourist traffic, and new expats, the sudden influx has caused an equally sudden increase in some crimes, dodgy visa applications, and accusations of some local police and officials ‘turning a blind eye’ to various indiscretions.

 

Applications for the premium Thailand Elite visa options have also been in high demand from Russian citizens looking to stay in Phuket, often with their families, for 5, 10 and 20 years. They’re here to stay.

 

By Peter Roche

 

Full story: PhuketGO 2024-04-13

 

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[brianthainess]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thailand, although remaining neutral on the matter (or BECAUSE it declared a neutral stance) has been an unexpected beneficiary of Russia’s invasion and the ongoing war

So why do these corrupt Russians get a 3 month visa?  Doesn't sound very neutral to me, why does this Govt. not send condolences to Ukraine when many people are killed by a bomb or Shot. Why did Clown face not visit Ukraine on his world tour. 

I just heard a BBC report on the flooding in Russia where many had to evacuate their homes, while their fellow country men were stealing from flooded empty houses, just as they looted all in the Ukraine. These are the people you invited here, corrupt to the core, but hey it's only $$$$$ that count in La La land, no ethics here, ethics don't give you money. Ranting paused .......

[Northstar1]

I have no use for any Russian!

if they closed the borders from the start of this mess , perhaps these cowards would have protested, rather than running and this would be over!

[stevenl]

More houses on the market again, demand seems to be declining. Also less Russians on the road. I disagree with the op. I'm sure many are here to stay, but the total volume seems to be declining.

 

Also less Russian tourists it seems, more Chinese though. Same same but different.

[rexpotter]

6 minutes ago, stevenl said:

More houses on the market again, demand seems to be declining. Also less Russians on the road. I disagree with the op. I'm sure many are here to stay, but the total volume seems to be declining.

 

Also less Russian tourists it seems, more Chinese though. Same same but different.

Thats encouraging

[fondue zoo]

20 minutes ago, rexpotter said:

27 minutes ago, stevenl said:

More houses on the market again, demand seems to be declining. Also less Russians on the road. I disagree with the op. I'm sure many are here to stay, but the total volume seems to be declining.

 

Also less Russian tourists it seems, more Chinese though. Same same but different.

Thats encouraging

 

So no Russian Hub then?

 

[fondue zoo]

 

Svetlana and Svetlana look well fed, but must be hard to find takeaway Borsht served in a baggie.

 

 _{- for the historical record I like Borsht}

 

 

[nutosf]

Boycott Phuket. Too many Russians. 

[spidermike007]

They are my least favorite people on earth. Thankfully I don't have to live on Phuket. Had I lived there, I would have left. Why do I dislike them so much?

 

I think it is partly a reflection of the current culture. It was destroyed over a century of callous and murderous leadership. Stalin, Lenin, Khruschev, now Putin. They have become somewhat savage and crude. No grace, no finesse, no courtesy. Rather uncivilized. My family was from Russia a few generations back. I used to ask my great-grandmother when she was still around, why they didn't teach us anything about the old country. She would give me this look, and tell me "the reason we never teach you about the place we came from, is because the place we came from was the most horrific country on earth, it was the most destitute, horrible, oppressive place and we were thrilled to finally get out of there and leave it behind. That's why we don't teach you about the old country, the old country doesn't exist for us. 

 

There are a multitude of reasons why very few people around the world have sympathy for the Russians. Those reasons are not limited to their serial killing, despot, thieving multi billionaire dictator for life. It is more about their nature, their history as ruthless, homicidal Cossack warriors, and their total lack of manners, and class. Not to mention the dignity, class, decency, civility, and social skills decades of Leninism, Stalinism, and now Putinism has stripped them of. 

 

And of course, the utter failure of their leader. This is a clear case of psychological projection: Putin dreamt and failed to create a dollar-free world and establish Russia as an “energy superpower.” He allowed corruption to metastasize through the state’s fabric, undermining its security capabilities. With its mass emigration, skyrocketing divorce rate, and low fertility, Russia, more than the West, demonstrates an immense collapse of family and social values.

[Muhendis]

3 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

The only good russian is a ........

Is a Russian in Phuket because he wants out from Putin's lying tyranny and he has no desire to kill his neighbours in Ukraine.

[Ironmike]

I'm amamed that this reporter didn't slide in the crimes that we know about the Russians are committing like driving drunk and killing too young kids,, driving and killing a Thai lady,, working illegally everywhere doing building, massage, car wash, real estate, steam cleaning and the list goes on and on these people don't care about laws they are rubbish people and should be sent home just like sri Lanka did not to long ago Sent 300,000 of them home Thailand needs to do the same. 

[shackleton]

I have no problems with Russian tourists staying in Phuket and Pattaya buying up the land houses businesses ect 😱

Just leave  Hua Hin and other areas in  South Thailand  alone for us retired old  Farangs to enjoy 😉 

[wombat]

aren't they going to suscede and rename it Little Russia?

[wensiensheng]

I think it’s hard to argue Thailand has been neutral. Russians get 90 days automatic visa, Ukrainians get ? Right, a lot less.

 

More accurate to say that Thailand has milked every cent that it can from the conflict.  Primarily by sucking up to Russians and ignoring Ukraine. 
 

I guess it IS a strategy…….if you have no morals

[meauwnam]

As far as I'm concerned, Russians and Ukrainians are the same and their population consists largely of corrupt and criminal people. Corrupt countries always attract corrupt and criminal people. It's only a matter of time before a Russian kills a Ukrainian or vice versa. The question is not whether it will happen, but when and what it will do to the general atmosphere in places in Thailand where many Russians and Ukrainians reside.

[brianthainess]

They the Russians were the same in WW2 raping, pillaging, drinking all along the way, they have no morals.  

[stevenl]

25 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

They are my least favorite people on earth. Thankfully I don't have to live on Phuket. Had I lived there, I would have left. Why do I dislike them so much?

 

I think it is partly a reflection of the current culture. It was destroyed over a century of callous and murderous leadership. Stalin, Lenin, Khruschev, now Putin. They have become somewhat savage and crude. No grace, no finesse, no courtesy. Rather uncivilized. My family was from Russia a few generations back. I used to ask my great-grandmother when she was still around, why they didn't teach us anything about the old country. She would give me this look, and tell me "the reason we never teach you about the place we came from, is because the place we came from was the most horrific country on earth, it was the most destitute, horrible, oppressive place and we were thrilled to finally get out of there and leave it behind. That's why we don't teach you about the old country, the old country doesn't exist for us. 

 

There are a multitude of reasons why very few people around the world have sympathy for the Russians. Those reasons are not limited to their serial killing, despot, thieving multi billionaire dictator for life. It is more about their nature, their history as ruthless, homicidal Cossack warriors, and their total lack of manners, and class. Not to mention the dignity, class, decency, civility, and social skills decades of Leninism, Stalinism, and now Putinism has stripped them of. 

 

And of course, the utter failure of their leader. This is a clear case of psychological projection: Putin dreamt and failed to create a dollar-free world and establish Russia as an “energy superpower.” He allowed corruption to metastasize through the state’s fabric, undermining its security capabilities. With its mass emigration, skyrocketing divorce rate, and low fertility, Russia, more than the West, demonstrates an immense collapse of family and social values.

"Thankfully I don't have to live on Phuket. Had I lived there, I would have left. "

 

Strange comment if you don't know if and if so how it would have affected your life. I know it hasn't affected mine.

[BarraMarra]

There was a time when reports were regular on here about locals in Phuket moaning about the Russians taking their jobs. Maybe the moaners have had a word in their ears to stop moaning about them or has their been a little brown envelope dropped through their door?

[brianthainess]

6 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

I think it’s hard to argue Thailand has been neutral. Russians get 90 days automatic visa, Ukrainians get ? Right, a lot less

Agree when this clown of an PM went there cap in hand begging for money, he said it was recipical, and yet Thais can get a 3 month visa for Ukraine, if that is not taking sides then what is. There also appears to be a lot on Koh Chang now, their money must be quite low as I see them in Macro with very little in their trolleys, apart from some pulses. 

[Cabradelmar]

With Ukraine's new conscription law expect to see more Ukrainian as well.

[IAMHERE]

31 minutes ago, Ironmike said:

should be sent home just like sri Lanka did not to long ago Sent 300,000 of them home Thailand needs to do the same.

I've a feeling some of them ended up in Phuket.

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Over the past year Russian buyers have been the most numerous in the Phuket property market, by far. Almost single-handedly artificially inflating the value of the market after years of languishing, particularly during the Covid pandemic.

Give it 10 years Phuket will be owned by Russians

[VBF]

47 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

They are my least favorite people on earth. Thankfully I don't have to live on Phuket. Had I lived there, I would have left. Why do I dislike them so much?

 

I think it is partly a reflection of the current culture. It was destroyed over a century of callous and murderous leadership. Stalin, Lenin, Khruschev, now Putin. They have become somewhat savage and crude. No grace, no finesse, no courtesy. Rather uncivilized. My family was from Russia a few generations back. I used to ask my great-grandmother when she was still around, why they didn't teach us anything about the old country. She would give me this look, and tell me "the reason we never teach you about the place we came from, is because the place we came from was the most horrific country on earth, it was the most destitute, horrible, oppressive place and we were thrilled to finally get out of there and leave it behind. That's why we don't teach you about the old country, the old country doesn't exist for us. 

 

There are a multitude of reasons why very few people around the world have sympathy for the Russians. Those reasons are not limited to their serial killing, despot, thieving multi billionaire dictator for life. It is more about their nature, their history as ruthless, homicidal Cossack warriors, and their total lack of manners, and class. Not to mention the dignity, class, decency, civility, and social skills decades of Leninism, Stalinism, and now Putinism has stripped them of. 

 

And of course, the utter failure of their leader. This is a clear case of psychological projection: Putin dreamt and failed to create a dollar-free world and establish Russia as an “energy superpower.” He allowed corruption to metastasize through the state’s fabric, undermining its security capabilities. With its mass emigration, skyrocketing divorce rate, and low fertility, Russia, more than the West, demonstrates an immense collapse of family and social values.

Good points there SM.

I haven't been to Phuket in a long time (and will probably never return) but the Russians I've met in Pattaya seem to be boorish, rude, with few social graces.

However, I've worked with Russians in the UK and they were charming, well- educated people.

I guess, like my fellow Brits, there are Russians and there are Russians. 🤔

[Chivas]

Like others I find it astonishing that these uber barbarians get a 90 day visa exempt entry

 

Amazing Thailand......

[geisha]

36 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

They the Russians were the same in WW2 raping, pillaging, drinking all along the way, they have no morals.  

An old man told me years back that when the Russian arrived the locals would send messages to neighboring villages to warn the people to hide the women and kids, especially girls. Savages he said. 

[Tedly]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Over the past year Russian buyers have been the most numerous in the Phuket property market, by far. Almost single-handedly artificially inflating the value of the market after years of languishing, particularly during the Covid pandemic.

 How are they buying property? I thought foreigners could not buy land, or are they setting up corporations and buying with Thai people? 

[Uttaradit farang]

Thankfully none where i live. 

[Excogitator]

Maybe the only good thing to come out of that swiss hoodlums misdeeds is that they now are cracking down on other (foreign) criminal elements here too, among which the russians are well represented..

[charleskerins]

4 minutes ago, Tedly said:

 How are they buying property? I thought foreigners could not buy land, or are they setting up corporations and buying with Thai people? 

Maybe that should be addressed in the article -  can a foreigner own a condo?

[harrycallahan]

Would a Ukranian adorned beer bar called Draft Dodgers (Bottles Only) be a good business idea?